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Case study
Publication date: 6 September 2022

Ahmed Tolba and Arpi Khatcherian

The case covers several topics such as social entrepreneurship, social innovation, green startups, their marketing and growth. The learning outcomes are as follows: identify the…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

The case covers several topics such as social entrepreneurship, social innovation, green startups, their marketing and growth. The learning outcomes are as follows: identify the characteristics of social entrepreneurs; learn about the concept of social innovation, its challenges and opportunities; apply the concepts environmental sustainability to possible growth strategies; and evaluate the different growth opportunities available to the company in the region.

Case overview/synopsis

The case tells the story of a recently established technology and agriculture startup, Schaduf, founded in Egypt. Their concept mixes tradition with technology to improve the quality of life for city dwellers. Research and development (R&D) plays a big role in this company’s success. Schaduf uses the concepts of soilless farming to grow rooftop crops for low-income households. The company also provides aesthetic solutions for businesses and homes to increase their green spaces. Driven by a desire to transform the monochrome city to a green paradise, two Egyptian entrepreneurs founded Schaduf, an urban micro-farming and eco-friendly venture. The founders of the startup, brothers Sherif and Tarek Hosny, are in the process of expanding their business. They are faced by the dilemma of staying true to their original business concept in developing markets or pursuing other lucrative ventures in more affluent economies. This case offers learners insight into the growth strategy of a social enterprise that relies heavily on R&D to stay ahead of the game. Learners should evaluate the different growth strategies available to the company.

Complexity academic level

The case can be used for senior undergraduate students and at the graduate level in MBA, management, innovation, entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship programs.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2019

Yousra Bakr, Ahmed Tolba and Hakim Meshreki

The study aims to identify and explore the antecedents to short message service (SMS) advertising acceptance as an effect to the entire process of communicating the SMS ad.

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Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to identify and explore the antecedents to short message service (SMS) advertising acceptance as an effect to the entire process of communicating the SMS ad.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a sequential mixed-methods approach, starting with qualitative interviews, to build the research model following the grounded theory approach and then a quantitative survey study to apply the model to two types of ads (discount and notification ads).

Findings

Perceived value, ad trust and channel acceptance are crucial to the attitude towards SMS ads. Relevance, content, brand equity and perceived usefulness are significant triggers to perceived value and trust, with an emphasis on importance of brand equity in trusting discount ads.

Practical/implications

Accurate targeting and personalisation are crucial to ensure that SMS ads are useful and relevant to recipients. SMS advertising is more effective when the recipients are already connected with the brand. Including the brand name as the sender increases both value and trust. Transparency and adequate information are important for gaining trust especially for discount ads.

Originality/value

The study proposes an integrative model for SMS advertising acceptance after a rigorous consideration of all elements in the process of communicating the SMS ad following the GTA. The study also highlights the differences between the acceptance models for discount and notification ads.

Details

Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7122

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2017

Seham Ghalwash, Ahmed Tolba and Ayman Ismail

This study aims to explore the characteristics and backgrounds of social entrepreneurs, particularly in relation to what motivates them to start new social ventures, through an…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the characteristics and backgrounds of social entrepreneurs, particularly in relation to what motivates them to start new social ventures, through an empirical examination of the phenomenon of social entrepreneurship in the specific context of Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a qualitative methodological approach based on a triangulation of data sources, including extensive interviews from five social entrepreneurs, interviews with senior executives in their organisations and industry experts, as well as secondary data.

Findings

The paper proposes a model that integrates common characteristics and motivations among individuals who start social ventures. Findings confirm the characteristics of social entrepreneurs as compassionate risk-takers with entrepreneurial mindsets who seek to address social issues in innovative ways. They also have the perseverance to face the inefficient institutional frameworks prevalent in developing economies. Social entrepreneurs are motivated by social problems and challenges, inspiration, and previous personal experiences, as well as their social networks.

Research limitations/implications

There are limitations pertaining to the limited sample size and single country focus.

Practical implications

This research offers useful and practical insights for current and future social entrepreneurs, particularly in developing economies. Moreover, the study contributes to expanding future research on social entrepreneurship in similar contexts.

