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Herbert Brookes was a wealthy businessman, a distinguished patron of high culture in Melbourne society, an anti-Labor eminence who moved comfortably in the highest of imperial circles. The richness of his papers in the National Library provides the opportunity to examine the life of a leading British-Australian, to analyse issues of conscience and purpose that do not figure much in current historiography and perhaps to throw new light on the concerns of the generation that saw its world disrupted after 1914. Using the notion of Protestant stewardship, I have suggested that Brookes' life offers one way into the dynamics of liberalism before the Great War and of loyalism after it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Študijné Zvesti AU SAV is the property of Institute of Archaeology SAS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Aberdeenshire-born Niel Malcolm 'Callum' McLean was an individual who rose to prominence in European mercantile circles in the colonial Indonesian port of Surabaya in the interwar decades of the twentieth century. In discussing his life and times, the paper reflects on a number of larger themes, pertaining chiefly to empire and to the Scots' diaspora, understood not only in terms of dispersal but also of return. McLean, it argues, was a new kind of 'expatriate'. Thanks not least to improved global communications, he was able to maintain a presence not only in 'the East' but also on his native turf in Aberdeenshire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are seen by governments and NGOs as engines of job creation, growth and generation of income. Policies and programmes are therefore based on the assumption that the solo self-employed and micro-sized entrepreneurs will graduate and become small. But we have known since the 1980s that this assumption needed to be looked at critically. Research in developing countries revealed that graduation hardly existed there. And if this is true in emerging economies, would it not also be valid in industrialized countries where rhetoric and policies are based on this assumption too? What we see in the South might be valid in the North as well. The research was repeated first in the Netherlands, focusing on graduation and job creation in MSMEs. In this paper, a longitudinal data set was used of a cohort of entrepreneurs in the Netherlands that started in 2008. In total, 629 entrepreneurs were surveyed annually for four years. A main finding of the paper is that graduation hardly existed and only 8.3 per cent created jobs over the course of four years. Policies worldwide need to be reassessed and reviewed in order to bring them in line with reality. We recommend global, in-depth, cross-country research to reconfirm these findings. A more thorough understanding can serve as a basis for new debate on the effectiveness of present policies and programmes on MSME development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.Findings With the Japanese apparel market in decline, there is a pressing need to understand how, if at all, apparel manufacturers can survive. The vertical integration of the SPA business model is providing benefits to apparel manufacturers, with those adopting the model showing resilience to the overall downturn of the market. The author-reviewed article has investigated whether the use of an own brand strategy is influenced by four key concepts, and how they function within apparel manufacturers. Particular attention is paid to the practices used by those that have adopted the specialty store retailer of private label apparel (SPA) business model.Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Investigaciones Historicas is the property of Universidad de Valladolid, Facultad de Filosofia y Letras and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Chilena de Derecho Privado is the property of Fundacion Fernando Fueyo Laneri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Palermo Business Review is the property of Universidad de Palermo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose Agribusiness managers oftentimes find it difficult to gain practical experience in an area they have had very little practice. Habitually, they rely on their own business acumen, and tacit knowledge to navigate unfamiliar territory. What does the manager do when the problem is ill-formed, fuzzy and messy? This paper aims to integrate societal stakeholders like agribusinesses and environmentalists by using the Community of Practice (CoP) framework to help analyze and effectively use knowledge and practical experiences on problems facing the food and agriculture industries.Design/methodology/approach The multi-disciplinary analytical framework suggests multiple research strategies and methods. Because environmentalist-agribusiness collaborations involve complex stakeholder, relationship and social processes, case research may be the most appropriate means for initial investigations of these issues. The authors applied an exploratory approach starting with a search of a water and land stakeholder collaborations followed by the selection of specific cases, the collection of secondary case data, and a systematic qualitative content analysis. For this paper, the authors focused on 13 initiatives in agribusiness involving water and land (e.g. the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative and Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines).Findings The argument is that firms that use elements of the CoP are better at working through the wicked problems than firms that do not. When elements of the CoP (community, domain and practice) play a significant role in addressing the wicked problem, best practices over a pre-determined time develop. Establishing policies and standards for education and research, technology and research, facilities and operations. More specifically, they relate, in an illustrative manner, how they could quantitatively measure the results that were generated through the use of a specific practice.Research limitations/implications This paper has focused only on the land and water constraint aspects. A variety of other stakeholder issues warrant consideration including motivations, contingencies facilitating partnership building, changes in production and consumption and collaborative learning processes. As stakeholder objectives are met, change or diverge, the stakeholders may become less willing to broker and negotiate linkages between the firm