The Monarch Business School Switzerland Research Paper Series (MRPS) (ISSN 2813-2874) creates a forum for the circulation of abstracts, research papers, research proposals, dissertation summaries, thought pieces and case studies on a wide range of business disciplines, written by the School's faculty, doctoral and graduate students in the areas of: General Management, Leadership, Strategy, Entrepreneurship, CSR & Sustainability, Ethics, Catholic Social Thought, Production Management, Data Science, Finance, Innovation, China Business Studies and Women in Management. The over-arching mission of research at Monarch is to help build a more socially equitable and just society for all through management scholarship and the development of socially ethical and responsible business leadership. Established in 2010, Monarch Business School Switzerland is a pioneer of fully online programs and research in management. The School joins academic theory and praxis to develop action oriented business research. With faculty and students from over 90 countires Monarch Business School Switzerland is truly a global management institution. The School offers BBA, MBA, DBA, PhD degrees, as well as nondegree, open enrollment executive education programs.
Youth Entrepreneurship in South Africa and Uganda
Youth entrepreneurship has remained a challenge for young people, communities, and governments alike, although it has been touted as a panacea for poverty alleviation and job creation. In South Africa and Uganda, the contribution of youth- owned enterprises to the gross domestic product remains small. South African youth are said to have limited skills, doubt their entrepreneurial potential, prefer employment, and ultimately lack a clear sense of entrepreneurial identity. In Uganda, less than one-half of the youth see themselves as having the skills to run their own business. Most of the youth operate low-margin businesses, with little differentiation amongst them, only able to take care of their daily needs. The present summary condenses the findings of the doctoral research submitted to Monarch Business School Switzerland on Youth Entrepreneurship in South Africa and Uganda: An Investigation of the Influence of Mental Triggers. The background of the problem, concept of entrepreneurship in general, youth entrepreneurship in particular, including the relevant theoretical domains are discussed. The methodology explored the research design, the rationale for the chosen method, and how it was applied in the research. The data chapter profiled the respondents and presented the data collected under nine thematic codes. The synthesis draws attention to how the data relates to the issues under investigation and presents the research contribution to new knowledge and how it fits within the theory praxis nexus. The summary and conclusion reiterated the key emerging issues and possible areas for further research. The research investigated the influence of mental triggers with the aim of determining how they can be used to promote and develop youth entreprenuerhsip in South Africa and Uganda. The phenomenon of youth entrepreneurship is further defined along with methodological adaptation by using journey mapping to arrive at a new conceptual model that highlights factors related to mental triggers relevant to the promotion and development of youth entrepreneurship. The new conceptual model, which can also be construed as a youth entrepreneurship competency framework may impact aspiring youth entrepreneurs and their businesses and improve the effectiveness of youth entrepreneurship programmes within South Africa and Uganda.
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Intelligence Collection and Ethical Behavior in the Post 9/11 Era
The present summary abridges the research findings of the doctoral research submitted to Monarch Business School Switzerland entitled Intelligence Collection and Ethical Behavior in the Post 9/11 Era. With the rapid technological advances of modern warfare, intelligence operatives face time-sensitive decisions that often carry ethical consequences. Scholarly research on ethics and intelligence gathering has generally lagged behind the update in technical surveillance capabilities and privacy concerns that arose in the post-9/11 era. Researchers have investigated intelligence practices, community responses to surveillance, and projected changes to the intelligence community. However, no study has analyzed the systemic lapses in military leadership that form the foundation of ethical dilemmas within the intelligence community from the perspective of intelligence operatives. The primary purpose of this research is to determine the characteristics of a new ethical communication framework that better describes the relationship between intelligence collection and ethical behavior in a technologically advanced environment. The study offers qualitative research through institutional ethnographic and participant auto-ethnographic approaches to understand the lived experiences of intelligence operatives facing task-related ethical dilemmas. The research instruments included an open-ended research questionnaire and in-depth follow-up interviews to capture the personal beliefs and understanding of current and former intelligence operatives. Statistical and thematic participant interview analysis uncovered the foundational characteristics of a new conceptual model that could better describe the relationship between intelligence collection and ethical behavior in alignment with the operative, mission, and leadership. The research provides a communication framework for the intelligence community and stakeholder groups that aids in disambiguating tasks and orders for those serving in the intelligence community. The Transactional Ethics Communication Framework (TECF) offers an original contribution to the present state of scholarship by scaffolding ethical dilemmas within a dialogic feedback loop between operatives and leadership.