Originality/value

This study makes several contributions to the literature on social entrepreneurship. First, by presenting an integrated model for the characteristics/traits and motivations of social entrepreneur. Second, it provides deeper understanding of social entrepreneurship in emerging economies. Third, it highlights the importance of personal inspiration and informal social networks as two sources of motivation for social entrepreneurs, in emerging countries.

Details

Social Enterprise Journal, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-8614

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2009

Ahmed H. Tolba and Salah S. Hassan

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to bridge a gap in literature by defining and operationalizing specific brand equity constructs, and testing the relationships between…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to bridge a gap in literature by defining and operationalizing specific brand equity constructs, and testing the relationships between customer‐based brand equity and brand market performance. Current literature has focused on building and conceptualizing brand equity, there is no consensus on how it should be measured and what constructs should be included in the measurement process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in two phases: a consumer‐level analysis; and a brand‐level analysis. A total of 6,410 observations have been identified (sample size consists of 5,598 usable observations). The second phase involved analyzing the data at the aggregate brand level. Analysis included testing hypotheses on the correlations between customer‐based brand equity constructs and brand market performance. finally, detailed market and country‐of‐origin analyses are presented for managerial considerations.

Findings

Results from the consumer dataset have been averaged by brand (a total of 17 brands covering 76 percent and 75 percent of market shares in both economy and luxury markets). At the consumer‐level, structural equation modeling was conducted to test research hypotheses. Results varied according to consumer usage. Attitudinal loyalty and satisfaction were found the strongest predictors of brand preference and intention to purchase. At the aggregate brand level, correlation analyses supported the hypothesis that customer‐based brand equity constructs are correlated with brand market performance.

Practical implications

Analyses at the consumer and brand levels revealed interesting results about the US automotive market and suggested important managerial considerations. Specific recommendations are offered in order to help companies prioritize their resource utilization and improve their performance in the market.

Originality/value

This study offers a new model that links customer‐based brand equity with brand market performance. It advances both academic and practical findings, and opens the door for new streams of research that link academic models with practical applications. It advances specific practical recommendations to companies and at the same time offers a reliable and valid academic model that could be applied on other industries and countries.

Details

Journal of Product & Brand Management, vol. 18 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1061-0421

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 21 August 2009

Francisco Guzman and Temi Abimbola

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Abstract

Details

Journal of Product & Brand Management, vol. 18 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1061-0421

Content available
Article
Publication date: 7 August 2017

Bob Doherty

400

Abstract

Details

Social Enterprise Journal, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-8614

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 1 November 2023

Hamed Abdelreheem Ead

The purpose of the paper is to showcase the significant achievements of Egypt's scientists in the 20th century across various fields of study such as medicine, physics, chemistry…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to showcase the significant achievements of Egypt's scientists in the 20th century across various fields of study such as medicine, physics, chemistry, biology, math, geology, astronomy and engineering. The paper highlights the struggles and successes of these scientists, as well as the cultural, social and political factors that influenced their lives and work. The aim is to inspire young people to pursue careers in science and make their own contributions to society by presenting these scientists as role models for hard work and dedication. Ultimately, the paper seeks to promote the importance of science and its impact on society.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this review is to present the scientific biographies of Egypt's most distinguished scientists, primarily in the field of Natural Sciences, in a balanced and comprehensive manner. The work is objective, honest and abstract, avoiding any bias or exaggeration. The author provides a clear and concise methodology, including a brief introduction to the scientist and their field of study, an explanation of their major contributions, the impact of their work on society, any challenges or obstacles faced during their career and their lasting legacy. The aim is to showcase the important achievements of these scientists, their impact on their respective fields and to inspire future generations to pursue scientific careers.

Findings

The group of outstanding scientists in 20th century Egypt were shaped by various factors, including familial upbringing, education, society, political and cultural atmosphere and state support for scientific research. These scientists made significant contributions to various academic disciplines, including medicine, physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and engineering. Their impact on their communities and cultures has received international acclaim, making them role models for future generations of scientists and researchers. The history of these scientists highlights the importance of educational investments and supporting scientific research to foster innovation and social progress. The encyclopedia serves as a useful tool for students, instructors and education professionals, preserving Egypt's scientific heritage and honouring the scientists' outstanding accomplishments.