and other domain stakeholders, and potentially affect the firm’s competitive advantage. One should also be mindful of the methods of effective engagement, which are able to incorporate and integrate the knowledge, skills, resources and perspectives from many actors are needed to undertake these problems.Practical implications To facilitate the discussion on water sustainability between agribusiness firms and environmental groups, it is important for agribusinesses to have some basic understanding of how much water is consumed, evaporated and/or polluted in a given amount of time. Likewise, environmental organizations will need to have a basic understanding of associated physical (freshwater shortages in the supply chain) and financial risks (increase costs or reduced revenues). Both parties need to stay open to challenges and dilemmas of the wicked problem.Social implications Farmers, agribusiness firms and environmentalists are the de facto and principle managers of the most productive land and water resources on earth. Their decisions will shape the surface of the planet in the coming decades. Settling on a common strategy of quality of waters resources, potential land use and land management fundamentally involves the interests of all stakeholders. By considering the divergent values, different perspectives and lived experiences of stakeholders and the inextricable link to land, it is found that managing water resources sustainably is a wicked problem.Originality/value The effort it takes to find and implement solutions requires the engagement of internal and external stakeholders (relationships) and access to actionable research (knowledge) to manage through the industry’s prickly challenges. For some, ecological goals are foremost, whereas for others, profit and market objectives are paramount for survival. Their relationships may be a common means for the stakeholders to reach ultimately incompatible agendas. The authors characterize water and land constraints in agriculture as a wicked problem. The wicked problems require a new corporate mindset, involving multi-discipline approach of new collaborations and processes to address them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries, consumers can buy many goods either in formal markets or in informal markets and decide where to purchase based on the product's price and anticipated quality. This pape assumes consumers cannot assess quality prior to purchase and cannot, at reasonable cost, identify who produced the good they are considering. Many products (meats, fruits, vegetables, fish, grains) sold both in formal groceries and, less formally, on the street fit this description. This paper also assumes that producers can adjust quality at a cost and only firms in the formal sector are subject to government regulation. In the long run, producers migrate to the sector that is more profitable. Using this model, we demonstrate how regulations in the formal sector can lead to a quality gap between formal and informal sector goods. Moreover, the paper investigates how changes in regulation affect quality, price, aggregate production, and the number of firms in each sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the shift in education policy from public decision-making to corporate market exchanges. Topics include the control of schools by wealthy businessmenthe influence of organizations like the Confederation of School Trusts; and examples illustrate a trend of depoliticization and the privatization of education, with decisions being made outside the realm of public accountability.

The article highlights Hillman Lueddemann, a leader in Portland's business and civic enterprises. He started as a clerk in McCormick Steamshio Company and headed company's operations in the Pacific northwest. It explains that Lueddemann was involved in civic and professional organizations including Oregon Inland Waterways Association, the Portland Rose Festival Association and Portland Development Commission.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential benefits of a business game on customers' business in enhancing servitization. The concept is proposed to be helpful in the phases of defining the servitization initiative and gaining shared understanding about it at a manufacturer. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a longitudinal case study at a manufacturer (2003-2008), with a focus on the business game concept on customers' business. The researchers and approximately 140 company representatives contributed to both early and later phases of the development of the concept. Findings – The business game concept appeared to serve the purpose of generating and sharing ideas about the customers' business and the desired role of the OEM in it, as a potential outcome of servitization. The concept synthesizes the previously fragmented customer awareness across the business units and provides useful information for various stakeholders. The presence of personnel across the different business units and from a key customer company in the game events enabled new types of discussion related to the servitization initiative. Research limitations/implications – The concept presented in this paper represents a potential tool for enhancing a servitization initiative. Due to the limitations of the case, the findings are tentative and primarily transferrable to contexts where a manufacturer provides machinery for industrial production. Moreover, the ability of the concept to capture real-life customer values is critical for success and thus should be carefully examined. Originality/value – The case study enables an in-depth view of the phenomena under examination. Moreover, due to the researchers' interventions in developing and using the concept, they observed actual processes of overcoming the challenges of servitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seventy three per cent of UK enterprises have no employees and seventeen per cent of these are managed solely by women (GEM UK Data 2005). UK female entrepreneurship is thus a significant economic phenomenon and it is increasing, especially in rural areas. Suggestions are that women's businesses are different to men's (Ahl 2006, Hanson 2003, Hanson and Blake 2004) in terms of their nature, location, type and the way that business is done. Limited empirical investigation has been undertaken, especially within geography (Hanson 2003). In addition, it has been argued that women's participation in self-employment generally, is