Sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship in Burundi: drivers and outcomes

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bélyse Mupfasoni ◽  
Aad Kessler ◽  
Thomas Lans
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Opportunity Recognition ◽  
Sustainable Entrepreneurship ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Farmer Groups ◽  
Agricultural Entrepreneurship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the emerging literature on sustainable entrepreneurship by studying knowledge, motivation and early stage outcomes of sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship in the context of farmer groups in Burundi. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative and qualitative data were combined in a multiple-source case study. Data were analyzed using content analysis and basic statistics. Findings Results revealed that farmer groups’ prior knowledge (PK) on environmental sustainability is better developed than their social and economic sustainability. This is reflected in the environmental sustainability part of the business plans (BPs), which is generally better than the economic and social sustainability parts. Moreover, the top groups on PK identified opportunities directly related to their PK. Pro-activeness of the group was a more determining factor than risk taking and innovativeness. Furthermore, there seemed to be a positive interplay between the groups’ PK, entrepreneurial orientation and knowledge motivation (KM) and the quality of the sustainable BP. In particular, KM seemed to be important, but other variables also explained the quality of the BP, such as level of education. Originality/value This research fills a gap in literature because there are few empirical studies on agricultural entrepreneurship that focus on the earliest phase of opportunity recognition, let alone studies that focus on sustainable opportunity recognition in the context of emerging economies such as Burundi. Furthermore, in this research, the authors studied well-known knowledge, motivations and outcomes of sustainable entrepreneurship.

Quality of life in breast cancer sufferers

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 721-732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Essmat Shouman ◽  
Nahla Fawzy Abou El Ezz ◽  
Nivine Gado ◽  
Amal Mahmoud Ibrahim Goda
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Functional Domain ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Specific Patient ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to measure health-related quality of life (QOL) among patients with early stage cancer breast under curative treatment at department of oncology and nuclear medicine at Ain Shams University Hospitals. Identify factors affecting QOL among these patients. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional study measured QOL among early stage female breast cancer (BC) patients and determined the main factors affecting their QOL. Three interviewer administered questionnaires were used. Findings – The physical domain mostly affected in BC patients and the functional domain least. Socio-demographic factors that significantly affected BC patients QOL scores were patient age, education, having children and family income. Specific patient characteristics include caregiver presence – a factor that affected different QOL scores. Age at diagnosis, affection in the side of the predominant hand, post-operative chemotherapy and difficulty in obtaining the medication were the disease-related factors that affected QOL scores. Originality/value – The final model predicting QOL for early stage female BC patients included age, education and difficulty in obtaining the medication as determinants for total QOL score. Carer presence was the specific patient characteristic that affected different QOL scores.

Exploring entrepreneurial-group formation by smallholder Burundian farmers

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-102
Author(s):  
Bélyse Mupfasoni ◽  
Aad Kessler ◽  
Thomas Lans ◽  
Rama Lionel Ngenzebuke
Keyword(s):  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Group Formation ◽  
Top Management Teams ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal States ◽  
Farmer Groups

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of specific internal states (i.e. the set of sustainable values and motivations) that underlie group formation and joint business idea identification of farmer groups in the context of Burundi. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative and qualitative data were combined in this study. Quantitative data were analyzed using basic statistics. Qualitative data were collected in focus group discussions with farmer groups. Findings Findings revealed that groups are not just formed on the basis of homophily (same level of internal states) but also on “compensation” and “committed leadership.” Moreover, prior sustainable behavior of members influences sustainability of new group business ideas and the nature (e.g. focus on farming) of that business idea. Research limitations/implications As this study was done at an early stage of group formation and does not include group dynamics over a longer period of time, further monitoring of the groups is needed to examine if the observed motivation persists. Originality/value Although there is a vast amount of literature on entrepreneurial and top management teams, literature on the (early) mechanisms of entrepreneurial group formation in an emerging economy and rural context is relatively scarce.