Research limitations/implications

The encyclopedia preserves Egypt's scientific heritage, which has been overlooked for political or other reasons. It is a useful tool for a variety of readers, including students, instructors and education professionals, and it offers insights into universally relevant scientific success factors as well as scientific research methodologies. The encyclopedia honours the outstanding scientific accomplishments of Egyptian researchers and their contributions to the world's scientific community.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this paper are several. First, it highlights the importance of education, family upbringing and societal support for scientific research in fostering innovation and social progress. Second, it underscores the need for continued funding and support for scientific research to maintain and build upon the accomplishments of past generations of scientists. Third, it encourages young people to pursue scientific careers and make their own contributions to society. Fourth, it preserves the scientific heritage of Egypt and honors the contributions of its outstanding scientists. Finally, it serves as a useful tool for students, instructors and education professionals seeking to understand the factors underlying scientific success and research methodologies.

Social implications

The social implications of the paper include promoting national pride and cultural identity, raising awareness of the importance of education and scientific research in driving social progress, inspiring future generations of scientists and researchers, reducing socioeconomic disparities and emphasizing the role of society, politics and culture in shaping scientific researchers' personalities and interests.

Originality/value

The paper's originality/value lies in its comprehensive documentation of the scientific biographies of Egypt's most prominent scientists in the 20th century, providing unique insights into the factors that contributed to their development and their impact across various academic disciplines. It preserves Egypt's scientific heritage and inspires future generations of scientists and researchers through the promotion of educational investments and scientific research. The encyclopedia serves as a useful tool for education professionals seeking to understand scientific success factors and research methodologies, emphasizing the importance of supportive and inclusive environments for scientific development.

Details

Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Sciences, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2632-279X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 March 2020

Ahmed Housni Alsswey, Hosam Al-Samarraie, Fuad Ali El-Qirem, Ahmed Ibrahim Alzahrani and Osama Alfarraj

Designers of mobile applications have long understood the importance of users’ preferences in making the user experience easier, convenient and therefore valuable. The cultural…

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Abstract

Purpose

Designers of mobile applications have long understood the importance of users’ preferences in making the user experience easier, convenient and therefore valuable. The cultural aspects of groups of users are among the key features of users’ design preferences, because each group’s preferences depend on various features that are culturally compatible. The process of integrating culture into the design of a system has always been an important ingredient for effective and interactive human computer interface. This study aims to investigate the design of a mobile health (mHealth) application user interface (UI) based on Arabic culture. It was argued that integrating certain cultural values of specific groups of users into the design of UI would increase their acceptance of the technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 135 users responded to an online survey about their acceptance of a culturally designed mHealth.

Findings

The findings showed that culturally based language, colours, layout and images had a significant relationship with users’ behavioural intention to use the culturally based mHealth UI.

Research limitations/implications

First, the sample and the data collected of this study were restricted to Arab users and Arab culture; therefore, the results cannot be generalized to other cultures and users. Second, the adapted unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model was used in this study instead of the new version, which may expose new perceptions. Third, the cultural aspects of UI design in this study were limited to the images, colours, language and layout.

Practical implications

It encourages UI designers to implement the relevant cultural aspects while developing mobile applications.

Originality/value

Embedding Arab cultural aspects in designing UI for mobile applications to satisfy Arab users and enhance their acceptance toward using mobile applications, which will reflect positively on their lives.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 August 2021

Deepa S.N.