under-theorised (Blake, 2006; Ahl, 2006; Lewis 2006). Buzar et al (2005) identify the need to consider within this, the social construction of gender, time, space, economy and culture. This paper aims to advance knowledge and understanding of both the characteristics of female businesses and the coordinates and circumstances of female entrepreneurship. This paper will investigate the nature, dynamics, networks and locations of the new businesses (started up within the past five years) of thirty women entrepreneurs all of whom are mothers and most of whom work at home. Two different types of new work/economic space will be examined. The first, the work locations of this economic activity, are a key defining feature of these businesses - they are typically the kitchens, bedroom and garages of the entrepreneurs' family homes within the spaces of family life. An understanding of such enterprises is assisted by adopting a household-level, work-life reconciliation perspective (Jarvis 2005, Moen and Sweet 2004). The second new economic space reported in this paper will be the typical spaces of networking and marketing which often take place in electronic space, particularly the social networking sites (and especially female social and business networking, and mothers' networking internet sites that have become so popular in the past five years or so. Thus this paper will focus on new spaces of work and new ways of doing business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – In general, demand for functional products is dependent on a range of promotions offered in various retail outlets. To improve promotional sales many retailers collaborate with manufacturers for planning, forecasting and replenishment. The purpose of this paper is to hypothesize that collaborative forecasting will improve the forecast accuracy if all the partners can relate their demand forecast with underlying demand factors. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, the author uses a case study approach to study various demand factors of soft drink products of the UK based company which offers frequent promotions in retail outlets. The paper represents the case study findings in a conceptual framework called Reference Demand Model (RDM). Further, the case study findings are validated empirically by means of multiple linear regression analysis using actual sales data of the case company. Findings – Surprisingly, some of the demand factors specified as very important by the case company are not found to be highly significant for actual sales. The paper uses the identified demand factors to suggest levels of collaboration. Practical implications – Understanding the importance of product specific demand factors through regression models and incorporating the same in managerial decision making will aid managers to identify the necessary information to make accurate demand forecasts. Originality/value – This approach unveils the presence of three levels of collaboration namely preparatory, progressive and futuristic levels among supply chain partners based on the information exchange. The proposed method will aid decision making on information sharing and collaborative planning among manufacturer and retailers for future promotional sales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies pricing problem for a closed-loop supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and a retailer in a fuzzy environment. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the manufacturer makes his decisions about wholesale price and transfer price and how the retailer makes her decisions about retail price and collecting price in the expected value standard. Each firm's optimal pricing strategies are established by using game theory under the centralized and decentralized decision cases, respectively. Managerial insights into the economic behavior of firms are also investigated, which can serve as the basis for empirical study in the future. Moreover, we analyze numerically the results and give some insights on the influence of some parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper seeks to propose that practical wisdom originating within the Chinese classical traditions has been instrumental in China's ascendance to the world stage. Its purpose is to analyze biographical data across 200 Chinese business leaders in order to gauge the relative influence of two competing ideologies – Maoism and Confucianism. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on a two-step design process. First, modern day leadership archetypes characterizing Maoist and Confucian ideology were developed from the literature. Second, these archetypes were applied in the content analysis of biographical data on Chinese business leaders. Findings – There was evidence of both Maoism and Confucianism in the practices of Chinese business leaders. An unintended, third cohort of leaders emerged, representative of the younger end of the biographical distribution, who appear to embrace paradox in their ideological orientation. Practical implications – There were three practical implications for management and leadership development: the importance of integrating the concept of paradox into management and leadership development curricula; the provision of illustrative alternatives to western world leadership exemplars; and increased emphasis on global leadership as an emergent phenomenon with particular attention to the burgeoning internationalization of Chinese enterprise and its associated ideologies. Originality/value – The current leadership literature is dominated by western world exemplars. This paper offers an alternative view; one rich with the wisdom and classical traditions of the Chinese culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, an increasing number of property developers have constructed outdoor public space outside shopping malls. On the one hand, the developers and the shop owners claim that this kind of public space can provide a better facilitated social space for their customers. On the other hand, they also believe and aim that this kind of public space can attract the attention of the public, motivate them to come, and consequently increase the possibility of consumption. However, more studies and mass media reports have complained that most of the time this kind of so-called public space only serves as a tool to attract people as consumers, and has failed to encourage social activities that are not exclusively commercial. This paper first reviews the historical