Entrepreneurial bricolage: crowdfunding for female entrepreneurs during COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose The crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic has had unprecedented effects around the world and particularly on vulnerable populations, such as female entrepreneurs in developing countries. They are facing a new normal, characterized by high uncertainty and resource constraints. This paper aims to use the experiential learning theory applied to entrepreneurship to propose the entrepreneurial bricolage approach to study how female entrepreneurs can overcome this type of crisis. Design/methodology/approach Within the research designs of conceptual papers, the study is situated within the model approach because the authors propose novel relationships between constructs to answer the research questions through the development of theoretical propositions. Findings The analysis suggests that the entrepreneurial bricolage process represents a type of strategy that allows these women to adapt to this new normal. Based on this approach, the authors suggest that crowdfunding represents a financial resource at hand for both pre-existing female entrepreneurs and new female entrepreneurs. Practical implications The theoretical implications suggest an alternative conceptual framework of the entrepreneurial bricolage process to analyse the female entrepreneurial activity in developing countries and during crisis’ contexts. The managerial implications suggest that crowdfunding is a financial resource at hand for female entrepreneurs that allow them to perform well, innovate or implement growth strategies and have more chances of surviving and growing during the crisis. Finally, the policy implications are oriented to the promotion of this kind of financial alternative and the generation of trust for users, along with the strengthening of a regulatory framework to attract more investors and entrepreneurs. Originality/value This study provides useful information on how the crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting female entrepreneurs in developing countries. It also expands on the literature on crowdfunding in terms of its advantages as a non-traditional funding source for women.

Financial Resource Management and Its Influence on Students Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools In Langata Sub-County, Nairobi County-Kenya

The aim of the study was to examine the influence of financial resource management on the students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Lang’ata sub-county, Nairobi County- Kenya. The study was premised on behavioural leadership theory propounded by Kurl Lewin in the 1930’s which emphasizes that people can learn to become leaders through training and observation. The following research questions were formulated to guide the study: What is the influence of budget management on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Lang’ata sub – county, Nairobi County? ; What is the influence of financial controls on the students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Lang’ata sub – county, Nairobi County? ; What challenges do Principals of Public secondary schools face in the management of finances?; What strategies, with regard to financial resource management, are used by Principals of Public secondary schools in Lang’ata sub-county to improve academic performance? Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted in public secondary schools. The target population comprised five (5) public secondary schools. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw 5 principals, 5 bursars, 5 B.O.M representatives, 15 H.O.Ds, 30 teachers and 200 students’ representatives giving a total of 260 participants. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, and observation schedules. A pilot test was conducted on some staff to ensure the validity of the instruments. Data obtained through open-ended questionnaires was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical issues such as confidentiality, informed consent, privacy and anonymity were given paramount considerations. Therefore, the findings of the study revealed that financial resources management can truly affect student’s academic performance. Furthermore, the researcher found out that not all staffs are involved in budget making or financial plans of the schools. Additionally, the researcher found out that most students are suffering due to lack of finances by their parents and guardians. Finally, financial stability goes hand in hand with educational success. Truly all teachers and staff need full adequate finances in order to ensure that the school’s programs run smoothly and with ease for all. Also the researcher found out that most students studying in public schools have fees challenges, especially those in the slums like Kibera constituency – Lan’gata Sub County. The study recommends that all Bursars and Boards of Management Representatives should be appointed with their merit certificate to the specific spot of the work in order to avoid any corruption in the field of their duties within the school environment. Additionally, students, should be provided with adequate teaching/learning materials; the teachers, heads of departments, finance committee, top management and the principal should treat the students fully as learners, and they should not dismiss any student from the school due to lack of fees; they should also provide counselling/ social workers departments to check on the students welfare and their mental problems regularly. Finally, the study recommended the following for further study; financial resource management and its influence on student’s academic performance in private secondary schools in Lang’ata sub-county, Nairobi county-Kenya: to find out whether there are similarities in the findings of the study between public secondary schools and private secondary schools.R

Influence of Farmer Capacity Building in Financial Resource Mobilization on Performance of Smallholder Irrigation Projects in Migori County, Kenya

The study examined influence of farmer capacity building in financial resource mobilization on performance of smallholder irrigation projects in Migori County, Kenya. The study adopted pragmatism as its philosophy, and used cross sectional and correlation research design. The target population was 2,815, and comprised farmers from fifteen smallholder irrigation projects that receive water from River Kuja through Lower Kuja Project. The sample size was 341 farmers. The study used systematic random sampling to draw the sample, used questionnaire to collect data, and analyzed data using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that farmer capacity building in financial resource mobilization has a significant influence on performance of smallholder irrigation projects (r = 801, R2 = 0.641, F (5, 331) = 118.405, 0.000 < p < 0.05). Therefore, the study concluded that financial resource mobilization is a critical factor in performance of smallholder irrigation projects in Migori County. Consequently, the study recommends that Migori County Government educate farmers in smallholder irrigation projects on loan facilities by financial institutions. Further, the study recommends that Migori County develop a framework to assist farmers in smallholder irrigation projects to qualify for loans facilities operated by financial institutions.