The dismounted solider is faced with many challenges in terms of having an effective and efficient means of carrying load. The solider can be expected to carry up to 120lbs extra weight on top of their current body weight. Furthermore, the solider must travel by foot with this additional weight thorough various dangers and alternative terrains for large distances. In addition, mobile warfare requires more supplementary equipment leading to the solider being unable to manage the overload. Despite of the advances in technology, there has been little progress in understanding the associated physiological and biomechanical aspects of heavy load carriage. The current means of load carriage systems has impeded solider mobility and therefore, has led to lower body injury and in some cases death. There has been little progress within the research made in reducing the impact of solder load. The military is now considering its options to reduce the overall weight by redesigning every item that the soldier carries.
Sprituality in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. There are over 100 types of cancer that can affect anyone regardless of their gender, race, age and/or social status. Adolescents and young adults (AYA) 18-39 years old account for approximately 2% of the Canadian population with cancer. The AYA population is a new and upcoming population facing the physical, mental and emotional effects of the disease of cancer. It appears that insufficient research and resources exist for this understudied population. Cancer is a tragedy at any age but for the AYA population it occurs at a period that should be the one of most active stages of development, family and social life. The purpose of the proposed research is to reflect on how AYA cancer survivors can use spirituality to develop a better outcome and enhance life. A methodology and research design is provided for the further exploration of the population in the field.
Business research scientists strive to conduct studies that not only provide comprehensive multidimensional perspectives of the phenomenon being studied (Boyd, 2000), but also deliver a wealth of unbiased data that can be interpreted with an acceptable degree of confidence (Breitmayer, Ayres, & Knafl, 1993; Jick, 1979). Management practitioners have been increasingly requesting more sophisticated research initiatives that can bridge the theory-praxis gap that has been widening due to the discrepancy between their practical expectations and the simple prescriptive outcomes of academic research (Brodie, Nenonen, Peters, & Storbacka, 2017; Möller & Parvinen, 2015). Monarch Business School Switzerland has developed a multi-disciplinary approach for its scientific research process. The Monarch Standard Research Method (MSRM) assists in the understanding of complex business and management studies as applications of Social Science Research. The MSRM involves a combination of Literature Triangulation, Methodological Triangulation, and a 10-Step Research Process Flow that guarantees a robust method that can be exported for continued use in the practical world.
Factors Affecting Women In Entrepreneurship In Developing Countries
Women Entrepreneurs are understood to be an under-utilized group with significant potential for global and national economic growth and development (Hechevarría, Bullough, Brush, & Edelman, 2019; Sajjad, Kaleem, Chani, & Ahmed, 2020). With the necessary drivers to foster their success, women entrepreneurs could enhance national competitiveness, reduce unemployment, lower poverty and social exclusion, and improve Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Meyer & De Jongh, 2018; Rae, 2015). The McKinsey Global Institute (2015) suggests that by 2025, the global GDP could be increased by $12 trillion by improving women’s access to entrepreneurship opportunities. Elam, et al. (2019) indicate that the percentage of women who seek to establish their own business remains low in most countries, especially in developing economies (GEM, 2018). Notwithstanding the significant potential role of women in entrepreneurship in developing nations (Meyer & De Jongh, 2018), the efforts exerted by governments to support women entrepreneurs and achieve equality in the workplace (ECES, 2019) so far appear to be unsatisfactory (Krumov, et al., 2015). Women entrepreneurs in developing economies face social, economic, and cultural challenges rarely experienced in more developed economies (Marlow & McAdam, 2015). These women seeking self-emloyment reportedly have reduced access to market prospects, credit facilities, business networks, institutional support, and educational and training opportunities (Dheer, Li, & Treviño, 2019). The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region fosters fewer women entrepreneurs than other developing economies (Cawtar, 2007). According to Hassan & Zaharia (2021) and the United Nations Egypt (2016), Egypt has the lowest percentage of women entrepreneurs in the region and ranks amongst the lowest for women in entrepreneurship worldwide (GEM, 2018). Yunis, Hashim, & Anderson (2019) argue that limited research has been dedicated to exploring women in entrepreneurship in developing economies. The contemplated research will attempt to identify the factors affecting women entrepreneurs in Egypt. A research triangulation method will be employed consisting of: 1. An integrated literature review of the academic domains of: Entrepreneurship, Social Justice, and Motivation; 2. A content analysis of professional and quasi- academic literature, and; 3. An interview process of individual women entrepreneurs and mid-level managerial staff of related organizations within the professional field. A phenomenological research strategy that highlights the lived experiences of the subjects will be employed.