development of outdoor public space of shopping malls as well as other shopping constructions. While Hong Kong is famous as a shopping paradise with hundreds of shopping malls, the paper takes Hong Kong as a case for indepth research. By using the research findings on the outdoor public space of a shopping mall in Hong Kong, this paper discusses the activities in the public outdoor space. While activities related to consumption are highly promoted and non-consumption related activities are strictly prohibited in the public space by the businessmen, people find their own ways to use the space for social purposes — social activity — as they like. By using these findings, the paper further argues for having a balanced consideration and flexible provision for a mixture of activities in order to obtain a win-win outcome in the use of public space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The objective of this paper is to present a broad-based tool primarily for the use of practitioners at the senior and middle management levels, to analyze the innovation management processes within their organizations and assess their impact on innovation and firm performance. It is contended that these processes are dichotomous because of the invariable tension between continuity and change-related aspects to be coped with.Design/methodology/approach – A single case (Moser Baer India Limited, an Indian firm and one of the world's large manufacturers of optical storage media) illustrating the use of a flowing stream strategy framework is presented. The theory that is the basis of the approach is not expounded at length in the interests of the basic target audience.Findings – The paper is an attempt to present a structured approach to strategy making. Realizing the hazards of organizational impediments in the implementation of strategy, only an illustrative approach is been indicated, paving the way for further investigation.Research limitations/implications – The limitations associated with a single case methodology may prevail to some extent. The data are context-bound; however, no attempt to draw general implications has been made. The purpose is more to present the use of a practical tool rather than to advance theoretical knowledge.Practical implications – The tool presented may be useful across a range of organizations, with minor adaptations.Originality/value – The paper is original and adds value in terms of the above. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper seeks to propose a methodology to measure the extent of collaboration between apparel retailers and manufacturers in the apparel retail industry in India. Design/methodology/approach - The proposed model for measuring collaboration considers variables like top management commitment, information sharing, trust among supply chain partners, long-term relationships and risk and reward sharing. Level of collaboration is measured using graph theory. Findings - The survey results confirmed the validity of the proposed collaboration index for measuring collaboration. The findings also show that the collaboration index is positively associated with operational performance. Research limitations/implications - Future research could consider larger sample sizes and cover other industrial sectors. Practical implications - Supply chain partners will be able to measure the extent of their collaboration and seek improvement in their performance. This approach helps to compare organizations in terms of their collaboration capability. Originality/value - This paper contributes to the literature by introducing an index for measuring the extent of supply chain collaboration. This measure can be used by any participant (member) in a supply chain to determine the level of collaboration and seek improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An appropriate alignment between business strategy, manufacturing strategic objectives and manufacturing capabilities reportedly influences business performance positively. However, few papers empirically analyse this proposition for the case of Porter's generic strategies of cost leadership and differentiation, and none jointly considers all four elements. This paper integrates strategies, capabilities and performance in a single model and proposes that both manufacturing competitive priorities and capabilities, articulated in terms of cost and flexibility, are essential for explaining the link between generic business strategies and business commercial and financial performance. Within this analytic framework, we test whether companies that emphasize one business strategy rather than another achieve a better alignment and superior performance. The analyses conducted with a sample of 148 Spanish manufacturers provide general support for these propositions and contribute to a deeper understanding of the role played by functional strategies in understanding the outcomes of business strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- Exploration of the policy reforms necessary to strengthen Canada's competitiveness among world trading economies. The paper aims to compare Canada's competitiveness with two economic partners, the USA and the UK, and two emerging economies, China and India. Design/methodology/approach -- Data from the annual Global Competitiveness Reports (GCRs) were used to compare Canada with the other countries. Findings -- Canada requires a national strategy to create a generation of Canadian innovators, entrepreneurs and executives with a global mindset. Research limitations/implications -- Although Canada has many global trading partners, the paper compares Canadian competitiveness with only two economic partners and two emerging economics. Also, only data from the GCRs are used. Other measures of competitiveness need to be taken into consideration to better understand Canada's global and business competitiveness. Originality/value -- This paper provides new insights into Canada's lack of global competitiveness. The main reasons for this lack of competitiveness are analysed and recommendations are provided for Canadian policy makers to enhance competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to review a collection of research papers concerned with challenges commonly faced when initiating, implementing and evaluating the results of reform in an international context. Design/methodology/approach - A review of the literature on reform, mainly in the public sector, was undertaken. Findings - Reform, in particular within the