scholarly journals Business Incubation in the Eastern Cape

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 76-89
Author(s):  
Margaret Cullen ◽  
André Calitz ◽  
Len Chandler
Keyword(s):  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Strategic Alliance ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Performance Standards ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Business Incubation ◽  
Nelson Mandela ◽  
National Economies

Business incubation is a concept that describes a business development process that is used to grow successful, sustainable entrepreneurial ventures that will contribute to the health and wealth of local, regional and national economies. Incubators provide a platform for businesses to build their foundations. Incubators are part of a larger value chain that connects businesses to a vital support system, such as local service providers (including lawyers, corporate service providers or accountants) to establish relationships that will last after the business leaves the incubator. This paper investigates whether the performance of the Seda Nelson Mandela Bay ICT Incubator is in line with generally accepted performance standards. These standards are identified as a strategic alliance of the business (vision, mission and strategy), financing principles, management principles and human resource development and growth opportunities. Alignment to these standards was investigated through surveys with members of the board, employees and incubatees. The findings show that the incubator in the case study was aligned to generally accepted performance standards but that there is room for improvement in market alignment, incubate compliance and periods of incubation.

scholarly journals Shielding Rural Migrants from Unemployment-Induced Poverty: The Informal Prickly Pear Market

2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (1-3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gavin Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Prickly Pear ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Rural Migrants ◽  
Nelson Mandela ◽  
Self Employment ◽  
Sustainable Livelihoods Framework ◽  
Livelihoods Framework

ABSTRACT This study highlighted the role that an informal market plays in shielding unemployed rural migrants in urban areas from unemployment-induced poverty using the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) informal Prickly Pear Market as a case study. The purpose of this study was to show how earnings from self-employment or informal employment can be effective in reducing poverty. The Sustainable Livelihoods Framework was used as the theoretical basis for unpacking the household socioeconomic factors that influenced the informal prickly pear marketers’ decision to engage in the market. The study found that despite the prickly pear’s short-term availability, the income was channelled towards school supplies and sustained households during the month in addition to social grants, especially after the grant income had finished. The study aimed to revive interest in the Opuntia ficus-indica species, as one of the ways by which poverty can be reduced in the Eastern Cape.

Inside the Microcosm

2011 ◽  
pp. 349-365
Author(s):  
Pierre Vialle ◽  
Olivier Epinette ◽  
Olivier Segard
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Wireless Internet ◽  
Broadband Wireless ◽  
Critical Elements ◽  
Qualitative Survey ◽  
A Value ◽  
Perceptions And Attitudes ◽  
Depth Interviews

The objective of this chapter is to highlight critical elements affecting the diffusion of broadband wireless Internet at a hotspot location, through a case study. The research deals with a wireless Internet services project in the main Paris airports, and comprises two components. First, we analyze the emergence of a value chain for a new service, based on the cooperation of several firms. In particular, we show how different actors can or cannot position themselves on this value chain, according to their resources and capabilities. Second, we explore the perceptions and attitudes of business passengers in order to better understand the potential adoption and use of hotspot services, and provide a preliminary framework of analysis. The research is drawn from a qualitative survey, made up of in-depth interviews of potential suppliers (airline companies, service providers, airport managers) and business passengers.

scholarly journals Distributed manufacturing as an opportunity for service growth in logistics firms

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Purvis ◽  
Andrew Lahy ◽  
Robert Mason ◽  
Mike Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Developmental Process ◽  
Distributed Manufacturing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Product Service ◽  
Changing Role

Purpose The aim of the paper is to explore the changing role of a logistics service providers (LSPs) to better support their supply chain (SC) partners on their journey of advancing their product-service systems through distributing manufacturing around the world. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a novel route towards service growth followed by the LSP by integrating upstream into the value chain and the resultant consequences in the configuration of the servitisation strategy, SC structure and allocation of roles. Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal exploratory case study design is followed. The case company is one of the world’s largest LSPs. Findings The study highlights how companies can transition towards the development of service solutions when not following a uni-directional, downstream pattern of integration in the value chain. The findings challenge the established model of servitisation as a forward uni-directional process across the continuum from goods to a service-focussed logic. They illustrate how companies can also move in a reversed direction, move possible back-and-forth or extend and restrict their position along the servitisation continuum. Originality/value The study reveals that service transition involves a deliberate developmental process to build capabilities as firms shift the focus of their product-service offering. It provides novel empirical evidence of how the service growth journey can manifest itself in practice. With insights into the benefits and challenges of distributed manufacturing, it also highlights some of the opportunities available to LSPs to expand their product-service offerings and some of the potential threats.