The Factors Behind Female Entrepreneurship
Women-owned businesses in the United States have increased dramatically in numbers but remain only 19.9% of all businesses as of 2018 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021). While many external factors play a role, such as lack of financial capital and inadequate support networks, there are personal factors that inhibit a woman from starting a business such as family obligations, lack of confidence and lack of exposure to entrepreneurial experience. Fear of failure is a commonly expressed reason as to why a woman decides against entrepreneurship. Additionally, women entrepreneurs are more likely to have higher levels of agreeableness and neuroticism which can affect their ability to negotiate and manage stress and anxiety (Antoncic, et al., 2015) . In women entrepreneurs, the motivation to pursue entrepreneurship is likely driven by factors of necessity and/or choice (Murray, 2017). However, there are other internal drivers that compel a woman to start her own business. Self-efficacy is the belief in oneself to perform a set of necessary behaviors to produce a desired result (Bandura, 1977). Bandura explains that “The stronger the perceived self-efficacy, the more active the efforts.” (p. 164). Self-efficacy is significant in entrepreneurship as it is related to business creation and success (Brandstatter, 2011 and Rauch & Frese, 2007b). The significance of identifying the factors that prevent or promote entrepreneurial behavior can help create the profile of a successful American female entrepreneur, develop effective tools and resources that address the needs of American women entrepreneurs, and potentially increase the number of American women entrepreneurs in the future. The contemplated research examines the above through a multi-disciplinary focus between virtue epistemology, entrepreneurship theory, personal leadership theory and a gender specific lens. The research will attempt to construct a new development framework that identifies the drivers of success for American women entrepreneurs. Finally, the research aims to provide recommendations on improved and expanded entrepreneurship education and resources for female entrepreneurs in the United States.
Managing The Evolution To A Digital Organization Culture
Organizational culture and effective change are regarded as vital for organizational transformations including digital culture transformations (IGI Global, 2021). According to Henley (2021) adaptive cultures contribute positively to digital transformation. A McKinsey study by Goran, LaBerge and Srinivasan (2017) further highlights that cultural and behavioral practices were rated as the highest and the most significant challenge to attain digital priorities in organizations. The government of Ghana has prioritized digital transformation as a critical national program for national growth and development in partnership with the mobile telephony industry (MTI) (Ministry of Communication and Digitalization, 2021). According to the Ghana Statistical Services (2020), the Information & Communication sector which is predominantly the mobile telephony industry (MTI), income growth contribution grew from 67.6% in quarter one of 2019 to 77.4% in quarter one of 2020. According to Parviainen et al. (2017), digitalization has been identified as one of the major trends changing society and business. The essential component of culture for digitalization in organizations that operate in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) environments is important for understanding the MTI transformation. The contemplated research examines the Ghana MTI digital culture evolution through an analysis of research associated with organizational culture, change, transformation management, leadership, and digital culture. The research will seek to develop a new framework for digital culture essentials to assist a sustainable transformation in the mobile telephony industry in Ghana. Additionally, the research will analyze the impact that a digitally evolved TELCO could have on employee productivity, a digital mindset, adoption to new ways of working, and impact execution. This will be analyzed through a triangulated research method by studying existing academic literature together with company data and interviews of relevant stakeholders.
