scholarly journals Small Car Wash Business in Botswana and the Desperate Youth: Entrepreneurs or Employment Seekers? A case study of Gaborone

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 159
Author(s):  
Motsomi Ndala Marobela ◽  
Hanna Mebratu ◽  
John Peter Waziri Shunda
Keyword(s):  
Critical Factor ◽  
Capital City ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Critical Realist ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Car Wash ◽  
Alternative Means

In recent years Botswana has witnessed an unprecedented boom in small business informal car washers. This paper explores the emergence and spread of this phenomenon, with specific attention to the capital city, Gaborone, where there is a high concentration of small car washers. Relying on critical realist philosophy and the entrepreneurial ecosystem conceptual model, we explore the issue of youth self-entrepreneurship against the critical factor of employability. Our findings reveal a number of pointers to socio-economic needs and vulnerable livelihoods. While Botswana economy has been largely characterised by growth, however the economy is not creating jobs, hence the unemployment crisis, which pushes many young people to seek alternative means of survival. In this context car wash entrepreneurship becomes appealing as it is relatively simple to start and requires little start-up capital. Car wash businesses provide hope to desperate youth in search for jobs, as well as contributing to the economy. However, in the long term this option is not sustainable and profitable in its present form. This calls for robust policy intervention to formalise it to SMME status.

scholarly journals A Critical Realist Evaluation of an Integrated Care Project for Vulnerable Families in Sydney, Australia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Tennant ◽  
Erin Miller ◽  
Kathryn Costantino ◽  
Denise De Souza ◽  
Heidi Coupland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Care ◽  
Care Coordination ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Programme Theory ◽  
Critical Realist ◽  
Vulnerable Families ◽  
Integration Of Services

Abstract Background Healthy Homes and Neighbourhoods (HHAN) Integrated Care Initiative was established to improve the care of families with complex health and social needs who reside in Sydney Local Health District. HHAN seeks to provide long-term multi-disciplinary care coordination as well as enhance capacity building and promotion of integrated care. We describe the qualitative component of a critical realist pilot case study aimed at exploring, explaining and refining emerging HHAN programme theories in relation to care coordination. Methods Semi-structured qualitative interviews with HHAN clients (n=12), HHAN staff and other stakeholders (n=21). Emerging themes informed the development of Context-Mechanism-Outcome configurations aimed at evaluating HHAN’s effectiveness and refining the programme theory. Results HHAN’s effectiveness was based on two process mechanisms: Engagement of vulnerable clients and integration of services. The relational mechanisms underpinning effective engagement of clients by care coordinators included: building trust, leveraging other family, social and organisational relationships, meeting clients on their own terms, demonstrating staff effectiveness as quickly as possible, and client empowerment. Operational mechanisms for enhancing care integration included knowledge transfer activities and shared learning among collaborators, structural and cultural changes, enhancing mutual respect, co-location of multidisciplinary and/or interagency staff and cultivating faith in positive change among staff. Conclusions Use of a critical realism case study approach served to elucidate the varied influences of contexts and mechanisms on programme outcomes, to highlight what works for whom and in what context. Findings supported the initial programme theory that engagement and trust building with clients, alongside enhanced collaboration and integration of services, improved outcomes for vulnerable families with complex needs. Further research is needed to explore the cost-effectiveness of integrated care initiatives, in view of the long term nature of service provision and the risk of staff burnout.

Doing, Using, Interacting

2017 ◽  
pp. 165-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Nordin ◽  
Anne-Mette Hjalager
Keyword(s):  
Critical Factor ◽  
Typical Size ◽  
Intrinsic Nature ◽  
Close Cooperation ◽  
Modes Of Innovation ◽  
Tourism Enterprises ◽  
Innovation Processes ◽  
Science Technology And Innovation

Innovation is a critical factor for long-term economic development, including in tourism. This chapter examines the processes that lead to new products and services in a tourism context. It does so based on two commonly referred to modes of innovation (Jensen et al., 2007); that is, two types of innovation processes: science, technology, and innovation (STI) and doing, using, and interacting (DUI). DUI appears to capture the essence of innovation in tourism enterprises better than STI because it acknowledges the intrinsic nature of services and the typical size and working modes of touristic actors. The case study of Icehotel illustrates how working in partnerships and in close cooperation with customers enhances the advantages of the DUI model. The handling of externally induced events and difficulties and the critical partnerships are better understood through the DUI than through the STI lens. The DUI framework leads to a more correct picture of tourism innovation and could also provide a better guidance for policy processes in the field.

