Search

Purpose: The paper explores the dynamics of business model creation and transformation as practices. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is conceptual and exploratory in nature and builds on the practice / action learning approach. Findings: The paper presents an action research based framework for approaching and understanding business model creation and transformation as practices. These practices are rooted in managerial and entrepreneurial experience through the exploration and exploitation of business opportunities and competitive advantages. Practical implications: From a managerial and entrepreneurial perspective, the findings of the paper highlight the role and dynamism of the business context and of continuous assessment of the business model in business model creation and transformation. Originality/value: The paper proposes a novel framework for business model creation and transformation and sees them as practices. It also connects business models to opportunity and advantage exploration and exploitation.

Inter-organizational strategic alliances, in which networks of cooperation stand out, have proved to be a good model to provide more competitive organizations. However, there are still shortcomings concerning models and supporting technologies that help the creation of inter-organizational arrangements. This paper presents a conceptual model for the establishment of cooperation networks, an information system that supports the proposed model and, finally, the results of a case study in the tourism sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to examine the economic potential of EU and BRIC, and determine the most attractive and promising country for foreign investment and doing business. Based on the analysis performed, Russia was determined to be the one. Current political and economic situation in modern Russia is assessed, business environment for new business development and investment opportunities are investigated. The current state of marketing in Russia is explored and assessed. Based on the analysis promising areas for international business development in Russia are discussed and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an abundant literature on policies aiming at supporting entrepreneurship or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). At the same time, many studies investigate the compliance costs of regulations and stress their constraining impact on entrepreneurship or SMEs. In this paper we demystify the classical distinction made between ‘supportive’ policies and ‘constraining’ regulations by discussing the existence of ‘enabling’ regulations and policies that create opportunities for entrepreneurs. This paper contributes to the debate on the approaches that public authorities use to support entrepreneurship, their legitimacy, and their effectiveness to create business opportunities and complement it by developing both a conceptual map of regulatory entrepreneurial opportunities and research propositions set to capture the links between government interventions and entrepreneurial opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to obtain evidence concerning the basic dimensions included in cognitive prototypes pertaining to opportunity recognition and decision to launch a new venture; identifying the underlying dimensions of both prototypes – the cognitive frameworks current or nascent entrepreneurs employ in performing these important tasks. Design/methodology/approach – The bi-dimensional models were tested in a sample of 284 founder entrepreneurs, using a 48-item questionnaire. It was used as structural equation confirmatory factor analysis to compare fit indices of uni-dimensional second-order and third-order bi-dimensional models of business opportunity and decision to launch a venture. Findings – Results support the bi-dimensional models and offer support that both prototypes include two basic dimensions. For the business opportunity prototype these are viability and distinctiveness while for the decision to launch a new venture, the basic dimensions are feasibility and motivational aspects. Research limitations/implications – These results help to further clarify the nature of the cognitive frameworks individuals use to identify potential opportunities and reach an initial decision about whether to pursue their development. Uncovering the cognitive functioning of opportunity recognition and decision to exploit it, allow individuals to recognize opportunities easier and successfully; and to make more accurate and effective decisions. Practical implications – Knowing the basic dimensions of opportunity and decision-making prototypes contributes to develop effective skills with respect to business opportunity recognition among students enrolled in entrepreneurship programs. These surveys can be used for self-assessment and also for investors, tutors, and entrepreneurship agents in order to help evaluate features of business opportunities and decision to launch a venture. Originality/value – This study embraces a conceptual contribution, proposing a different model of the business opportunity and decision to exploit prototypes, and it extends Baron and Ensley (2006) previous work, to another important step in the entrepreneurial process – the decision to develop an identified opportunity through the launch of a new venture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much prior research in entrepreneurship has focused on the role of the founder's knowledge in affecting new firm performance. Yet, little is known about how and why the entrepreneurial opportunity itself shapes outcomes in this arena. We begin filling in this critical gap in the literature by examining how the riskiness of the opportunity not only affects start-up performance, but also conditions the relevance of the founder's distinct knowledge endowments. Analyses of a sample of 451 new firms show that the riskier the opportunity, the greater the performance of the start-up, above and beyond founder characteristics. Moreover, the value of founder knowledge is relative to the type of opportunity exploited: high-risk opportunities favor founders with managerial experience, whereas low-risk opportunities favor founders with industry experience. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The author believes that China’s modern development is reaching a crossroads, and that country is facing some critical challenges as it seeks to keep its modernization program, and further economic development, on track. Design/methodology/approach – This masterclass posits that understanding more fully what is happening in China, and how to succeed there, is rapidly becoming a strategic imperative for any corporate leader with global ambitions. Findings – China’s importance to global business is undeniable. Even though its growth rate now seems to be stabilizing at 7-8 percent, China looks set to become the world’s largest economy within a decade, and is likely to be more than twice the size of USA economy by 2050. Practical implications – Soft infrastructure should be China’s next priority. China’s ability to construct a modern airport and a fleet of world class aircraft has been progressing at a much faster rate than its overall ability to operate an efficient, world-leading, inter-city and international, civil aviation passenger service. Social implications – While the pace of political reform is likely to remain cautious, it has already been quite “extensive and far-reaching” in China’s own terms and continues to evolve. Originality/value – Western leaders should reconsider how they measure China’s progress. China can be expected to experiment its way very cautiously towards greater democratization, but the outcome is likely to be profoundly different from the Western model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anyone can start a business, but will not succeed overnight; modern entrepreneurs cannot rely solely on luck, but need to understand their interests, personality traits, and the entrepreneurial resources and expertise they possess. Such an understanding will lead the entrepreneur to plan well for the next stages. The entrepreneurial path is full of challenges. Effort alone cannot guarantee you will be successful, but all successful people have worked hard. I explain in this paper the changes I made to ensure my business was competitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agro Productividad is the property of Colegio de Postgraduados 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 -- This paper aims to critically review the contributions made by the authors of the articles selected for this theme issue and to present the main lessons learnt, recommendations and key points for action by tourist destinations. Design/methodology/approach -- Content analysis of the papers presented in this theme issue was performed so as to review the most relevant contributions made by authors. Findings -- From the analysis of the different articles and proposals by their authors, it becomes clear that Portugal has managed to face the context of financial crisis in a positive manner, thus avoiding negative impacts on the image of Portugal as a tourist destination. By stimulating creativity and innovation among industry operators, new products and services have been developed and offered to the market. This outcome contrasts with the situation at the start of the economic recession when it was not possible to attract new tourists, improve the rate of repeaters or achieve strong industry performance. Originality/value -- A summary of the key ideas in the articles comprising this theme issue is presented, allowing for the identification of good practices and lessons to be learned from a very tough economic and social context. Despite the unpopular measures taken by political decision-makers, the impact in the tourism industry, was positive, resulting in improved results in the main tourism indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurship was and still is a key factor of economic growth in emerging economies. In Romania and Republic of Moldova, the relative long tradition of centralized economy has conducted to a lack of entrepreneurial experience, in terms of skills and culture. On one hand, the “starters” of new business had to learn on the run the rules of a new free market, but, on the other hand, they had the advantage of a loose business environment in the early years of transition. In the incipient stage, several discussions were made around the state support, in terms of favorable taxation and other measures meant to consolidate the new start-ups. This is still a disputable point on the agenda of SMEs associations. The paper presents the results of an empirical research among the entrepreneurs from two regions, one of Romania and one of Republic of Moldova. The results are centralized in a comparative approach and are presenting relevant characteristics of business development in both countries, together with the entrepreneurs ‘perception on factors that have influenced in a positive or negative way their success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity crisis is one of the many crises that started at the turn of the millennia. The strategy of action outlines a strong economic component, together with the recognition of market mechanisms as the most effective policies to protect biodiversity. In this context, biodiversity and ecosystem services are natural assets that play a key role in economic strategies to promote development and prosperity. With a view to identifying the main business opportunities that may be associated with the ecosystems services, our scientific approach and analysis has primarily focused in the first stage on the inter-connection between the economic mechanisms