The X-Factor of Cultivating Successful Entrepreneurial Technology-Enabled Start-Ups

10.28945/3445 ◽  
2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elsje Scott ◽  
Terrina Govender ◽  
Nata van der Merwe
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Market Place ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ventures ◽  
Partnership Formation ◽  
Primary Success ◽  
Economic Landscape ◽  
Start Ups

In the fast changing global economic landscape, the cultivation of sustainable entrepreneurial ventures is seen as a vital mechanism that will enable businesses to introduce new innovative products to the market faster and more effectively than their competitors. This research paper investigated phenomena that may play a significant role when entrepreneurs implement creative ideas resulting in successful technology enabled start-ups within the South African market place. Constant and significant changes in technology provide several challenges for entrepreneurship. Various themes such as innovation, work experience, idea generation, education and partnership formation have been explored to assess their impact on entrepreneurship. Reflection and a design thinking approach underpinned a rigorous analysis process to distill themes from the data gathered through semi structured interviews. From the findings it was evident that the primary success influencers include the formation of partnership, iterative cycles, and certain types of education. The secondary influencers included the origination of an idea, the use of innovation. and organizational culture as well as work experience. This research illustrates how Informing Science as a transdisicpline can provide a philosophical underpinning to communicate and synthesise ideas from constituent disciplines in an attempt to create a more cohesive whole. This diverse environment, comprising people, technology, and business, requires blending different elements from across diverse fields to yield better science. With this backdrop, this preliminary study provides an important foundation for further research in the context of a developing country where entrepreneurial ventures may have a socio-economical impact. The themes that emerged through this study could provide avenues for further research.

scholarly journals The X-Factor of Cultivating Successful Entrepreneurial Technology-Enabled Start-Ups

10.28945/3580 ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 303-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elsje Scott ◽  
Terrina Govender ◽  
Nata van der Merwe
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Market Place ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ventures ◽  
Partnership Formation ◽  
Primary Success ◽  
Economic Landscape ◽  
Start Ups

In the fast changing global economic landscape, the cultivation of sustainable entrepreneurial ventures is seen as a vital mechanism that will enable businesses to introduce new innovative products to the market faster and more effectively than their competitors. This research paper investigated phenomena that may play a significant role when entrepreneurs implement creative ideas resulting in successful technology enabled start-ups within the South African market place. Constant and significant changes in technology provide several challenges for entrepreneurship. Various themes such as innovation, work experience, idea generation, education and partnership formation have been explored to assess their impact on entrepreneurship. Reflection and a design thinking approach underpinned a rigorous analysis process to distill themes from the data gathered through semi structured interviews. From the findings it was evident that the primary success influencers include the formation of partnership, iterative cycles, and certain types of education. The secondary influencers included the origination of an idea, the use of innovation. and organizational culture as well as work experience. This research illustrates how Informing Science as a transdisicpline can provide a philosophical underpinning to communicate and synthesise ideas from constituent disciplines in an attempt to create a more cohesive whole. This diverse environment, comprising people, technology, and business, requires blending different elements from across diverse fields to yield better science. With this backdrop, this preliminary study provides an important foundation for further research in the context of a developing country where entrepreneurial ventures may have a socio-economical impact. The themes that emerged through this study could provide avenues for further research.

Exploration of Entrepreneurial Student Teams Performance and Student Team Members’ Personality via the Big Five Test

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
José E. Lugo ◽  
Mari Luz Zapata-Ramos ◽  
Carla P. Puig
Keyword(s):  
Big Five ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Design Teams ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Interdisciplinary Design ◽  
Student Teams ◽  
Behavior Theories ◽  
Group Compositions ◽  
Start Ups