Limitations encountered with the models developed in the previous studies had occurrences of global minima; due to which this study developed a new intelligent ubiquitous…

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Abstract

Purpose

Limitations encountered with the models developed in the previous studies had occurrences of global minima; due to which this study developed a new intelligent ubiquitous computational model that learns with gradient descent learning rule and operates with auto-encoders and decoders to attain better energy optimization. Ubiquitous machine learning computational model process performs training in a better way than regular supervised learning or unsupervised learning computational models with deep learning techniques, resulting in better learning and optimization for the considered problem domain of cloud-based internet-of-things (IOTs). This study aims to improve the network quality and improve the data accuracy rate during the network transmission process using the developed ubiquitous deep learning computational model.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research study, a novel intelligent ubiquitous machine learning computational model is designed and modelled to maintain the optimal energy level of cloud IOTs in sensor network domains. A new intelligent ubiquitous computational model that learns with gradient descent learning rule and operates with auto-encoders and decoders to attain better energy optimization is developed. A new unified deterministic sine-cosine algorithm has been developed in this study for parameter optimization of weight factors in the ubiquitous machine learning model.

Findings

The newly developed ubiquitous model is used for finding network energy and performing its optimization in the considered sensor network model. At the time of progressive simulation, residual energy, network overhead, end-to-end delay, network lifetime and a number of live nodes are evaluated. It is elucidated from the results attained, that the ubiquitous deep learning model resulted in better metrics based on its appropriate cluster selection and minimized route selection mechanism.

Research limitations/implications

In this research study, a novel ubiquitous computing model derived from a new optimization algorithm called a unified deterministic sine-cosine algorithm and deep learning technique was derived and applied for maintaining the optimal energy level of cloud IOTs in sensor networks. The deterministic levy flight concept is applied for developing the new optimization technique and this tends to determine the parametric weight values for the deep learning model. The ubiquitous deep learning model is designed with auto-encoders and decoders and their corresponding layers weights are determined for optimal values with the optimization algorithm. The modelled ubiquitous deep learning approach was applied in this study to determine the network energy consumption rate and thereby optimize the energy level by increasing the lifetime of the sensor network model considered. For all the considered network metrics, the ubiquitous computing model has proved to be effective and versatile than previous approaches from early research studies.

Practical implications

The developed ubiquitous computing model with deep learning techniques can be applied for any type of cloud-assisted IOTs in respect of wireless sensor networks, ad hoc networks, radio access technology networks, heterogeneous networks, etc. Practically, the developed model facilitates computing the optimal energy level of the cloud IOTs for any considered network models and this helps in maintaining a better network lifetime and reducing the end-to-end delay of the networks.

Social implications

The social implication of the proposed research study is that it helps in reducing energy consumption and increases the network lifetime of the cloud IOT based sensor network models. This approach helps the people in large to have a better transmission rate with minimized energy consumption and also reduces the delay in transmission.

Originality/value

In this research study, the network optimization of cloud-assisted IOTs of sensor network models is modelled and analysed using machine learning models as a kind of ubiquitous computing system. Ubiquitous computing models with machine learning techniques develop intelligent systems and enhances the users to make better and faster decisions. In the communication domain, the use of predictive and optimization models created with machine learning accelerates new ways to determine solutions to problems. Considering the importance of learning techniques, the ubiquitous computing model is designed based on a deep learning strategy and the learning mechanism adapts itself to attain a better network optimization model.

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 23 January 2023

Hanan Mahmoud Sayed Agbo

This study focuses on forecasting the price of the most important export crops of vegetables and fruits in Egypt from 2016 to 2030.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study focuses on forecasting the price of the most important export crops of vegetables and fruits in Egypt from 2016 to 2030.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model.

Findings

The results show that ARIMA (1,1,1), ARIMA (2.1,2), ARIMA (1,1,0), ARIMA (1,1,2), ARIMA (0,1,0) and ARIMA (1,1,1) are the most appropriate fitted models to evaluate the volatility of price of green beans, tomatoes, onions, oranges, grapes and strawberries, respectively. The results also revealed the presence of ARCH effect only in the case of Potatoes, hence it is suggested that the GARCH approach be used instead. The GARCH (1,1) is found to be a better model in forecasting price of potatoes.

Originality/value

The study of food price volatility in developing countries is essential, since a significant share of household budgets is spent on food in these economies, so forecasting agricultural prices is a substantial requirement for drawing up many economic plans in the fields of agricultural production, consumption, marketing and trade.

Details

Review of Economics and Political Science, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2356-9980

Keywords

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