Analysis of effective project-based communication components within primary stakeholders in construction industry

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elnaz Safapour ◽  
Sharareh Kermanshachi ◽  
Shirin Kamalirad
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Internal Communication ◽  
Design And Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Characteristics

PurposeEffective internal communication facilitates the transfer of data and information among project parties throughout the execution of construction projects. It minimizes the distortion of data and major cost overruns and delays. The aim of this study was to determine main components of the project characteristics that affect quality of internal communication within owners, designers and contractors in construction projects.Design/methodology/approachProject characteristics that significantly affect quality of internal communication were identified through existing literature. Forty case studies associated with national and international construction projects were gathered. Since data regarding other aspects of collected case studies, which were not included in the case study data, were required, a structured survey was developed and distributed to the primary stakeholders. The factor analysis method was adopted to determine the key components of effective internal communication.FindingsThe results demonstrated that project targets, bureaucracy, location and coordination affect the quality of internal communication among owner entities. Additionally, design and technology, clarity of the project’s scope, resources, delivery, construction management and design management affect quality of internal communication within design entities. Qualified field labor, objectives, restrictions, material quality, equipment quality, availability of qualified project managers and equipment turnovers affect the quality of internal communication within contractors.Originality/valueThe findings of this study help project managers evaluate the effectiveness of internal communication of a construction project during the early stages of the project. Additionally, the outcomes guide project managers to allocate sufficient resources to their projects and adopt proactive strategies which prevent/reduce miscommunications and their unintended consequences.

scholarly journals Experiences of Selected Students in the Scientific Olympiad for Medical Students – A Qualitative Study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Vahedi ◽  
Naser Ghorbanian ◽  
Atefeh Zabihi ◽  
hakimeh hazrati
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Knowledge Level ◽  
Motivating Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Scientific Level ◽  
Recreational Programs

Abstract Objective: It is of great importance to identify the talent students in the Scientific Olympiad and pay attention to the upgrade of quality of these competitions. The aim of this study was to explain the Students' experiences about the Scientific Olympiad. This research was a phenomenological qualitative study. Data were collected based on questionnaires (27 students) and semi-structured interviews (13 students) who were selected in the Medical Students' Scientific Olympiad. The analyzing of information was performed using clayze method. Results: Students' experiences were divided into two main themes, including motivating and restrictive factors. Scientific level, planning and implementation and welfare issues were obtained as the three main categories by analyzing data. The participants suggested four holding suggestions, side plans, facilities and the notification results. In conclusions, students' experiences stated that the Medical Students' Scientific Olympiad in Iran is still at an early stage that challenges further the knowledge level. Therefore, it is necessary to design questions with high taxonomy by trained academic facilities. Also, the attention to the side programs, welfare amenities and recreational programs as the motivating factors for participating in these competitions recommend.

To greener pastures

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (11) ◽  
pp. 1193-1225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hossein Zarei ◽  
Ruth Carrasco-Gallego ◽  
Stefano Ronchi
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Half Cycle ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chains ◽  
Humanitarian Organizations ◽  
Green Practices

Purpose While humanitarian supply chains (HSCs) inherently contribute to social sustainability by alleviating the suffering of afflicted communities, their unintended adverse environmental impact has been overlooked hitherto. This paper draws upon contingency theory to synthesize green practices for HSCs, identify the contingency factors that impact on greening HSCs and explore how focal humanitarian organizations (HOs) can cope with such contingency factors. Design/methodology/approach Deploying an action research methodology, two-and-a-half cycles of collaboration between researchers and a United Nations agency were completed. The first half-cycle developed a deductive greening framework, synthesizing extant green practices from the literature. In the second and third cycles, green practices were adopted/customized/developed reflecting organizational and contextual contingency factors. Action steps were implemented in the HSC for prophylactics, involving an operational mix of disaster relief and development programs. Findings First, the study presents a greening framework that synthesizes extant green practices in a suitable form for HOs. Second, it identifies the contingency factors associated with greening HSCs regarding funding environment, stakeholders, field of activity and organizational management. Third, it outlines the mechanisms for coping with the contingency factors identified, inter alia, improving the visibility of headquarters over field operations, promoting collaboration and resource sharing with other HOs as well as among different implementing partners in each country, and working with suppliers for greener packaging. The study advances a set of actionable propositions for greening HSCs. Practical implications Using an action research methodology, the study makes strong practical contributions. Humanitarian practitioners can adopt the greening framework and the lessons learnt from the implementation cycles presented in this study. Originality/value This is one of the first empirical studies to integrate environmental sustainability and HSCs using an action research methodology.