A relational view of start-up firms inside an incubator: the case of the ARCA consortium

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 601-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Di Fatta ◽  
Francesco Caputo ◽  
Gandolfo Dominici
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Collaborative Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Start Up

Purpose Analyzing the entrepreneurial ecosystem related to the ARCA consortium, the purpose of this paper is to study the relationships among the start-up firms inside an incubator. Design/methodology/approach Thanks to the adoption of the relationships concentric model and the density concentric model, the paper highlights the role of relational conditions for innovative projects in partnership among the incubated firms. Reflections herein are tested via a qualitative research approach based on a single case study: the ARCA consortium. Findings This research found that about 32 percent of relationships inside the incubator support the emergence of short-term relationships among the incubated firms. Furthermore, about 18 percent of the relationships support the emergence of strong collaborative strategies for the implementation of long-term relationships resulting in innovative pathways: innovative projects in partnership. Originality/value The most interconnected firms inside the incubator are those that play a central role also in the innovation pathway developing the higher number of innovative project in partnership. This finding emphasizes a correlation between collaborative relationships and innovation inside an incubator ecosystem.

scholarly journals From sustainability to thrivability: A novel framework for entrepreneurial ecosystems

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Moggi ◽  
Paul Pierce ◽  
Nicole Bernardi
Keyword(s):  
Turning Point ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Grand Challenge ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Depth Data ◽  
Study Support ◽  
Business Challenges

AbstractThe present research proposes a theoretical framework for a thrivable entrepreneurial ecosystem in which thrivability is a novel entrepreneurship approach that embeds a comprehensive view in which sustainability is ‘the way to walk’ rather than the goal to reach. A thrivable entrepreneurial ecosystem aims to create prosperity through ecosystem resource (re)generation and transformation to define long-term economic goals. The framework is applied here to address the grand challenge of sustainable development in wineries. A local wine ecosystem in Italy is employed as a case study supported by mix-method-based, in-depth data collection (survey and interview). Results from the study support the idea that organizations can collaborate in a thrivable entrepreneurial ecosystem as a unique entity respectful of nature, driving economic viability of both firms and territories by improving quality of life, and caring for natural resources and local communities. This novel entrepreneurial approach may represent a turning point for facing increasingly grand business challenges.

scholarly journals REGIONAL AND LOCAL HAZARDS IN TOURISM – CASE STUDY OF MINEFIELDS IN THE PROTECTED AREAS OF CANTON OF SARAJEVO

2015 ◽  
pp. 509-520
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Tourist Industry ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Tourist Attractions ◽  
Legal Documents

Research of hazards and risk in tourism is one of important segments in the concept of management and planning in destination development. In the concept of long-term strategy of economic development, Bosnia and Herzegovina has set its tourist industry goals very high. It is recognized as the strategic branch of economy, which should increase competitiveness, foreignexchange influx, tourist traffic and employment rate. One of the basic preconditions of achievement of these goals is the process of formation of protected areas, by which territorial share Bosnia and Herzegovina is placed very low on the list of European nations. Accordingly, this paper represents the research of protected areas development concepts in Canton of Sarajevo, and of problems with theirs establishment, with the special focus on hazards like minefields and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Although it has passed 20 years since the end of the war, Bosnia and Herzegovina is not safe country regarding this issue (current suspected area is 1.176,5 km2 or 2,3% of total land), while the situation in Canton of Sarajevo is even more concerning (suspected area is 80,78 km2 or 6,3% of total land). Hazards and risks related to minefields and UXO represent very significant limiting factor in the process of establishment of new protected areas, which are planned by legal documents on the Cantonal and Federal level. This is especially emphasized through high concentration of mine suspected areas in the southern regions of Canton of Sarajevo, where are located mountains like Igman, Bjelašnica, Visoţica, Treskavica, as well as Rakitnica canyon. These locations are among the most valuable tourist attractions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

scholarly journals A critical realist evaluation of an integrated care project for vulnerable families in Sydney, Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Tennant ◽  
E. Miller ◽  
K. Costantino ◽  
D. De Souza ◽  
H. Coupland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Care ◽  
Care Coordination ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Programme Theory ◽  
Critical Realist ◽  
Vulnerable Families ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Sydney Australia