scholarly journals Managing Agricultural Research for Prosperity and Food Security in 2050: Comparison of Performance, Innovation Models and Prospects

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane G. Payumo ◽  
Shireen Assem ◽  
Neeru Bhooshan ◽  
Hashini Galhena ◽  
Ruth Mbabazi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Technology Transfer ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Research And Innovation

Background:Agriculture faces unprecedented developmental challenges globally. At the same time, rapid advances in agricultural research and innovation at the global, regional and national levels, offer unprecedented opportunities, improving performance across the entire agriculture product value chain.Objective:This paper highlights a multi-case study on six emerging economies in Asia and Africa and representative institutions, where opportunities for agricultural-led development are being explored to address pressing global challenges and transform agriculture into a vibrant and competitive sector.Methods:Drawing from secondary data and using a case study approach, this paper provides an overview and benchmarking of agricultural R&D indicators and policies at the country and institutional levels.Results:Findings reveal varying levels of agricultural development and successes of the six countries: Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Uganda, Kenya, in terms of agricultural performance, R&D investments and implementation of policies in managing modern agricultural innovations, intellectual property, technology transfer and public-private sector partnership in research and economic development. The paper presents some best practices and suggested measures that may be useful references for emerging economies and institutions with similar interests and initiatives to integrate agricultural research and technology transfer.Conclusion:Current successes and learning reveal changing and improving capacities in research and technology transfer in selected countries. However, sustaining success will require active policies to govern and promote investment in agricultural research and innovation, strategic partnerships for translating research to practice, and continuous capacity building and human resource development remain to be key ingredients for sustaining such success in addressing local and global problems in agriculture.

Motivating Growth in Low-tech Manufacturing Industries

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi HERTZ
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantage ◽  
Manufacturing Plants ◽  
Footwear Industry ◽  
Technological Platform ◽  
Qualitative Methodologies ◽  
Developed World ◽  
Depth Interviews

Intensive manual labor enterprises in the developed world face challenges competing with products imported from countries where manufacturing costs are low. This reduces the volume of domestic production and leads to rapid loss of knowledge and experience in production processes. This study focuses on the Israeli footwear industry as a case study. Qualitative methodologies were applied, including in-depth interviews and field observations. A literature review on previous research, and contemporary trends was conducted. The field research examines challenges along the value chain in small factories. It finds that mass production paradigms impose a decentralized process between designers and manufacturers and therefore do not leverage local potential into a sustainable competitive advantage for small factories. The proposed solution is a digital and technological platform for small manufacturing plants. The platform mediates and designs the connections between production, technology, and design and enables the creation of a joint R&D system.

Business Incubation in Uganda, Services, Processes and Incubatee Perceptions- A case study

10.33117/514 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-108
Keyword(s):  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Business Incubation ◽  
Entrepreneurial Networks ◽  
Private Sector Development ◽  
Statistical Inferences ◽  
Office Space ◽  
Interview Methods ◽  
Entrepreneurial Training

Purpose-This paper examines the nature of services and processes of business incubation. Its specific objectives are to establish the nature of services offered by business incubation centers in Uganda, examine the incubation process and to establish the perception of business incu- batees about business incubation services using a case of FinAfrica a private social enterprise. Methodology-This paper presents findings from one incubation center FinAfrica as a case study. Ethnographic design is adopted while observation and interview methods are used to collect data. Results-Key services offered by FinAfrica incubation center include entrepreneurial training, provision of office space, legal and accounting services, mentoring, coaching, entrepreneurial networks and general office administration. The centre has a unique business incubation model which starts with motivating people to start businesses, capacity building, business registration, and ends with graduation after attaining capability for self-sustainability. Incubatees perceive the services offered by the incubation centre as helpful through training, affordable office space, entrepreneurial ecosystem and opportunities for a lean startup. Implications- While this study does not offer statistical inferences for generalisation because of the qualitative design and single case, the exploration of FinAfrica provides insights about how Incubation centers need to plan for positive and sustainable entrepreneurial impact for startups. There is need for more Government and other development partners’ involvement in business incubation and post incubation support for competiveness and growth. Originality/value- This study provides insights about the key services offered in the incubation process and provides insights into the perceived benefits of business incubation. It also contributes to literature about business incubation with practical evidence from an emerging economy whose focus is on private sector development and innovation promotion.

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