Entrepreneurial teams are generally interdisciplinary in nature; they tend to combine business, design, and engineering disciplines/expertise. The effectiveness of interdisciplinary design teams has become more important for both start-ups and companies that want to innovate; however, it is often troublesome to determine the group composition that delivers a good product/business idea. The purpose of this study is to investigate the traits in personalities that are needed in a successful entrepreneurial student design team. A study was conducted in which 40 students were divided into seven groups to deliver a technology-based product using design thinking techniques, and consumer behavior theories and research. The personality for each team member was evaluated utilizing the Big Five Test and analyzed jointly as a team, denoted as Team’s Overall Personality (TOP); and by the variability of their personalities in the group, referred as Team Personality Distribution (TPD). The teams’ performances were accounted, ranking them in Best of Best (BOB) and Worst of Worst (WOW) by taking into consideration their performance in: interview collection, idea generation, prototyping, and final presentation. The results demonstrated that the teams with best performance had high variability in Neuroticism and Extraversion when analyzed by TPD and average personality traits in Extraversion and Agreeableness when analyzed with TOP. Therefore, analysis supported that each member’s personality affects his or her team’s performance. It is recommended that the relationship is further investigated for a better representation of efficient group compositions. Recommendations on how to compose entrepreneurial design teams are provided.

Perceptions on Job Requirements of LIS Graduates in Public Libraries: A Reflection on Public Libraries in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Mousaion ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mpilo Siphamandla Mthembu ◽  
Dennis Ngong Ocholla
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Computer Literacy ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Knowledge Society ◽  
Professional Services ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Structured Interviews

Public libraries play a crucial role in the information and knowledge society. Their access and services in the fourth industrial revolution require review as well as the knowledge of the competency requirements for Library and Information Science (LIS) graduates to offer professional services. This paper presents the competencies LIS graduates require for work. It also seeks to examine the challenges they encounter in public libraries. The study is driven by the notion that a skills gap and a lack of training for LIS professionals are still daunting challenges in most public libraries. The post-positivism paradigm was employed through the triangulation of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies in data collection and analysis. Content analysis and a survey were employed as research methods. The study scanned job advertisements in four newspapers spanning a three-year period (from January 2015 to December 2017). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with assistant directors and structured questionnaires were administered to LIS graduates. Grade 12, one to three years of work experience, computer literacy and communication skills are the most required competencies to work at public libraries. There seems to be no balance between theory and practice offered in most LIS schools, which suggests the need for curricula revision. Employed LIS graduates are facing several challenges, which include lack of practical exposure or knowledge, lack of qualification recognition and individual promotions, and lack of ICT skills and knowledge.

Neue Geschäftsmodelle in der Life Science Industrie durch einen ganzheitlichen Innovationsprozess

2021 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-29
Author(s):  
Ouelid Ouyeder ◽  
Julia Hitzbleck ◽  
Henning Trill
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Life Science ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Innovation Activities ◽  
New Business ◽  
End To End ◽  
Lean Startup

Abstract The aim of this paper is to introduce an end-to-end development process for non-biomedical innovation and new business models of a Life Science company that integrates different methods such as Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Agility and others within one framework. Since 2016 this innovation process is an essential part of the internal Employee Innovation program and proves its applicability in a real-life setting. Projects teams develop and implement their new digital business models successfully by taking the introduced innovation process as guideline. This process enables the Life Science organization to run two global entrepreneurship programs (Catalyst Fund and Catalyst Box) that foster customer focus with fast and evidence-based experimentation. The article encompasses a real-life case study out of the Catalyst Fund program about the Farm Advisory Team from India. By using this example each phase of the innovation process is described schematically. Idea generation is easy-to-apply, but the implementation of ideas is one of the biggest challenges in larger corporations. The proposed end-to-end innovation process connects the dots of different innovation methods and provides guidance to company decision makers and project teams in order to structure their business model innovation activities/strategy and discussions. Zusammenfassung Das Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, einen durchgängigen Innovationsprozess für nicht-biomedizinische Lösungen und Geschäftsmodelle eines Life-Science-Unternehmens vorzustellen, der verschiedene Methoden wie Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Agilität und andere innerhalb eines Gestaltungsrahmens integriert. Seit 2016 ist der Innovationsprozess ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil des internen Employee Innovation Programms und beweist seine Anwendbarkeit in einem realen Umfeld. Projektteams entwickeln und implementieren ihre neuen digitalen Geschäftsmodelle erfolgreich, indem sie den vorgestellten Innovationsprozess als Leitfaden nutzen. Dieser Prozess ermöglicht es dem Life-Science-Unternehmen, zwei globale Entrepreneurship-Programme (Catalyst Fund und Catalyst Box) durchzuführen, die den Kundenfokus mit schnellen und evidenzbasierten Experimenten fördern. Der Artikel umfasst eine reale Fallstudie aus dem Catalyst Fund Programm über das Farm Advisory Team aus Indien. Anhand dieses Beispiels wird jede Phase des Innovationsprozesses schematisch beschrieben. Die Ideengenerierung ist leicht anwendbar, aber die Umsetzung von Ideen ist eine der größten Herausforderungen in größeren Unternehmen. Der vorgeschlagene End-to-End-Innovationsprozess integriert die verschiedenen Innovationsmethoden und bietet Entscheidungsträgern und Projektteams in Unternehmen eine Anleitung, um ihre Aktivitäten bzw. Strategie und Diskussionen zur Geschäftsmodellinnovation zu strukturieren.

