scholarly journals TOWARDS NEW TYPOLOGY OF THE OWNERS-MANAGERS OF THE SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maris MILLERS ◽  
Elina GAILE-SARKANE
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Personal Traits ◽  
Ownership Status ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – individuals or families own and at the same time manage a large proportion of private enterprises. Previous studies mostly refer to owner-manager of the enterprise as an individual with own personal traits, styles and preferences. Purpose of this article is to propose a new typology of the owners-managers of the small and medium en- terprises representing all variety, determined by their different ownership status and managerial authorities in companies. Research methodology – research started with a systematic rapid literature review using an overview method. Data for research were collected through 52 semi-structured interviews with SME owner-managers representing broad range of industries and companies of different age. Key findings were discussed and approbated in two focus group discussions. Findings – as a result of this research, a preliminary typology was developed, consisting of ten types of the SME own- ers-managers, with a brief description of each type constructed. Research limitations – conclusions from this research are relevant to those SMEs analysed in this particular research and shall not be generalized without additional research and validation. Practical implications – the typology suggested in this article provides a structured way to explore the diversity of SME owners-managers and raise understanding of their behaviour when planning, controlling and managing their business. Originality/Value – the proposed typology is a step towards filling the knowledge gap caused by the lack of a holistic and systematic approach in addressing the diversity of the SME owners-managers.

Enhancing graduates’ employability through polytechnic–industry collaboration

2021 ◽  
pp. 095042222110631
Author(s):  
Innocent Otache
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
National Board ◽  
Job Requirements ◽  
Industry Collaboration ◽  
Regulatory Bodies ◽  
Practical Implications

The unemployability of many Nigerian graduates is somewhat attributable to the existing wide collaboration gap between Nigerian higher education institutions and industry. Against this backdrop, this study explores how Nigerian polytechnics and industry can collaborate to enhance graduates’ employability. Adopting a focus group discussion approach, three focus groups involving 20 people (eight polytechnic lecturers, six National Board for Technical Education officials and six industry executives) participated in the study. Content analysis of the focus group discussions revealed the need to involve industry experts in curriculum development and review to meet today’s job requirements in industry. The need to involve industry experts in teaching certain aspects of the curriculum was also highlighted. The findings further revealed the desirability of exposing students and lecturers to industrial work situations to equip them with workplace skills and experience. Additionally, the study found that a comprehensive collaboration policy framework, funding, commitment, mutual benefits and trust are required to achieve successful polytechnic–industry collaboration. This research demonstrates that effective collaboration between polytechnics and industry will help to improve the employability of graduates. The findings provide policy and practical implications for polytechnics, regulatory bodies, industry and government.

scholarly journals Enhancing Employee Engagement for Small and Medium Enterprises in Taiwan

2021 ◽  
pp. 1318-1339
Author(s):  
Kuo-Tai Cheng ◽  
Kirk Chang
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Work Commitment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Food Manufacturing ◽  
Engagement Strategies ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

The aim of the research is to study the employee engagement strategies utilised in Taiwan's SMEs from the perspective of the employees. In doing so, a qualitative research method was employed using semi-structured interviews. Nine participants from five sectors of SMEs (electronics & information, metal transportation, machinery and equipment, food manufacturing, and textile) were interviewed. The authors' results reveal that having high levels of engagement amongst employees in Taiwan's SMEs will bring about an increase in work commitment amongst employees which encourages productivity for the organisation. These findings hold several important theoretical and practical implications.

scholarly journals Factors Shaping Uptake of Antenatal Care in Surabaya Municipality, Indonesia: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Jones ◽  
Nyoman Anita Damayanti ◽  
Nicola Wiseman ◽  
Neil Harris
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Waiting Times ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Risk Pregnancy ◽  
Return Visits

Five focus group discussions (FGDs) with 61 pregnant women were conducted in June and July 2019 at primary health care (PHC) services within five urban areas of Surabaya, Indonesia. In addition, five semi-structured interviews with five midwives were carried out to explore the experiences of pregnant women accessing Antenatal Care (ANC) and the factors shaping uptake of ANC services. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings from focus group discussions suggested that fears of negative diagnosis before initial ANC appointment and personal beliefs and myths surrounding pregnancy may delay uptake of ANC. Further, the influence of husbands, family, and friends and long waiting times with overcrowding leading to limited seating shaped timely access and return visits. In addition, feeling comfortable with the quality of the service and receiving a friendly service from the practitioners assisted women in feeling comfortable to return. Finally, midwives acknowledged feeling afraid of being referred to a hospital if deemed a high-risk pregnancy-shaped return ANC visits. The findings highlighted several factors needing to be addressed to increase the promptness of first ANC visits and ensure return visits to achieve great ANC coverage.