public sector, has been undertaken in many countries and has proved to be challenging and difficult to manage. The challenges involved in managing reform, as experienced by Western as well as developing economies, have many aspects in common. These include the need to pay attention to appropriate structure, relevant skills and competencies, legislative support, appropriate behaviour and attitudes, and most importantly a visionary leadership. Originality/value - The reform experiences and concepts documented and reviewed in these papers are original in nature and offer value to scholars, researchers and students of public administration, government, as well as reform policy makers and practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Do national and sectoral innovation systems interact with each other? The paper explores this unexplored question by carrying out a cross-sector cross-country analysis of European systems of innovation in the 1990s. The empirical study takes Pavitt’s (Res Policy 13:343–373, ) taxonomy as a starting point, and it investigates the cross-country variability of Pavitt’s sectoral patterns of innovation. The analysis leads to three main results. First, the various technological trajectories show large differences across countries, due to the influence of national innovation systems. Second, there is evidence that the interaction between national systems and sectoral patterns of innovation constitutes an independent source of variability in the sample. Third, the analysis leads to the identification of eight sector- and country-specific technological trajectories in European manufacturing industries, and, based on that, proposes a refinement of Pavitt’s taxonomy. The refined taxonomy, in a nutshell, suggests that sectoral systems must be supported by and interact with their respective national systems in order to become industrial leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista del ICDT is the property of Instituto Colombiano de Derecho Tributario and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Chilena de Derecho Privado is the property of Fundacion Fernando Fueyo Laneri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Estudios Gerenciales is the property of Universidad ICESI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The primary purpose of the paper is to examine how religiosity influences ethical attitude towards business and to compare and contrast this relationship for two populous Asian countries: India and China. The socio-cultural setting of both the countries resonates strongly weaved religious values and traditional ideology, though with a disparate political system. Using Attitude towards Business Ethics Questionnaire (ATBEQ) and 10-item Religious Commitment Inventory (RCI-10), data from 231, i.e., n(India)=122 and n(China)=109, respondents is collected, and research variables are compared based on gender and country of origin. Men demonstrate a higher ethical attitude towards business, higher religiosity, and higher score on ethical business philosophies than their women counterparts. Additionally, Indians score significantly higher than the Chinese on the three constructs. The results of regression analysis demonstrate that religiosity influences ethical attitude towards business for men, women, and Indians only. The relationship is not supported for China. The study further deconstructs religiosity into two subscales: intra (inner interpretive understanding) and inter (outer demonstrative action) religiosity to examine their influence on ethical attitude towards business. Individuals with higher intrareligiosity have a higher ethical attitude while no such relationship is evidenced for interreligiosity. Even further, items of ATBEQ are mapped to represent four ethical business philosophies and their differences compared on the basis of sub-constructs of religiosity. Variations in ethical business philosophies are shown by intra-religiosity only. Essentially, it is not about preaching religion, it is about practicing a religion that really matters. Freedom to practice religion, religion-based teaching, and ethical values embedded into business practices could help shape new virtue ethics as an inspiring point of reference and guidance for business leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to provide an accurate analysis of the fashion consumption of the Barcelonese merchant Joan de Torralba, focusing on personal tastes and the perception of self-identity. First, I will take into special consideration the luxury markets of the Crown of Aragon and the role played by Torralba and his equals in fostering a refined demand that connected inland territories of the Crown with distant European markets. Secondly, I will concentrate on Torralba's fashion expenses and consumption patterns, compared to his family's and taking into account the international fashion context of the 15th century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate challenges faced by and opportunities open to women entrepreneurs in Botswana and how entrepreneurship education can boost their knowledge and skills of doing business profitably and contribute to women empowerment. Design/methodology/approach: In total, 400 women entrepreneurs of different ages, educational levels and from trades and different geographical locations were selected using a stratified random sampling procedure to participate in the study from ten towns and cities in the country. A structured questionnaire that used a five-point Likert scale was used for data collection. One-way ANOVA, regression analysis and descriptive statistics were used as tools for data analysis. Findings: Findings showed that women entrepreneurs faced a complex web of challenges among which were access to finance, lack of training leading to lack of technical skills, lack of knowledge of sources of financing and technical support, high competition in the market, marginalisation of women and lack of knowledge of marketing strategies. The key findings were that while women entrepreneurs faced a number of challenges, the legal and regulatory environment in Botswana was highly conducive and supportive of women entrepreneurship and also that customised entrepreneurship education and training offered opportunities for women entrepreneurs to enhance their knowledge and technical skills. Research limitations/implications: The study only used a quantitative approach to collect data. It could have perhaps been more enriching if a mixed-methods approach