scholarly journals ANALYSIS OF LEARNING AGILITY IN THE PERFORMANCE OF ACHIEVEMENT TEACHERS IN YOGYAKARTA

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-122
Author(s):  
Ayu Meryka Santoso ◽  
Yuzarion Yuzarion
Keyword(s):  
Goal Orientation ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Young Generation ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learning Agility ◽  
Outstanding Teachers

This study aims to analyze learning agility in the performance of outstanding teachers in Yogyakarta from the aspects of people agility, mental agility, change agility, and result agility. The method used is descriptive with a qualitative approach. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling with the following criteria: 1) teacher; 2) aged 27-55 years; 3) have achievements; 4) still active in teaching activities. The sample used is a typical case sample, where the special research subjects are outstanding teachers at SMU Negeri 8 Yogyakarta. Collecting data using structured interviews, then described and identified into several themes. The results showed that outstanding teachers had high learning agility at work. They perform maximum work performance, can take lessons from work experience, and respond to changes with full awareness and enthusiasm for learning to improve skills, knowledge, and self-competence. Social support and goal orientation are needed in building learning agility in teachers to develop. Learning agility plays an important role in improving the quality of teacher performance, so that, the education quality and the learning spirit can continue to be improved and becomes an inspiration for the young generation. 

scholarly journals Sludge removal enterprises in Indonesia: factors affecting entrepreneurial success

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Paul Kohlitz ◽  
Rokhima Rostiani ◽  
Nurul Indarti ◽  
Janina Murta ◽  
Juliet Willetts
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Entrepreneurial Success ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Civil Society Organisations ◽  
Insufficient Time ◽  
Important Evidence ◽  
Faecal Sludge ◽  
Do So

Abstract Faecal sludge removal is critical for the long-term functionality of on-site sanitation facilities and sustained sanitation outcomes. Private enterprises are important players in providing sludge removal services in Indonesia and other countries where government does not do so. However, the extent to which sludge removal entrepreneurs can fulfil this role depends on the viability, or success, of their enterprises. This paper investigates factors linked to the success of sludge removal enterprises in Indonesia, including traits of the entrepreneurs, characteristics of the enterprises and contextual challenges. These factors and levels of success were examined from data collected from structured interviews with 24 sludge removal enterprises across six cities in Indonesia. This research found that higher levels of success were significantly associated with entrepreneurs that had previous work experience of any kind, made higher upfront investments and did not involve their family members in the management of the enterprise. Participants most frequently identified high costs of capital, high levels of competition and insufficient time to spend on the enterprise as challenges to success. These findings provide important evidence for how civil society organisations and governments in Indonesia and elsewhere may best provide a conducive enabling environment for enterprise roles in sludge removal.