Leadership Culture as an Antecedent to Innovation
Ireland is an innovation leader according to the Global Innovation Index, and is rated in the top ten consistently across all performance indicators since the report’s inception in 2007 (Dutta et al., 2020). Ireland’s economy is highly globalized (Brennan, 2022). According to the Irish Central Statistics Office, foreign direct investment comprises 288% of Ireland’s GDP1 (Brennan, 2022). In 2019, Ireland exceeded an unprecedented one trillion dollars of FDI. Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, FDI into Ireland rose incrementally by 71 billion euros in 2020, with the technology sector showing particular resilience (Brennan, 2022). The year 2021 continued to see FDI inflows. According to the Industrial Development Authority (IDA), Ireland remains an attractive location for multinational subsidiary operations despite raising its corporate tax rate from 12.5% to 15% in 2021 (Mehboob, 2021). Ireland made this adjustment to align with the minimum European corporate tax rate proposed by the OECD as part of their inclusion framework (Brazys & Regan, 2021; Rootsma, 2021). Ireland’s innovation capacity is cited as a critical strategic pillar attracting multinational investment (Siedschlag et al., 2021). The United States is the largest investor in Ireland accounting for almost three-quarters of total FDI. Ireland’s overall innovation profile is healthy. However, studies concerning the understanding of contributing factors for this success appear limited. A supportive culture that fosters innovation is referred to in the academic literature as an “innovation supportive culture”. Studies to date highlight the central role of leadership in mediating a supportive culture that fosters innovation (Bhutto et al., 2018; Denti & Hemlin, 2012; Soken & Barnes, 2014; Von Stamm, 2009). The contemplated research will explore the impact of the leadership dimensions of trust, power and communication on innovation supportive culture in subsidiaries of US multinational technology companies in Ireland. The research will seek to understand the leadership dimensions between Irish subsidiary leadership and US Headquarter leadership to unpack the effect these dimensions have on levels of subsidiary innovation. The research endeavors to contribute to the innovation literature by responding to the call for a multidimensional exploration of organizational culture (Dobni, 2008) and the multinational subsidiary literature by providing a greater appreciation of the role of innovation supportive culture (Birkenshaw & Hood, 1998). Given Ireland’s economic dependence on multinational investment and its overall innovation success, coupled with the scholarship pointing to leadership as a central mediator of innovation supportive culture, the research may be perceived as a valuable proposition of interest to the IDA, their multinational clients and subsidiary management in Ireland.
Corporate Social Responsibility Into The Future
The discourse on CSR theory has gained a prominent position in general management literature because of societal issues including general unrest, high levels of insecurity, poverty and the backlash against globalization and big business. From a progressive stance, the field of CSR is a vibrant one that shows promising progression and variation. On the one hand, the developmental propensity of CSR is evident through the sanctioning of the CSR concept by transnational organizations and the comprehensive implementation of CSR practices in corporations. On the other hand, the literature developed extensively from its CST origins to the operationalization phase to modern micro-foundations. The discussion undertakes an integrative perspective on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and a progressive perspective on the literature. It is argued that while the cyclical nature of CSR is evident through a return to a focus on micro- foundations found in Bowen’s (1953) person-centric theory, the literature develops subsequently at new levels of analysis. It is further argued that the literature progressed through four stages from rationalization to operationalization as expressed by Henderson (2010) at the societal, institutional and individual levels of analysis. Essential CSR concepts are discussed: the importance of CSR, terminology and literature development, catholic social teaching (CST), origins and context of modern corporate responsibility, foundational scholars, the contrarian argument, corporate social performance (CSP), stakeholder theory, corporate social responsiveness, rectitude and reason, corporate sustainability (CS), corporate citizenship (CC) and micro-CSR.
Leadership as a Process in Dispersed Organizations
The concept of leadership continues to evolve as it undergoes shifts to meet the mounting pressure of a highly competitive, global marketplace. Scholars have recognized this change, arguing that leadership is a fluid process in modern organizational life, moving away from traditional characteristics and role-based paradigms. This contention has merit as businesses embrace decentralized structures in globally distributed organizations. To compete on a global scale, leaders can no longer rely on their titles and positional power to steer followers as this approach limits their capacity to achieve organizational and business objectives. Since leaders are the minority in organizations, leadership as a process offers a pragmatic solution as the leadership function extends to include followers, thereby harnessing full resource capability. The article discusses the concept of leadership as a process arguing its efficacy in dispersed organizations. The dimensions of trust, power and communication are discussed as augmented factors for consideration. Keywords: Leadership as a Process, Decentralized Organizations, Global Economy, Followership, Trust, Power, Communication, Resource Capability, Teamwork.
Assessing Measurement Quality: Reliability And Validity
In this article, assessing measurement quality is closely reviewed. Aiming addressing the goals of the present work, quantitative method has been used. More specifically, the Likert scale questionnaire based on the existing scales was developed and the online survey has been conducted in order to collect the required data. As a part of the nomonological network validity check, three types of validity were tested. Namely, those were content, construct and criterion validity. Apart from that, internal consistency reliability method has been used for the present research. The SPSS software has been used for the analysis. And, the following reliability coefficients were tested: Confidence Interval, Cronbach’s Alpha and Guttman’s Lambdas.