Abstract Background Healthy Homes and Neighbourhoods (HHAN) Integrated Care Initiative was established to improve the care of families with complex health and social needs who reside in Sydney Local Health District. HHAN seeks to provide long-term multi-disciplinary care coordination as well as enhance capacity building and promote integrated care. The critical realist study reported here is part of the longitudinal development and evaluation of complex integrated health and social care interventions in Sydney, Australia. Methods We describe the qualitative component of a critical realist pilot case study aimed at exploring, explaining and refining emerging HHAN programme theories in relation to care coordination. Qualitative interviews were undertaken with HHAN clients (n = 12), staff and other stakeholders (n = 21). Interviews and coding used a context (C), mechanism (M) and outcome (O) framework. Inductive, deductive, retroductive and abductive modes of reasoning were used with the CMO heuristic tool to inform the developing programme theory. Results The mechanisms underpinning effective engagement of clients by care coordinators included: building trust, leveraging other family, social and organisational relationships, meeting clients on their own terms, demonstrating staff effectiveness as quickly as possible, and client empowerment. Mechanisms for enhancing care integration included knowledge transfer activities and shared learning among collaborators, structural and cultural changes, enhancing mutual respect, co-location of multidisciplinary and/or interagency staff and cultivating faith in positive change among staff. Conclusions Use of a critical realism case study approach served to elucidate the varied influences of contexts and mechanisms on programme outcomes, to highlight what works for whom and in what context. Findings supported the initial programme theory that engagement and trust building with clients, alongside enhanced collaboration and integration of services, improved outcomes for vulnerable families with complex needs. Further research is needed to explore the cost-effectiveness of integrated care initiatives, in view of the long term nature of service provision and the risk of staff burnout.

Fault Analysis and Optimal Balancing of Bowing of Steam Turbine Rotor Under Long-Term Service

2015 ◽  
Vol 137 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingming Chen ◽  
Dongxiang Jiang ◽  
Chao Liu
Keyword(s):  
Steam Turbine ◽  
Traditional Approach ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Fault Analysis ◽  
Time Service ◽  
Steam Turbine Rotor ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Long Time

In recent years, bowing of steam turbine rotor under long time service occurs in several high-parameter units. Collected data show that the bending of the haywire rotor is increasing continuously, which results in excessive vibration in operation and even causes over-limit vibration during start-up. In order to suppress the vibration, balancing is utilized in field with the traditional approach that the balancing mass is placed in the section of the rotor close to the bearing. However, the balancing with the traditional approach could only reduce the vibration temporarily. In the long time scale, the bowing is still propagating or even gets worse after the balancing. To determine the cause of bowing and form optimal balancing approach, analysis is carried out in this work including: (i) fault cause and its treatment of bowing of steam turbine rotor under long time service is studied with elastic–plastic mechanics and creep mechanism taken in account; (ii) a case study was carried out, where the bowing process was simulated and validated with the field monitoring data; (iii) the phenomenon of the traditional balancing method was illustrated with rotordynamics analysis, where the influence of whirling is included. Based on the analysis, the cause of bowing is determined as uneven creep effect. And the balancing method would influence the whirling mode, which would worsen bowing in the traditional balancing method. Based on this conclusion, an optimized balancing method was developed to reduce the vibration and prevent bowing propagation simultaneously.

scholarly journals Understanding people’s perception and attitudes towards mammalian fauna using qualitative data: a case study in Barail Wildlife Sanctuary, India

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (15) ◽  
pp. 14979-14988
Author(s):  
Amir Sohail Choudhury ◽  
Rofik Ahmed Barbhuiya ◽  
Parthankar Choudhury
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Prima Facie ◽  
Mammalian Fauna ◽  
Wildlife Sanctuary ◽  
Conservation Policies ◽  
Alternative Livelihood ◽  
People’S Perception ◽  
Alternative Means