were used to help probe the participants more. The study also only used women entrepreneurs in cities and towns. Perhaps, it could have also got some women entrepreneurs from rural areas to hear what they say. These limitations will be addressed in future studies. Practical implications: Practical implications of the study are that women entrepreneurs need more training in business entrepreneurship for them to gain more knowledge and skills; finance houses become more accommodating to women entrepreneurship they could help in the empowerment of these people as they show potential in their businesses; and if more pro-women entrepreneurship policies are developed, they could enhance the activities of women entrepreneurs. Social implications: Women can perform as much as men in business if given the necessary support. Originality/value: This study contributes to the body of knowledge on women entrepreneurship as it helped expose challenges women entrepreneurs face as well as opportunities for them to take advantage of and improve their business operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Kwartalnik Neofilologiczny is the property of Polish Academy of Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Catalana de Dret Públic is the property of Revista Catalana de Dret Public and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose — The purpose of this paper is to discuss why neither people nor organizations can demand trust, but rather how people and organizations can demand trustworthiness of themselves and others. While trustworthiness can be developed, and trust earned, this process takes time. Design/methodology/approach — An examination of the literature was undertaken to review trust from a variety of dimensions and perspectives to determine the role of trust as a fundamental notion, which may be an underlying factor in foreign aid objectives. Findings — This paper advocates that an understanding of trust and trustworthiness, when fused with a stakeholder perspective, may lead to enhanced levels of global poverty reduction objectives. Originality/value — This paper enhances personal knowledge and understanding at the theoretical and practical levels enabling business leaders to gain insight regarding the inherent stakeholder factors that need to be considered when designing performance-measurement strategies and reporting frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — This paper aims to explore the question of confidence in entrepreneurship, and the impact confidence has on key tasks in the venture development process. Design/methodology/approach — Propositions about the relationship between key elements of confidence (optimism and overconfidence) are made in order to unpack the confidence construct. Simple tests of these propositions are conducted using a small sample of Australian entrepreneurs. Further propositions are made about the impact of optimism and overconfidence on activity across different phases of the new venture development process. Findings — Two elements of confidence, optimism and overconfidence, are distinct in their association with each other and with a third individual difference (regulatory focus). The dual and sometimes opposing impacts of optimism and overconfidence on new venture activity are explored. Optimism and overconfidence are both beneficial when deciding~ to become an entrepreneur, but overconfidence is harmful when making decisions in response to setbacks. Research limitations/implications — Conclusions are limited by the sample size and simple analytical techniques. Rather, the impact of the paper is in the implications of the independence of optimism and overconfidence. Future research can explore and test the propositions made about when each is harmful and when beneficial. Practical implications — For entrepreneurs, it is important to be aware of your optimism and overconfidence in different situations. When optimism is beneficial, use it, but when overconfidence is harmful, mitigate against it by asking the right questions and working with others to check assumptions and strategies. Originality/value — This paper distinguishes between two individual differences, optimism and overconfidence, that are typically thought to be interdependent and beneficial for entrepreneurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 1990s, many nations pursued immigration policies aimed at attracting entrepreneurs who could invigorate their domestic economy. This paper examines New Zealand’s business immigration policy and contrasts it to that of Canada. Immigrant entrepreneurs explored business ventures that either did not materialise or ended in failure. Many resorted to passive investments. They had to learn to do business in the new environment. This paper suggests the policies were based on an outdated model of entrepreneurship that emphasises the attributes of the individual. The experience of business immigrants highlights the dynamics of fit in the nexus between individual and environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine how business owners in microbusinesses perceive success and how that perception may influence the growth of their enterprise. Design/methodology/approach - The results of three separate studies were analysed. The data were collected with questionnaires and interviews among microbusinesses in the industries of craft and rural tourism in the area of North Karelia, Eastern Finland. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used in the analysis. Findings - The paper found that the motives and goals of the small business owners were not oriented towards growth, but to quality of life, job satisfaction and satisfied clientele. Consequently, business success was measured by the respect and satisfaction of the customers, job satisfaction and the quality of product. From an economic perspective, making a reasonable living, not growth, constituted a measure of success. Research limitations/implications - Generalisation is affected by the fact that the study concerns two individual industries in a small geographical area. Practical implications - For policy makers, the study offers insight into the factors that affect the behaviour and decision-making of the microbusiness entrepreneurs and, thus, the performance of their enterprise. Originality/value - The study contributes to theory development by examining the little studied possible conflicts between financial and personal measures of success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]