and the ecosystems services, thus aiming at substantiating the viability of existing relationship. For that purposes, we have analyzed the implementation methods and techniques of nature conservation policies. The concepts underlying the economic expression of the value of ecosystems services have thus (been) formed and developed. Developing market mechanisms for nature conservation purposes has become a significant trend growing stronger and faster each and every year. Although controversies and disputes still stir and leading to an obvious split between opponent supporters of conflicting opinions, both international organization and national governments acting either independently or in concert have initiated and implemented such mechanisms. The second part of our paper sets out the main business patterns that can be developed so as to fit into the triple referential requirements for a sustainable development (through the positive effects they create on three distinct dimensions): create profit (economic-wise), contribute to protection of bio-diversity (environment-wise) and helps out the equitable distribution of benefits (social-wise). Finally, points out that markets fail to quantify the value of most ecosystem services. Existing price signals reflect at best, only a proportion of the total amount corresponding provision of food, water or fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, business tourism is one of the leading and most dynamically developing activities of world economy and tourism operators are forced to find out new ideas for increasing economic efficiency, even in crisis conditions. In this context, new businesses in tourism industry have to approach extremely carefully this market's entry because they have to cope with both companies already on the market that have occupied any niches available, and problems arising from the economic crisis. However, a relatively fast and cost-effective solution may be represented by the hostels; in the case of Romania and in Suceava County, in particular, hostels are not so well-known by the public, as concept, but they have a few advantages that might bring success in business. This paper aims to present the hostel as a business opportunity for Suceava County and to analyze young people's perception of this type of tourist accommodation unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What are the links between business and development? And what is the business role and opportunity in addressing sustainability challenges of developing countries and emerging economies? As an engine of growth and development, and to underpin its license to innovate, operate and grow, business has a critical role to play in accelerating progress towards development. Companies can most notably develop inclusive business ventures, that is, sustainable business solutions that expand access to goods, services, and livelihood opportunities for low-income communities in commercially viable ways. The notion of inclusive business calls for additional focus and innovation in the way companies do business. It involves creating new forms of employment, new markets, and affordable products and services. This spurs economic growth and encourages entrepreneurship. This article highlights the concept of inclusive business in the current global context, provides a few examples of its application in practice, highlights the foundations for its success, and briefly presents an interactive tool, the “Inclusive Business Challenge”. The latter, designed by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, aims at helping companies and stakeholders identify and implement inclusive business in practice.

This paper discusses the increasing importance of emerging markets, particularly those in Africa, in terms of international business opportunities in the post-financial crisis period; while BRIC economies have received a lot of attention in the preceding decade, other emerging markets - especially in Africa - show indications of taking on more prominence in the upcoming period. In fact, at present, the continent of Africa represents one of the fastest growing markets in the world. This paper focuses on growth indicators and trends in the African markets as well as potential future international business opportunities; specifically, it examines the competitiveness of African nations, the business environments of countries in Africa, the continent's international trade situation and urbanization in Africa. The paper concludes with a brief discussion on existing business opportunities together with some challenges which remain on the continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Second Life is an online 3D virtual world imagined and created by its residents. The residents can communicate, explore, participate in social activities, create and trade virtual properties and services. The most common communication media used in Second Life are text, voice, instant messaging and video conferencing. The purpose of the current study is to investigate why people communicate in Second Life and opportunities of making real business value. An online survey from Second Life residents was performed to study communication behavior and business opportunities in Second Life. The theoretical backgrounds used in this study were the communication theory and social systems and word of mouth communications for consumer learning. The result was focused on the effectiveness and superiority of communication in Second Life among other social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace and Youtube. The communication is significant to policy makers, managers and leaders for information sharing and decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Psicologia. Organizacoes e Trabalho is the property of Sociedade Brasileira de Psicologia Organizacional e do Trabalho 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.)