scholarly journals HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS’ EXPERIENCES OF GANGSTERISM IN HANOVER PARK

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mufaro Magidi ◽  
Rinie Schenk ◽  
Charlene Erasmus
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
High School ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
School Attendance ◽  
Community Life ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Exploratory Approach

The culture of gang violence has become deeply entrenched in South Africa. The present study explored the experiences of non-gang school-going adolescents regarding gangs and gangsterism in Hanover Park in the Western Cape. A qualitative exploratory approach was used. Data collection instruments were focus group discussions supported by qualitative semi-structured interviews involving 18 adolescents between the ages of 16 and 18 from two secondary schools in Hanover Park, Cape Town. The data were thematically analysed. The results have shown that the presence of gangs affects the learners’ school attendance, restricts their mobility, increases bullying at school and seriously disrupts family and community life.

scholarly journals GAMBARAN DUKUNGAN SOSIAL DARI GURU YANG DIRASAKAN OLEH SISWA SMA “X”

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (02) ◽  
pp. 77-86
Author(s):  
Anisah Aninditya Rahmaputri ◽  
Dianti Endang Kusumawardhani
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
High School ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
School Engagement ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Data Retrieval ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Teachers have an important role in educating students well. One way that teachers can do to be able to increase motivation and school engagement is by providing social support to students. This study aims to find out the overview of perceived social support from teachers by high school “X” students in South Tangerang. The research method is descriptive qualitative research with data collection techniques through focus group discussions and structured interviews. The results of data retrieval show that the perceived social support from some teachers by high school "X" students is quite satisfying for students but not from every teachers. This means it can still be improved again. This is because not all teachers are considered good enough at providing social support to students. The total number of teachers are 17 people and for students are 67. It should be able to be improved in communication skills so that they can provide better social support to students. Keywords : Adolescent, School, Social support. Abstrak Guru memiliki peran penting dalam mendidik siswa dengan baik. Salah satu cara yang dapat guru lakukan untuk dapat meningkatkan motivasi serta keaktivan siswa di sekolah adalah dengan memberikan dukungan sosial kepada siswa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mencari tahu gambaran dukungan sosial dari guru yang dirasakan oleh siswa SMA “X” di Tangerang Selatan. Metode penelitian berupa penelitian kualitatif deskriptif dengan teknik pengambilan data melalui focus group discussion dan wawancara terstruktur. Hasil pengambilan data menunjukkan bahwa gambaran dukungan sosial dari guru yang dirasakan oleh siswa SMA “X” cukup memuaskan bagi siswa tetapi masih dapat ditingkatkan lagi. Hal ini dikarenakan belum semua guru dianggap sudah bagus dalam memberikan dukungan sosial kepada siswa. Total guru yang berjumlah 17 orang untuk siswa sebanyak 67 orang seharusnya dapat ditingkatkan dalam kemampuan komunikasi sehingga mampu memberikan dukungan sosial kepada siswa dengan lebih baik lagi.

Barriers to the Uptake of Cataract Surgery

1998 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 218-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
J G Johnson ◽  
V Goode Sen ◽  
H Faal
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Eye Care ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Care Programme ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Transfer Of Information

In The Gambia many patients identified as blind or as having low vision are not attending for surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the reasons for non-attendance. Three methods were used: semi-structured interviews; focus group discussions; and written questionnaires completed by staff. The most frequently identified barrier by all three methods was cost, closely followed by lack of information about services, fear, transport difficulties, and the lack of an escort. In addition to the existing measures taken by the National Eye Care Programme (NECP) to reduce these barriers, further research into both the public's knowledge and attitudes regarding surgery for cataract is needed. More contact between members of the eye care programme and the communities would aid the transfer of information about the surgery.