Youth high unemployment/unemployability in South Africa: the unemployed graduates' perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zethembe Mseleku
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cooperative Effort ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South African Universities ◽  
Skills Mismatch ◽  
Graduate Unemployment

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore youth graduate unemployment and unemployability as a development problem in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThis exploratory study applied a qualitative research method to elicit the perspectives of youth graduates regarding their unemployment and unemployability. A total of 30 face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with unemployed youth who recently graduated from five South African universities.FindingsThe results indicate that, as youth graduate unemployment increases in South Africa, graduates become hopeless in terms of securing employment. The participants attributed their unemployment to multidimensional factors that include limited demand in the labour market, skills mismatch and lack of work experience.Research limitations/implicationsThis research exclusively focused on graduates from five South African universities; hence, the results of this small qualitative study cannot be generalised to the entire South African population. However, this paper offers important insights that may form the foundation for a nationwide study on a related topic.Originality/valueThis paper presents important insights that influence policy makers, government and other relevant stakeholders to develop alternative solutions to youth graduate unemployment. This paper recommends that government should play a critical role in bridging the gap between higher education and industry in order to address youth graduate unemployment. It also calls for a more cooperative effort between government, higher learning institutions and employers in order to create job opportunities for youth graduates in South Africa.

Partnership with stakeholders as innovative model of work-integrated learning for unemployed youths

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Celestin Mayombe
Keyword(s):  
Labour Market ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Market Entry ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Transition ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Stakeholder Partnerships ◽  
Work Integrated Learning ◽  
Labour Market Entry

PurposeThe unemployment rate among disadvantaged youths (aged 15–34 years) in large parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America has become a global concern. The concern in this article is that most WIL programmes could not facilitate a smooth WIL-to-work transition. The purpose of the article is to examine the roles of partner stakeholders in the features of an innovative WIL model influencing the labour market entry of the disadvantaged youths.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was suitable for examining the features of an innovative WIL model. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from seven managers of different firms and institutions, and ten trainees to examine the roles of partner stakeholders in the features of an innovative WIL model influencing the labour market entry of disadvantaged youths.FindingsThe main findings reveal that local businesses and enterprises played important roles in participating in the design of the WIL curriculum, providing adequate mentorship for work experience and micro-placement to the trainees. Based on the findings, the author concludes that the partnership with stakeholders as an innovative WIL model contributed to the employability of disadvantaged youths through the acquisition of work experience and work-readiness.Practical implicationsThe implication of the findings is that the commitment of partner stakeholders ensures that WIL graduates continue to be employed. The commitment of partner stakeholders evident in this study is likely to continue creating better employment prospects for WIL graduates.Originality/valueThough stakeholder partnerships are common in WIL programmes and TVET, the innovativeness of this model lies in the features of WIL programmes, the roles and commitment of stakeholders including the outcomes of the partnerships.

Innovation per DiEM: Design in Emergency Medicine, A Longitudinal Medical School Design Curriculum

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Chi Zhang ◽  
Bon Ku ◽  
Robert Pugliese ◽  
Dimitrios Papanagnou ◽  
Mark Tykocinski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Thinking ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
School Design ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Future Goals ◽  
Student Teams ◽  
Project Deliverables ◽  
Faculty Mentors

Abstract Background The use of design principles in tackling complex health issues is gaining significant traction. Medical education must evolve to prepare future clinicians on design thinking methods. Method Twenty second-year medical students and seven EM faculty mentors from the Sidney Kimmel Medical College were enrolled in eight, 3-hour experiential design didactic sessions in 2017-18. Student teams were matched with EM physician-mentors to apply design thinking methods to specific ED problems. Didactic content included: 1) empathy building; 2) idea generation; 3) prototyping; 4) testing; 5) the user experience; 6) service design; 7) business canvas planning; 8) idea presentation. The curriculum was developed based the Kolb’s cycle, constructivist framework and Stanford d.school design thinking and students were evaluated using the Kirkpatrick Model through self-evaluation, group presentations, and project deliverables. Results Quantitative evaluation of the simulated training session was extracted through an 11-item questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale. Overall responses were positive. Both students and faculty reported that participation in the curriculum was a valuable experience and provided deeper insight into applying design in healthcare. Areas of improvement included requests for longitudinal feedback, diverse collaborative efforts, and practical design workshops. The majority of learners recommended this curriculum to future learners. Conclusion Innovation per DiEM is a unique design curriculum that focuses on EM challenges with active EM clinician mentorship. Future goals include developing longitudinal evaluation and broadening healthcare challenges beyond the context of the ED.

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