Demand for locally produced food products has increased in Finland in the past few years. It has brought new opportunities for food market actors from primary production to retail selling to invest in increasing their capacity and to promote local food in the market. This paper scrutinises local food in two ways, firstly, consumer preferences on purchasing local food and, secondly as comparison, producers' willingness to invest in the growth of local food production and their obstacles in doing so. The data used were obtained from three separate surveys. According to the survey results, consumers would prefer to buy products directly from farmers or via small distributors rather than from large-chain stores. In addition, the communication of farm enterprises themselves is seen more reliable than the communication by the food industry or retail. The entrepreneurs saw lack of time to develop the business as their biggest obstacle for growth. Still, they seem to be cautious about employing more workforces which could help in the operative everyday work and, thus, set the entrepreneur free to focus on the strategic issues of developing the business. Just a few stated that they consider themselves growth-oriented enterprises. They emphasised distinct growth opportunities, such as new confirmed market channels, as a requirement before considering expanding the business. Also, especially dairy and meat processing enterprises found the legislative requirements ambiguous. From the consumers' point of view, however, these results lead to believe that there is a substantial growth to be gained from locality for local primary producers and small-scale local food refiners. Furthermore, the consumers' trust towards the communication of farms has room for improvement and especially the communication of farm enterprises themselves should be given more emphasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In efforts to promote better realisation of business opportunities, government support of formal policy led learning networks among entrepreneurs has been a popular approach worldwide. This article uses survey data from 109 entrepreneurs who took part in formal learning networks to examine how trust in network partners influences the capacity to act upon business opportunities for entrepreneurs. Further, we examine how this influence is moderated by the entrepreneurs' own self-efficacy. Our results support a positive relationship between developing trust in other networking entrepreneurs and the capacity to act upon business opportunities. Self-efficacy was found to moderate this relationship. For entrepreneurs with low self-efficacy, results support an inverted U-shaped relationship, with the greatest outcomes reached with an intermediate level of trust. For entrepreneurs with high self-efficacy, a positive linear relationship is supported. We discuss implications for further research on trust and realisation of opportunities, and for learning network policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a market economy, the entrepreneur is seen as one of the most important vectors. He is actually the person who initiates or takes over a business, but at the same time takes upon himself some risks that most ordinary people would not do it, and sometimes by applying fundamental knowledge in a completely original manner to ensure business success, we can say that it keeps the economical organism dynamic and alive. In practice, careful analysis and lucid assessment of their own skills, abilities and availability of financial resources compared to the requirements to start a business envisaged enable potential entrepreneurs to assess their chances of success in starting and developing business that does not exceed a medium size. This paper takes into account based on the literature, several aspects of the above-mentioned circumscribed theme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Until now, there are some specific constraints that hinder development of solar energy in Egypt. However, Egypt has an adequate sunshine, an extended territory free of inhabitants and the “political will” of its government to reach a share of 20% from RES in the national energy balance by 2020. As a result, the business opportunities for solar energy development in Egypt are really significant. The scope of the paper is to provide insight to the possible investment opportunities of solar energy in Egyptian market, based on a current and wide analysis. Indeed, Egypt is an interesting example to show the practical possibilities of the development of Solar Energy in Southern Mediterranean countries. Based on the excellent collaboration between the European Commission and the Egyptian authorities, the current sector is of high interest for developing European entrepreneurship in Egypt. An appropriate approach was developed for the overview as well as analysis of the business opportunities in Egyptian solar energy market, under the umbrella of a Hellenic Aid programme (2009–2010). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. As a consequence, economic losses caused by natural catastrophes could increase significantly. This will have considerable consequences for the insurance sector. On the one hand, increased risk from weather extremes requires assessing expected changes in damage and including adequate climate change projections in risk management. On the other hand, climate change can also bring new business opportunities for insurers. This paper gives an overview of the consequences of climate change for the insurance sector and discusses several strategies to cope with and adapt to increased risks. The particular focus is on the Dutch insurance sector, as the Netherlands is extremely vulnerable to climate change, especially with regard to extreme precipitation and flooding. Current risk sharing arrangements for weather risks are examined while potential new business opportunities, adaptation strategies, and public–private partnerships are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]