Motivational foundations of identifying and exploiting entrepreneurial opportunities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas K. Maran ◽  
Anna K. Bachmann ◽  
Christine Mohr ◽  
Theo Ravet-Brown ◽  
Lukas Vogelauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Opportunity Recognition ◽  
Entrepreneurial Behavior ◽  
Opportunity Identification ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Ability ◽  
Entrepreneurial Opportunities ◽  
Affiliation Motive ◽  
Business Opportunities

PurposeMotivation can serve as the engine that turns intention into action, and, as such, is indispensable in the early phase of the entrepreneurial process, where opportunity recognition and exploitation are key. However, research in this area has so far shed a selective spotlight on specific facets of entrepreneurial motivation, whereas the consideration of basic motives has been widely neglected. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to illuminate the basic motivational foundations of one core aspect of entrepreneurial behavior, namely opportunity recognition.Design/methodology/approachThe study examined how motivation influences the process of recognizing and exploiting entrepreneurial opportunities in a sample of 312 managing directors and managing partners of small and medium-sized enterprises. Opportunity recognition and exploitation were assessed by two different measures: one evaluating the objective number of recognized and realized business opportunities, the other assessing the perceived proficiency in identifying and exploiting entrepreneurial opportunities. Implicit and explicit facets of basic motivation were measured using a comprehensive assessment of human needs.FindingsFindings show that entrepreneurs' achievement motive is an important driver in both the identification and exploitation of opportunity. The power motive affects the perceived ability to exploit business opportunities. Interestingly, the explicit affiliation motive showed an inhibitory effect on the perceived ability of opportunity identification, whereas implicit affiliation motive is affecting the number of recognized and realized business opportunities positively.Originality/valueThis research clearly highlights the preeminence of basic motivational factors in explaining individual early-stage entrepreneurial behavior, making them a prime target for training interventions.

Corporate social responsibility disclosures in Malaysia: evidence from large companies

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 177-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdelkader Sadou ◽  
Fardous Alom ◽  
Hayatullah Laluddin
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Government Ownership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine whether there is any improvement in the extent and quality of corporate social responsibility disclosures (CSRD) in Malaysia between 2011 and 2014 and to determine the factors that influence the extent and quality of CSRD in these two years. Also, this study examines the methods of disclosures and the items that largest Malaysian companies addressed. Design/methodology/approach A self-constructed CSR is utilised to measure the extent and quality of CSRD in the annual reports of the top 71 Malaysian companies listed in Bursa Malaysia for the years 2011 and 2014. Multiple regressions along with their associated toolkits for data verification and diagnostic tests are used to assess the improvement in CSRD between 2011 and 2014 and the factors that affect CSRD. Findings Results show a slight increase in the extent and quality of CSRD between 2011 and 2014. With regards to the factors influencing CSRD, only awards are found to be significant in determining the extent and quality of CSRD either in 2011 or in 2014. Board size, ownership concentration, independent non-executives and return on assets influence both the extent and quality of CSRD in 2011. Director ownership and firm size determine the extent and quality of CSRD in 2014. Government ownership only influences the extent of CSRD in 2011. Research limitations/implications Some traditional limitations are found to be considered in future research, such as the use of annual reports as the only source of CSRD information. Results support the legitimacy theory that assumes that Malaysian companies disclose CSR information as a reflection of the incidents that happen in that environment of the firm without ignoring the role of the government in pushing those companies towards being socially responsible by issuing regulations, or in motivating those companies by introducing awards and giving fiscal facilities. Practical implications The results help the policymakers to introduce more awards in some domains that were less addressed by Malaysian companies and also to examine the causes behind the non-influence of the new Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (MCCG 2012) on CSRD. Originality/value The study can be considered as one of the limited empirical studies that assess the changes in CSRD before and after the issuance of MCCG 2012 in Malaysia.