Determinants and outcomes of faculty consulting from management teachers’ perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-225
Author(s):  
Lakshmi Hymavathi Chillara ◽  
Debajani Sahoo ◽  
Abhilash Ponnam
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Management Consulting ◽  
Financial Benefit ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Professional Advancement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Consultancy ◽  
Class Room ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the major determinants that influence the management teachers to practice management consulting. The second objective of this research is to understand how the experience in management consultancy leads to value addition in their class room teaching. Design/methodology/approach To address the first research objective, focus group discussions were conducted with management teachers practicing consultancy. These results were used to generate items for the questionnaire. Factor analysis performed on the data revealed six determinants influencing management teachers to engage in consulting activity. To address the second research objective, focus group discussions with MBA graduates were used to comprehend how teachers with management consulting experience enrich the pedagogy. Findings The major findings of the study suggest that the determinants influencing management teachers to practice consulting are: improving competencies, furthering professional advancement, accruing strategic and financial benefit, enabling holistic development. Through study 2, the authors found out that management teachers add value in pedagogy by forging corporate world connection through real-time examples, enable critical thinking by breaking established paradigms, effective classroom delivery through storytelling, etc., and lending student support by assuming a mentor’s role. Practical implications This study found that faculty consulting reduces the perceived gap between the industry and academia and it also leads to effective class room teaching. Originality/value The study is the first attempt to empirically test the determinants influencing management teachers to practice consultancy services and qualitatively assess how the consultancy experience enriches the in-class performance.

scholarly journals A Qualitative Investigation of Young Female Dancers’ Use of Imagery

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 263-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Muir ◽  
Krista J. Munroe-Chandler ◽  
Todd Loughead
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Young Female ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Practical Implications

Although dancers have noted using imagery to mentally rehearse a routine, understand and reinforce movement, inspire strong emotions, and lower arousal levels, this finding is specific to adult dancers, overlooking imagery use with young dancers. The current study qualitatively examined the 4 Ws of imagery use (where, when, what, and why) with female dancers 7–14 years of age. Twenty-three female dancers (Mage = 10.43, SD = 2.19) from various dance styles participated in 1 of 4 focus-group discussions. Thematic analysis revealed findings similar to those identified in the domains of both adult dance and children’s sport. There were, however, findings emerging from the current study specific to young female dancers. These findings are provided, in addition to practical implications for dance instructors.

scholarly journals Male Perceptions Toward the Cultural Practice of Chinamwali/Khomba Among the Mahenye

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-40
Author(s):  
Maheshvari Naidu ◽  
William Muc hono
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Role Theory ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Cultural Practice ◽  
Body Politics ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Cultural Texts ◽  
Male Perceptions

This exploratory and descriptive article explores male perceptions toward the cultural practice of chinamwali/khomba among the Shangaan of the Mahenye community of Chipinge district in Zimbabwe. Chinamwali/khomba is the cultural practice of female initiation among the Mahenye people. The article draws on narratives of men from interviews and focus group discussions and describes khomba/chinamwali as a central aspect of (female) body politics in the Mahenye community, where the female practice of chinamwali marks the entrance into so-called ‘womanhood’ [sic]. The men’s sexually gendered narratives reveal how the women’s bodily sexual enactments become ‘cultural texts’ prescribed and inscribed by (male) societal perceptions and social (sexual) interactions. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were carried out with 40 men from the community. Social role theory was the lens which was used to analyse these dynamics. Emergent findings reveal that the men of the community compel an overtly patriarchal agenda by encouraging and compelling women to be initiated.

scholarly journals Female Principals in Education: Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Spain

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (65) ◽  
pp. 343-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique Javier Diez Gutierrez
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Leadership Roles ◽  
Autobiographical Narratives ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Leadership Positions ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Female Principals ◽  
Female Teachers ◽  
Structural Aspects

Abstract Spanish schools are characterised by having a high proportion of female staff. However, statistics show that a proportionately higher number of men hold leadership positions. The aim of this study was to analyse the reasons why this is so, and to determine the motivations and barriers that women encounter in attaining and exercising these positions of greater responsibility and power. Questionnaires were administered to 2,022 female teachers, 430 female principals and 322 male principals. In addition, semi-structured interviews were held with 60 female principals, 14 focus group discussions were held with female principals and 16 autobiographical narratives were compiled with female principals and school inspectors. The reasons identified were related to structural aspects linked to the patriarchal worldview that is still dominant in our society and culture. Nevertheless, we also found motivations among women for attaining and exercising leadership roles.

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