The article brings to the foreground several issues existing within the state of affairs of CSR study that force a re-evaluation of the efforts produced by academics and scholars within the domain. Principally, the issue that academics since the early 1950s have felt the need to take a secular view of an inherently moral discourse is shown to have yielded sparse advances in the field of business in society literature up to present day. Coupled with the application of adherence to anachronistic social myths the domain of CSR study has been stripped of its soul by those very people charged with its livelihood. This fact is illustrated to be the limiting factor behind the study of CSR and the primary reason why many investigators claim that the domain of CSR study is presently bankrupt. The contributions of Dr. Joseph Campbell and his theories of mythos as applied to the domain of CSR studies is highlighted. The premise is addressed that true social change will not take place until society replaces the anachronistic archetypical myths that reinforce the orientation of conflict based economic systems for those of a more cooperative form. Inspiration for change can be found in the timeless writings of major figures such as management Guru Peter Drucker who is shown to have taken a homo-centric view of the practice of management, as compared to the oft-cited writings of Milton Freidman who champions the profit-centered view that tends to deny corporate social responsibility.
A Definitional Review of Economics Through the Application of the Leading Theories and Methodology of The Austrian School
The article examines the shortfalls of traditional definitions of economics from the viewpoint of the Austrian School of Economics as being too narrow and overly mathematical. Important concepts of human action and volition are considered. The discussion centers around the notion that the nature of knowledge within economics is not the same as the hard sciences from where the scientific method originates and that its use in economics is ill-conceived. The study of human action, known as “Praxeology” focusing on the improvement of a person’s situation is considered key to understanding the true nature of economic thought. Concepts of scarcity, time, reason, equilibrium are further discussed. Critical concepts such as Methodological Individualism, Methodological Subjectivism, the Theory of Subjective Value and the Theory of Diminishing Returns are reviewed. The critical concept of Entrepreneurialism and the Entrepreneur with their role in the economy is discussed. The discourse closes with a focus on the Austrian Theory of Price and the Theory of the Business Cycle.
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Reflecting on the Cone (2010) Corporate Citizenship Spectrum as a Framework for Research Relating to Corporate Partnerships in Higher Education
Participation by corporations in supporting higher education remains highly visible and controversial for academicians and practitioners. While best practices can be found, many gray areas exist in the actions and motivations for corporate citizenship behavior in relation to higher education. This paper reflects on the usefulness of the Cone (2010) corporate citizenship spectrum used in Clevenger’s (2014) organizational analysis case study, which examines corporate citizenship through the inter-organizational relationships between a public U.S. doctoral research university and six of its corporate partners. Cone’s spectrum explores four categories: philanthropy, cause-related branding, operational culture, and DNA citizenship ethos. In large part, the spectrum works well to illuminate inter-organizational interactions. However, there are some nuances that challenge the divergence of the four topical areas as well as the convergence within each of the categories.
From Personal To Interpersonal Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an important issue investigated academically since 1950. Many theorists do research related to CSR, its elements and relevant spheres from different viewpoints. Besides all investigations, philosophical-theological teachings can be considered as a resource that can elaborate and enrich the debate. According to this panorama, the person, who detaches from traditional notions of subject, ego, mind, psyche etc., has been introduced as the image and caliph of God. He has at least three different states. These states of the person, which have been named cognitive, emotional and behavioral states, are intertwined and integrative. Society, where the person lives in, then, will be a larger reflection of God. It has three states and works as a whole. Accordingly, theories that neglect the states of society or support dualism and the border between corporations and the person will be replaced by those that go beyond the egoistic-personal state and consider the person’s unity and interpersonal states. As this claim implies, social responsibility should thus be understood in connection with the person’s and the society’s integrative states. It means that CSR theories are obliged to know, love and help society in a way the integrative states of the person and the concept of society as a whole would require. As such, an egoistic-personal-based viewpoint in social responsibility will be replaced by interpersonal-social responsibility that has at least three states. By taking into account the aforementioned states, and the view in which the society is a larger reflection of God, egoistic, (self) love and self-interest standpoints in CSR theories may be replaced by universal-love and social-interest viewpoints respectively.
Corporate Social Responsibility For Tea Plantations In India: A Gandhian Perspective
In recent years, corporate social responsibility has been increasingly studied, discussed, and debated by academic scholars and business practitioners alike. Businesses exist not only to provide goods and services for profit making purpose, but also to make the world a better place. At no time has this become more pertinent than the present when the world has been ravaged by human excesses. There is a growing consensus among business leaders that their success depends not only in profit making but aligning the interests of both the shareholders and the stakeholders (EY, 2017). Businesses are under increasing pressure to not only provide better products, services, prospects, and profits, but also to do something meaningful for employees, workers, suppliers, customers, the environment, and society. The purpose of the contemplated research is to examine how Gandhian principles can shape the business practices of tea corporations for greater impact on the lives and working conditions of tea plantation workers in India. Gandhian principles allow organizations to develop business processes that are based on mindful consumption, sustainable utilization of natural resources, sustainable livelihoods, and equitable distribution of wealth; thereby, directing business leaders to pursue a corporate social responsibility strategy of not only doing good, but also of being good (Diwan, 1982). Gandhian values have the potential to influence businesses to achieve profitability, sustainability, and inclusivity by considering the interactions between individuals, organizations, and the community.