scholarly journals The legal regime and the compliance façade in public procurement in Ghana

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 370-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Ibrahim ◽  
Justice Nyigmah Bawole ◽  
Theresa Obuobisa-Darko ◽  
Abdul-Bassit Abubakar ◽  
Anthony Sumnaya Kumasey
Keyword(s):  
Developing Country ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Procurement Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Study Approach

Purpose The extant literature posits several claims about the equitable resources allocation through compliance in public procurement management. Notwithstanding, there are hardly any empirical studies that explore the link between the causes and extent of compliance on one hand and value for money (VfM) on the other hand. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficacy of public procurement laws in ensuring VfM in a developing country context. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a qualitative case study approach involving three local government agencies in Ghana. Purposive and stratified random sampling strategies were used in selecting respondents who were interviewed through focused group discussions, semi-structured and open-ended questionnaires. The study utilizes an interpretivist/constructivist paradigm which allows for the co-creation of knowledge and subjectivity in knowledge acquisition. Findings The study finds that the presence of a legal and regulatory framework does not ipso facto guarantee compliance and VfM. Additionally, a possible reason why even reported cases of compliance do not translate into VfM is that evidence of compliance, especially in a developing country setting, is often a façade. Practical implications Public procurement entities in developing countries stand little chance of achieving accountability and VfM gains if they continue to rely on compliance as a micro-management tool. Originality/value The paper challenges the dominant assumptions in the public procurement management discourse by drawing attention to the quality of reported compliance and its implication for VfM.

Social economy of quality food

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kei Otsuki
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Social Economy ◽  
Link Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Food ◽  
Food Procurement ◽  
State Engagement

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the implications of the efforts to promote a quality-oriented economy that incorporates a vision of environmental sustainability and equitable social development. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis builds on a case study of food procurement in Brazil, which intended to improve the quality of food used in public schools. The case study follows ways that the promotion of quality food has localised the procurement operation, connecting smallholders to citizen-consumers. Findings – The efforts to promote quality food procurement worked to shape reflexive governance in a decentralised political environment and create an institutional device based on cooperative civic participation and state engagement. However, this process highlighted socioeconomic inequality within the country due to uneven local capacities to connect good-quality services to the citizens' everyday places. The study identifies the following paths to tackle this unevenness: improvement of place-based infrastructure; promotion of trans-local cooperation; and building on the existing informal institutional arrangements. Originality/value – The focus on quality and sustainability in general has been blind to the inequality in local capacities to define and promote the quality-oriented economy in the first place. Recognising inequality through a case study, the paper outlines specific ways for the author to link quality to trans-local equality.

A framework for business sustainability performance using meta-synthesis

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arash Arianpoor ◽  
Mahdi Salehi
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Synthesis Method ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
Extensive Body

PurposeThe main objective of the current study is to provide a framework for business sustainability performance (BSP) in Iran.Design/methodology/approachTo determine the dimensions, components and indicators of BSP, the use of the meta-synthesis method allows for the achievement of research goals. For measuring the quality of selected literature, Critical Appraisals Skills Program (CASP) is used. The total of selected texts is 181, of which 139 were excluded.FindingsThis research presented a comprehensive conceptual model for BSP, which includes 23 components and 125 reporting indicators in economic category, social, ethical, environmental and corporate governance.Originality/valueAlthough there is an extensive body of literature exploring the nature and extent of sustainability practices in developed countries, empirical studies examining the framework for BSP using meta-synthesis in emerging markets do not exist.

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