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1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 8 November 2011

Najmeh Hafezieh, Peyman Akhavan and Farjam Eshraghian

The purpose of this paper is to explore the process and competitive factors of entrepreneurship in digital space in Iran.

1695

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the process and competitive factors of entrepreneurship in digital space in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

In the last decades, the development and advancement of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the business innovations related to them have defined a new economy which is known as “digital economy”. Establishing and running businesses in this digital space means carrying out a kind of electronic commerce by exploiting the internet and other electronic networks. The new digital economy provides exceptional opportunities for many entrepreneurs to create new ventures in different business areas according to electronic commerce models. Given that researchers in Iran have not studied digital entrepreneurship and there is a great interest in digital entrepreneurship, further research is needed on this subject. According to research in Canada by Carrier et al. on cyber entrepreneurship, the authors used the same method and studied five cases that work in digital entrepreneurship in Iran. In this paper, the authors first review the literature of digital entrepreneurship – digital entrepreneurship framework that include a typology of digital ventures and their characteristics, characteristics of digital entrepreneurs, and the distinctions between digital and traditional entrepreneurship. Then five digital entrepreneurs in Iran were surveyed to explore the process of their entrepreneurship and competitive elements applied by them.

Findings

The most notable contribution of this research is the focus on the process of this type of entrepreneurship and the steps which were used by entrepreneurs. Unlike the traditional forms of entrepreneurship, the entrepreneurs in cyber space in Iran did not examine the feasibility of their projects; also, the identification of a business opportunity created business ideas. Another contribution is that the authors found ten factors as the internet‐based entrepreneurs' competitive elements in Iran, and also found interesting results about characteristics of internet‐based entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This paper provides an overview of internet‐based entrepreneurship in Iran. According to collected information, the authors propose the process of internet‐based entrepreneurship and its competitive elements, and establish a basis for future research.

Details

Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues, vol. 4 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-7983

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 November 2018

Emmanuel Mensah Asiedu, Susan Shortland, Yehia Sabri Nawar, Paul J. Jackson and Laura Baker

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of mobile technology and related service platforms in supporting informal micro-entrepreneurships in rural Ghana. It aims to…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of mobile technology and related service platforms in supporting informal micro-entrepreneurships in rural Ghana. It aims to extend our knowledge through the development of a conceptual model.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design used in-depth semi-structured interviews with five micro-entrepreneurship owners in the Kwahu South District in the Eastern region of Ghana. Identification of potential case firms was facilitated by a local official. Interview data were analysed thematically.

Findings

Mobile technology engendered pride and emotional connectedness and, being easy to use, helped to increase business confidence. Adoption advantages included improved communications with customers and business partners, and effective stock control, providing competitive advantage. Further understanding of mobile technology’s role in improving business processes is needed.

Research limitations/implications

This exploratory research is based on five micro-entrepreneurships in one Ghanaian rural area. Further research is needed using larger samples, additional locations and sectors and larger businesses, to identify other factors influencing mobile technology adoption and associated benefits and problems.

Practical implications

Government policy supporting growth of informal micro-entrepreneurships using mobile phone technology could increase economic advantage. Micro-business owners need education and training in understanding business processes. Telecommunications companies can highlight technological, business and socio-cultural benefits of mobile phone adoption in rural Ghana.

Originality/value

The paper draws upon the experiences of a range of rural-based Ghanaian micro-entrepreneurships to propose a model setting out and linking the technical, business and socio-cultural benefits of mobile phone adoption in supporting business processes.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4604

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2004

Camille Carrier, Louis Raymond and Anissa Eltaief

New information technologies have become the source of a new form of entrepreneurship known as cyberentrepreneurship. The cyberentrepreneur creates a firm that is essentially…

3186

Abstract

New information technologies have become the source of a new form of entrepreneurship known as cyberentrepreneurship. The cyberentrepreneur creates a firm that is essentially founded upon electronic commerce (e‐business start‐up), and whose main activities are based on exploiting networks using Internet technologies. So far, researchers have tended to study entrepreneurship as it is expressed in more traditional business models, even though there is recent interest in technology‐based entrepreneurs. Given that cyberentrepreneurship is still in its emergent phase, further research is needed on the subject. The study described in this paper, an in‐depth exploratory study of five cyberentrepreneurs, was designed to throw more light on cyberentrepreneurial processes and on the competitive elements applied by cyberentrepreneurs in starting up their business.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 10 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 December 2020

Rana Tajvidi and Mina Tajvidi

The sustainable development goals are the plans to accomplish a recovering and more sustainable future for all. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges are more for…

1673

Abstract

Purpose

The sustainable development goals are the plans to accomplish a recovering and more sustainable future for all. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges are more for achieving these goals by entrepreneurship. With the pandemic challenges, new technological advancements have become the foundation of an emerging form of entrepreneurship known as cyber entrepreneurship. Although a small segment of burgeoning literature on this topic has been recently tended to study cyber entrepreneurship, it offers only a partial understanding of those concepts, especially for community engagement in the food industry during the pandemic. This paper aims to explore cyber entrepreneurship in the food industry and its opportunities for entrepreneurs in epidemics such as COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This study using a case study approach identifies and explores the fundamental aspects of cyber entrepreneurship. This study employs empirical research with a holistic overview of the existing literature to define the different forms of entrepreneurship in the current digital age, focusing on COVID-19 implications for cyber entrepreneurship.