Foreign Direct Investment In South Africa: A Comparative Analysis Of Successful Country Level Programs For The Manufacturing Sector
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is widely regarded as one of the engines for social economic growth, employment, skills and technology transfers (Lessmann, 2013; Akalpler & Hemn, 2017; Hazelhurst, 2011; Tuomi, 2009). More specifically, Mallampally & Sauvent (1999) highlight that FDI can make a considerable contribution to the economic progress of developing countries. A large number of developing countries lack significant domestic savings in order to achieve their internal investment goals, therefore FDI appears to provide a means for this requirement (Levine, 2005; Dupasquier & Osakwe, 2006; Wentzel & Steyn, 2014). The positive social and economic results of FDI are desperately needed by South Africa (Tuomi, 2009). However, Anoosha & Nieuwenhuizen (2019) observe that South Africa has underperformed regarding FDI inflows in comparison to other developing countries. Jordaan (2016) notes that in 2012 South Africa was seen as an attractive investment destination, yet by 2015 had recorded significant declines in FDI by 74%. Moreover, South Africa does have an established FDI program covering special economic zones, reduced corporate tax rates, building and employment allowances (Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, 2021). According to Habanabakize & Muzindutsi (2018), the manufacturing sector remains a key economic area of the South African economy contributing 11.8% in 2019 towards the total GDP of USD 351.4 billion (World Bank, 2021). According to South African Market Insights (2020), the manufacturing sector is seen to be a significant driver for employment and could benefit from increased levels of FDI. The contemplated research examines the above through an analysis of seminal literature related to theories of Social Justice, Corruption and Foreign Direct Investment. The research will attempt to construct a new FDI framework with specific emphasis on increasing FDI inflows to South Africa. Furthermore, the research will analyse the positive effects that FDI could have on economic growth, employment, skills and technology transfers. The above will be researched utilizing a triangulated research method by reviewing existing academic literature along with the analysis of various governmental and company data coupled with interviews of key stakeholders in public and private sectors, the foreign business chambers, commercial banks and companies within South Africa.
Sustainable Rural Poverty Alleviation Programs: A Case Study Of Uganda
The poverty crisis is global with some 689 million people classified as poor, and living on incomes of less than $1.9 a day (The Human Development Report, 2020). Uganda has seen strong economic growth rates over the past decade averaging 5.4% GPD per year, along with a decrease in poverty. Nevertheless, the gains in poverty reduction have not been fairly distributed. This has made some scholars doubt the substantial decline in poverty (Daniels & Amp; Minot, 2014). Despite Uganda's progress in reducing poverty since 1992, there have also been significant movements both into and out of poverty, and a sizeable minority of households have been persistently poor (Okidi and McKay, 2003). Poverty reduction in urban areas has been significant; however, poverty remains firmly rooted in rural areas which are home to 84% of Ugandans. According to Bonger (2002), 27% of all rural citizens, some 8 million men, women, and children still live below the national rural poverty line attributable to the persistent failure of poverty alleviation programs. The contemplated research examines the above by analyzing seminal literature from Poverty Theory, Social Justice Theory, and Sustainability Theory. An attempt to construct a new conceptual model or framework that better explains the characteristics of sustainable rural poverty alleviation programmes for Uganda is the ultimate aim of the research. The above will be analyzed through a triangulated research approach that will review the existing scholarly literature and content analysis of existing data, coupled with interviews with key stakeholders in Uganda.