An Examination of India-South Korea Bilateral Investment Relations

Foreign investment has accelerated at an incredible rate over the last quarter-century, and alterations in the flow of this investment are increasingly changing the global economic environment. International investors provide new markets not only new capital, technology, competitive spirit, and ideas, but also additional jobs. For India's economic development, foreign direct investment (FDI) has been a substantial non-debt financial resource and a key growth engine. South Korea's economy is one of Asia's most promising and lively. The country's stability, quick growth rates, strong manufacturing base, export focus, and availability of superior technology make it an appealing investment destination. India's permitted cumulative investments in South Korea from April 1996 to December 2019 was US$ 593.9 million, according to data from the Ministry of Finance, Government of India (GOI), and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). According to the FDI Markets database, India was the 15th largest investor in South Korea between 2009 and 2019, with 14 Indian businesses investing US$ 913 million in 17 FDI projects, resulting in the creation of 5,519 jobs. As a result, the current study examines India-South Korea's bilateral investment ties and looks ahead to possible areas of cooperation in the future between the two countries' investment relations.

Financial Resource Mobilisation Strategies and Sustainability of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): Evidence from Nigeria

Background The challenge facing NGOs in most developing countries is the need to emerge as valuable forces that affect development in order to improve the living conditions of the people in several communities. Funding is necessary for the survival and development of these NGOs. Research aims: This study, therefore, sought to find out the efect of financial resource mobilisation strategies on the sustainability of NGOs in Nigeria, with particular reference to the Minna metropolis. Research aims The purposive sampling technique was used to select 118 staf from 50 NGOs as a sample size for the study. Three alternative hypotheses were raised to be tested at P<.05 and a structured questionnaire was adopted for data collection. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Correlation, and the Ordinary Least Square method of estimation. Methodology The result revealed the existence of a statistically significant and positive relationship between private contributions and the sustainability of NGOs, a positive but insignificant relationship between commercial activities and sustainability of NGOs, and an inverse relationship between government funding and sustainability of NGOs. Findings The study established that private contributions affect the sustainability of NGOs to a very large extent; government funding does not improve the sustainability of NGOs, and commercial activities do not have a significant impact on the sustainability of NGOs. Consequently, the study recommended that management and staf of NGOs should create more awareness about their operations in order to attract better contributions from private individuals and organisations.

Land Value Capture as Financial Resource for Infrastructure Development in Palembang City

Indonesian local governments still depend on the state budget to fund infrastructure development. On the other hand, land value capture (LVC) is suitable for developing countries, such as Indonesia, to fund such development. However, there is an absent legal system to explicitly implement LVC in Indonesia. This paper aims to discuss factors affecting LVC implementation in the context of Palembang. Through an in-depth interview with several experts, the study identified existing issues affecting LVC implementation including delays in revising regulation; risk of corruption, collusion, and nepotism; decrease in public participation; and public complaints due to property tax increase. Finally, we proposed strategies that should be fulfilled by the local government for the successful implementation of LVC in Palembang. They include the establishment of an implementing agency with a clear division of role and skillful members, the enactment of specific regulations, and the establishment of a special forum, e-platform, and mass media.

Green Bond Finance in Europe and the Stock Market Reaction

This paper examines the increasing importance of green, social and sustainable bonds in the financial markets. We first detail the theoretical framework, introducing sustainable development and green finance; relating green bonds to both ecological economics literature, and the central banks perspective; and, finally, analyzing the green bonds efficiency as a financial resource. Afterwards, we estimate the effect of green bond issues on the companies share’s price. So we collect the companies share’ prices around the announcement of the issue. Then we build an event time window with different time ranges before and after the announcement with the accumulated returns in order to be able to observe the reaction in the market in different stages. We demonstrate that the announcement of a green bond has a positive reaction in the market by increasing the return on shares of green bond issuing

Qualitative analysis of stakeholder interviews to identify the barriers and facilitators to the adoption of point-of-care diagnostic tests in the UK

ObjectivesThis study investigated the barriers and facilitators to the adoption of point-of-care tests (POCTs).DesignQualitative study incorporating a constant comparative analysis of stakeholder responses to a series of interviews undertaken to design the Point-of-Care Key Evidence Tool.SettingThe study was conducted in relation to POCTs used in all aspects of healthcare.ParticipantsForty-three stakeholders were interviewed including clinicians (incorporating laboratory staff and members of trust POCT committees), commissioners, industry, regulators and patients.ResultsThematic analysis highlighted 32 barriers in six themes and 28 facilitators in eight themes to the adoption of POCTs. Six themes were common to both barriers and facilitators (clinical, cultural, evidence, design and quality assurance, financial and organisational) and two themes contained facilitators alone (patient factors and other (non-financial) resource use).ConclusionsFindings from this study demonstrate the complex motivations of stakeholders in the adoption of POCT. Most themes were common to both barriers and facilitators suggesting that good device design, stakeholder engagement and appropriate evidence provision can increase the likelihood of a POCT device adoption. However, it is important to realise that while the majority of identified barriers may be perceived or mitigated some may be absolute and if identified early in device development further investment should be carefully considered.