Findings

The result of this paper provides a better understanding of a new form of entrepreneurship in cyberspace as innovative practice for firms. This study reveals that cyber entrepreneurship can develop community engagement during pandemic circumstances, such as COVID-19 in the food industry.

Originality/value

This research demonstrates entrepreneurial processes around sustainable business behaviours by focusing on community engagement. It opens a window into the exploration of cyber entrepreneurship in the food industry.

Book part
Publication date: 22 May 2015

Stephen Dobson, Arun Sukumar and Lucian Tipi

There is little doubt that the explosive growth of the cyberspace has provided a wealth of opportunities for a broad range of legal and illegal enterprises. One of the…

Abstract

Purpose

There is little doubt that the explosive growth of the cyberspace has provided a wealth of opportunities for a broad range of legal and illegal enterprises. One of the characteristics of the cyberspace is that it removes many barriers (e.g. geographical, accessing potential customers, cost of entry) from the path of savvy entrepreneurs. As such, a new particular brand of entrepreneurs has been born – these are entrepreneurs working at the limits of legality or plainly outside any legal frameworks. The purpose of this work is to explore the area of illegal cyber-entrepreneurship and to illustrate some of the factors that have contributed to its explosive growth over the last two decades.

Approach

The work is utilising case studies drawn from literature and news sources to illustrate the theoretical concepts that are being explored. The literature consulted in this work supports the discussion around the areas of entrepreneurship, cyberspace and various aspects related to illegal exploitation of the cyberspace.

Findings

The positioning of illegal enterprises within existing theoretical frameworks is explored and a modelling of the characteristics of such enterprises is being proposed. The duality of the opportunities available within the cyberspace is illustrated, with an emphasis on the fact that there will always be a ‘gap’ between the opportunities offered by the cyberspace and the possible illegal nature of some of the entrepreneurial activities that are taking place in this space.

Originality/value

This work explores and positions the illegal entrepreneurial activities taking place in the cyberspace. This contributes to the advancement of knowledge in this area. Given the fast moving nature of this area, there are opportunities for updating this work on a regular basis.

Details

Exploring Criminal and Illegal Enterprise: New Perspectives on Research, Policy & Practice
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78441-551-8

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 November 2021

Jingqin Su, Shuai Zhang and Huanhuan Ma

The purpose of the study is to explore how technological capability and exogenous pressure interactively influence business model (BM) dynamics over time in new technology-based…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to explore how technological capability and exogenous pressure interactively influence business model (BM) dynamics over time in new technology-based ventures.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a longitudinal case study of the BM innovations of a Chinese financial technology venture. The structural approach and temporal bracket are used to analyze and theorize the data.

Findings

The findings indicate that distinct contextual changes impel a firm to refine or abandon existing BMs over time. In different stages, the antecedents interactively influence BM dynamics with three successive patterns, namely pressure dominance, parallel influence and hybrid influence. While both antecedents trigger changes during the initiation and implementation of new BMs, they also serve as the filter and the enabler, respectively, during the ideation and integration of BMs.

Research limitations/implications

The study inductively develops three propositions regarding the relationship between BM dynamics and its antecedents, which is based on the data collected from one single firm. Future research should test the propositions in other domains and take more cross-level antecedents into consideration.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the nascent research stream of BM dynamics by offering in-depth insights into the interaction of internal and external antecedents and by linking the differentiated roles of antecedents to the BM innovation process. The research offers some practical implications for new technology-based ventures seeking to develop BMs in a fast-changing environment.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2023

Wassim Aloulou, Faouzi Ayadi, Veland Ramadani and Léo-Paul Dana

The purpose of this study, based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and digital entrepreneurship literature, is to unveil the role of digital entrepreneurial knowledge and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study, based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and digital entrepreneurship literature, is to unveil the role of digital entrepreneurial knowledge and entrepreneurial role models in shaping digital entrepreneurial intentions (DEIs) among Saudi Youth through a moderated mediation perspective. This study aims to propose that the relationship between digital entrepreneurial knowledge and intention is mediated by main TPB antecedents under the moderating role of entrepreneurial role models.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a sample of 487 Saudi students from three main Saudi public universities located in Riyadh using an online survey questionnaire. By applying SEM, this study builds and tests the measurement and structural models to examine the hypothesised relationships among main variables.