Promoting Sustainable Growth Through Digital Nation Branding in Central Africa
The debate on economic growth and convergence triggered by the conclusions of Easterly and Levine (1997) about the “African growth tragedy” is still of importance. As Fafchamps (2000) noted, researchers may have been unsuccessful in determining factors enhancing sustainable growth in Africa. Interestingly, as decades of positive foreign direct investments (“FDI”) impacts were combined with a pattern of economic growth without development, the interest in investigating differences in economic outcomes caused by non-economic factors was revived (Acemoglu, Johnson, & Robinson, 2002; De Soto, 2000; OECD, 2013). For Bardy, Drew and Tumenta (2012), since FDI does not always help to reduce imbalances resulting from international business relations, there is a need to also consider their social responsibilities and justice characteristics. Based on the research of Browning (2016), Fan (2006), Szondi (2008) and the conclusions of Fukuyama (2018), it is presumed that building a positive image and trust through nation branding may be an alternative way to attract more sustainable FDI and address the “African growth tragedy hypothesis”. In addition to traditional tools used by governments to influence counterparties and manage the change of collective perception, digital channels, including the internet and social media, could be valuable instruments (Schroeder, 2018; Tuten & Mintu-Wimsatt, 2018; Straker, Wrigley, & Rosemann, 2015). The contemplated research investigates how an integrated nation branding ecosystem using modern instruments of influence may help to change the perception about Africa in general while enhancing sustainable FDI and ultimately fostering sustainable economic growth and development in central Africa in particular. The contemplated research examines perception, influence and trust, sustainable FDI and nation branding in the context of central Africa. This will be achieved through a triangulated approach that comprises a literature review, content analysis and interviews of individuals from government, academia and senior managers from selected organisations. The contemplated research will inform the development of a new conceptual framework for digital nation branding that may positively foster sustainable economic growth and development within central Africa and beyond.
The Importance of Qualitative and Phenomenological Research Methods in Business Studies
An ongoing conflict exists between theory and practice where scholars attempt to maintain practical relevance to their academic studies and business practitioners strive to apply appropriate theory to their businesses (Brower, Abolafia, & Carr, 2000). Most current business research is based on predictive Quantitative rather than exploratory Qualitative methodology (Carrera-Fernández, Guàrdia-Olmos, & Peró-Cebollero, 2014; Molina-Azorin, 2012; Podsakoff, MacKenzie, & Podsakoff, 2016). A growing emphasis is placed on the value of interpretive Qualitative research in providing more insightful and holistic results (Charmaz, 2014; Iamratanakul, 2017; Madill & Gough, 2008; O’Neil & Koekemoer, 2016). Conklin (2007) and (Gibson & Hanes (2003)highlight the significance of Phenomenological research methodology, in its capacity to understand the complexity of human experiences and its potential to bridge the gap between Qualitative researchers and practitioners. Management scholars are increasingly utilizing Phenomenology to reach new insights in areas of decision making based on in-depth human understanding rather than rational and logical processes (Gill, 2014).
Reflection Points On Supply Chain Management Practices During COVID-19
COVID-19 has created many economic disruptions in the way supply chains (SCs) are being managed. The coronaviruses are not new to the world of medicine and these types of viruses have been around for decades. This is an indication that we have not truly eradicated this problem in the past. The rapid spread of the contagion has tremendously impacted supply chains: meat processing, food service, and poultry. The lessons learned from this pandemic can be used in developed and developing countries to highlight essential supply chain management system strategies for future pandemics. This will allow for stronger competitive advantage during crises based on: service, operations, inbound, and outbound logistics.
Healthcare, Covid Best Practices, Supply Chain Management, Essential Workers, Food Supply, Medication, Pandemic Leadership, Decision-making, Coronavirus-19, Supply Shortages, Endemic Viruses
The Value of Medicines: An Investigation of Incorporation of Patient Input into Payer Decisions in the U.S.
Private payers in the U.S undertake drug formulary deliberations routinely to evaluate the value of drugs in different disease areas and decide on their inclusion in drug formulary, which would then make the drug available for patients in need. Payers predominantly consider benefit/risk ratio and treatment cost into their value equation, and seldom consider patient input/preferences and their perception of drug value. The lived experiences of patients as a function of the impact of disease on their health and the impact of medicines to manage their disease burden directly influence their perception of true value of medicines; patient’s value perceptions tend to differ from those of payers and healthcare providers, especially in rare disease (RD) arena, resulting in gaps in stakeholder expectations, behavior (value judgments) and outcome (drug inclusion in the formulary). The present executive summary abridges the research findings of the doctoral research submitted to Monarch Business School Switzerland on “Value of Medicines: An Investigation of Incorporation of Patient Input into Payer Decisions in the U.S”. The introduction presented the background of the problem. In the Literature review, influential authors in the domains of value assessment frameworks (VAFs), ethical decision making (EDM), and corporate social performance (CSP) theories have been reviewed and critiqued. The methodology and data presentation exhibited the research method, design and data collected during the field work component. The theoretical and applied contribution to the domain were revealed in the synthesis and integration. The conclusion indicated recommendations for implementation and identified areas for future investigation. The research focused on the nexus within the academic literature with respect to VAFs, EDM and CSP theories to understand the factors influencing the current payer decision-making process and the lack of incorporation of patient input into that process. The final aim of the research was to develop a pragmatic framework for payer-patient engagement that facilitates incorporation of patient input into payer drug coverage decision-making process in the U.S. The research was believed to be the first to solicit payer and patient perspectives on their drug value perceptions, payer decision-making process, value of consideration of patient input regarding RD drugs, and modalities to incorporate such input into payer decision-making process. In light of utter absence of past research on these topics, this research fills a critical void in the academic literature and offers a pragmatic framework for payers to implement in their organizational settings to strengthen their formulary decisions, improve their social performance and reputation, as well as benefit the customers (patients) they stand to serve.