A concise interpretation of people’s perception and attitude towards wildlife helps in formulating better long-term conservation policies.  In an attempt to understand people’s perception, we considered one of the threatened and least known ecosystems of northeastern India, the Barail range, mainly focusing on the Barail Wildlife Sanctuary, the only protected area of this range, and falls in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot area.  The sanctuary is known for a high diversity of mammals, mainly primates (with seven reported species), and bears (with three of the eight globally known species—a diversity not met elsewhere in the globe).  To protect its pristine wildlife wealth, it is essential that the perception of the local settlers is elucidated, and this prompted us to take up the present study. In this study, we used open- and close-ended questionnaire, which was then coded (yes/positive=1 and no/negative=0).  Each response was thoroughly examined using logistic regression and variables like socio-economic factors, knowledge of the sanctuary, wildlife and forest management were found to generate positive perception towards the sanctuary and its wildlife, and vice-versa.  Further, alternative means is suggested in terms of tourism, and the attitudes towards instigation of tourism were mostly favoured by the locals.  Besides promoting tourism, providing alternative livelihood and vocational trainings for the locals and, timely compensation for the losses caused by the animals should be long-term strategies for the conservation of the mammals of the sanctuary.  It has been increasingly recognized that involvement of locals is a prima facie requirement in the conservation of wildlife, and as such their perception is of great significance.  While the study was conducted at the Barail Wildlife Sanctuary, the results may translate in other protected areas, and may be referred to as a model strategy for other protected areas having similar scenario.

scholarly journals Transition towards Smart City: The Case of Tallinn

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4143
Author(s):  
Lill Sarv ◽  
Ralf-Martin Soe
Keyword(s):  
Smart City ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Capital City ◽  
City Development ◽  
Transition Path ◽  
Main Interest ◽  
The Future ◽  
Future Vision

The main interest of this paper is to analyze the gap between an existing city and its future vision set in the strategy, with a focus on the transition path towards becoming a Smart City. For the analyses, we used the example of Tallinn, a middle-sized European capital city acknowledged in innovation reports as a good example of a Smart City development. This is a qualitative case study with data based on the Tallinn 2035 strategy document and on the interviews conducted with city officials. We mapped the current situation in regard to the four Smart City strategies dichotomies framework in order to understand if and how the future vision of Tallinn differs from the present. The results indicate that the current direction deviates in several ways from the future vision set in the strategy, and that to be able to move towards the vision, strategic changes are needed. With this paper we hope to add some insights to the literature about the knowledge gap between Smart City theory and implementation from the perspective of a present situation versus long-term strategy.

Caregivers' Perceptions of Speech-Language Pathologist Talk About Child Language and Literacy Disorders

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 2049-2067
Author(s):  
Karmen L. Porter ◽  
Janna B. Oetting ◽  
Loretta Pecchioni
Keyword(s):  
Language And Literacy ◽  
Collective Case Study ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Speech Language Pathologist ◽  
Therapy Goals ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Types Of Information

Purpose This study examined caregiver perceptions of their child's language and literacy disorder as influenced by communications with their speech-language pathologist. Method The participants were 12 caregivers of 10 school-aged children with language and literacy disorders. Employing qualitative methods, a collective case study approach was utilized in which the caregiver(s) of each child represented one case. The data came from semistructured interviews, codes emerged directly from the caregivers' responses during the interviews, and multiple coding passes using ATLAS.ti software were made until themes were evident. These themes were then further validated by conducting clinical file reviews and follow-up interviews with the caregivers. Results Caregivers' comments focused on the types of information received or not received, as well as the clarity of the information. This included information regarding their child's diagnosis, the long-term consequences of their child's disorder, and the connection between language and reading. Although caregivers were adept at describing their child's difficulties and therapy goals/objectives, their comments indicated that they struggled to understand their child's disorder in a way that was meaningful to them and their child. Conclusions The findings showed the value caregivers place on receiving clear and timely diagnostic information, as well as the complexity associated with caregivers' understanding of language and literacy disorders. The findings are discussed in terms of changes that could be made in clinical practice to better support children with language and literacy disorders and their families.

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