Findings

Results revealed that the main antecedents of TPB (namely, attitudes towards digital entrepreneurship and perceived control behaviour) are significantly related to DEI. In addition, digital entrepreneurial knowledge indicates indirect effects on intentions via these two antecedents. However, entrepreneurial role models exert only a negative and significant moderating effect on the relationship between perceived behaviour control and DEI.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature by showing how most of the TPB antecedents can play a mediating role between digital entrepreneurial knowledge and the intentions of Saud Youth. The main limitation of this study is that it was not possible to generalise the findings. Future research directions are proposed to add new insights.

Practical implications

The results of this study have clear implications for both theory (entrepreneurship scholars) by investigating DEI and its determinants and for practice (entrepreneurship educators and policymakers) by promoting digital entrepreneurship among youth through university-based awareness and building capability programs and curricula.

Originality/value

The study helps to understand the role of digital entrepreneurial knowledge in shaping DEI through the development of an extended TPB intention-based model. The findings also indicate that digital entrepreneurial knowledge has indirect effects on Youth's intentions. The findings show insights related to the influence of entrepreneurial role models on TPB antecedents in the transitional context of Saudi Arabia.

Article
Publication date: 29 June 2012

Peter Balan and Mike Metcalfe

Entrepreneurship education particularly requires student engagement because of the complexity of the entrepreneurship process. The purpose of this paper is to describe how an…

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Abstract

Purpose

Entrepreneurship education particularly requires student engagement because of the complexity of the entrepreneurship process. The purpose of this paper is to describe how an established measure of engagement can be used to identify relevant teaching methods that could be used to engage any group of entrepreneurship students.

Design/methodology/approach

The Australasian Survey of Student Engagement (AUSSE) instrument was used to provide 47 well established engagement criteria. The results from 393 students (33 per cent response rate), and the identification by immersed experts of the criteria that were present in each of six teaching methods, made it possible to calculate a weighted score of engagement contribution for each teaching method.

Findings

This method described in this paper identified, for undergraduate entrepreneurship students, the most engaging teaching methods as well as the least engaging. This approach found that from amongst the particular range of teaching methods in the courses in this case study, poster reports was the most engaging, followed by a team‐based learning method. This approach also identified one teaching method that was not engaging, suggesting it could be discontinued.

Practical implications

These results give entrepreneurship educators with access to engagement data collected by the National Study of Student Engagement (NSSE), or the equivalent AUSSE study, a practical method for assessing and identifying teaching methods for student engagement for their particular profile of students, and in their particular teaching situation.

Originality/value

The application of established measures of engagement is novel and provides insights into specific teaching methods for enhancing the engagement of particular groups of students at the course level. It is a method that could be applied in fields other than entrepreneurship education where NSSE or AUSSE data is available.

Details

Education + Training, vol. 54 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2004

Gerald Vinten and Steve Alcock

Encouraging entrepreneurship has become an accepted wisdom in economic management and government policy. It could only be a matter of time before the world of education was…

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Abstract

Encouraging entrepreneurship has become an accepted wisdom in economic management and government policy. It could only be a matter of time before the world of education was invoked as a means of furthering this end. Business schools have not made the most incisive contribution possible, and there is a significant expectations gap. So as we cascade down to the secondary level, efforts are being made to improve matters. The initiative of the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship is outlined, and research results relating to impact are provided. This is a systematic and comprehensive approach, which started in the USA and has currently spread abroad. It has been well received, and is a suitable means of planting seeds that may come to fruition in later life. It is an action learning approach, which is an excellent vehicle for teaching business studies. It has proved itself in widening access to under‐privileged groups.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 29 April 2016

Farah Naz Baig and Amber Gul Rashid

Entrepreneurship Small Business Management.

Abstract

Subject area

Entrepreneurship Small Business Management.

Study level/applicability

BBA first-year students. The case is positioned at the beginning of the course.

Case overview

Uzma, 25 years, enrolled in the MBA program of a prestigious university of Pakistan and owner of Baker Street, was accustomed to a hectic routine; preparing the orders, sometimes even dropping them at customers doorsteps, university classes, assignments and reports. The only thing which she felt missing from her busy life was good sleep and a great time with her family. Brand Baker Street was developed to provide baking solution to upper echelons for special occasions. The big, moist, chewy, gourmet cookies; rich and gooey brownies; the most decadent, indulgent cookie cakes/brownie cakes; and a lot more other things were developed to create unforgettable moments. Her aim after graduation was to convert her dream of opening a café into a reality. Uzma wondered whether the time was right and most importantly was she ready.

Expected learning outcomes

The case aims to teach the following concepts: female entrepreneurship, its potential and barriers; entrepreneurial marketing; and identify and analyze different variables involved in setting up a small baking business.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

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