Recommendations for Expediting the Implementation of the Common Market Protocol in the East African Community
The East African Community (EAC) marks one among many of the efforts of East African countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, Burundi and Rwanda to unite. As far back as the colonial era, these countries sought economic and social integration through the construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway in 1897. The East African Community ratified the Common Market Protocol (CMP) in 2010 with the goal of increasing intra-regional trade by allowing the free movement of factors of production, such as capital, people, goods, and services. The growth in trade through a common market would, in turn, promote the region’s integration. However, the EAC member states are yet to fully embrace the protocol despite the anticipated benefits. The process has dragged on for years due to numerous setbacks. The research analysed the hindrances to the CMP’s full adoption through theories of international trade, regional integration and economic growth while highlighting achievements and solutions towards enhancing the CMP. The research interrogated international business paradigms and noted the dominance of firm level paradigms leaving the emerging interaction paradigm understudied. The research utilised triangulation including a literature review, content analysis, field research findings from questionnaires and the interviewing of selected individuals from the member state governments, regional trade bodies and private sector practitioners across the region. The research used a mixed methods research design with multiple regression for pre-study quantitative findings and interpretative phenomenology for qualitative findings. The findings posit that the Customs Union, EAC passport and free movement of goods are the major achievements, while poor political leadership, divergent national laws and poor physical infrastructure are the major challenges. The research proposes trade liberalization, reconciliation, market-driven cooperation, the principle of subsidiarity and political cooperation as major solutions towards CMP implementation. The commonalities from the data triangulation brought out components that were added by linking the information to formulate the framework for enhancing the implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol. The framework is believed to be the first to illustrate how key stakeholders can work together to propel a regional integration initiative towards a seamless common market. The framework also adds to International Business theory in the understudied emerging interaction paradigm. The implementation framework developed in this research can be useful in ensuring that the EAC achieves its CMP implementation goals. Other regional trading blocs can borrow lessons from the East African Community and use the framework as a guideline to resolve issues related to implementation in their common markets. At present, the newly formed African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) keen on implementing a free trade area across the African continent could also benefit from this framework.
Understanding China’s Foreign Investment Management System and Negative Lists
In recent years China has evaluated its existing foreign investment policies and developed and implemented a structured rule-based investment management system. The new Foreign Investment Law which came into effect per 1 January 2020, which combined with its detailed implementation regulations forms the basic law for foreign investment into China. To manage the inflow and structuring of foreign investments, China operates multiple foreign Investment Negative Lists and Encouraged Lists, which are applicable to foreign investors with an interest to establish an enterprise located in either China or designated national level Pilot Free Trade Zones. In addition, a Market Access Negative List and a Catalogue for Guiding Industry Restructuring is operated, applicable to both foreign and domestic investors. In this article China’s foreign investment management system is introduced to provide foreign investors with a detailed understanding on how the process of investment into China is structured. The steps to be taken by the foreign investor to determine whether the desired investments are possible and which requirements and conditions might apply is discussed in detail.
Ethical and Socioeconomic Considerations in the Biotechnology Debate in Africa
A great deal of international financial and technical support has been provided to Africa to build the capacity of the continent to harness science, technology and innovation opportunities to address critical challenges like food insecurity and malnutrition. However, African countries still remain among the most heavily affected globally by food insecurity and malnutrition (Karikari, Quansah, Emmanuel, & Mohamed, 2015; Mbugua-Gitonga, Mwaura, & Thenya; Chambers, et al., 2014; Abah, Ishaq, & Wada, 2010; Makinde, Luke, & Ambali, 2009). Technologies like modern biotech are tools proposed by developed countries, especially the USA, and also emerging countries like China and Brazil, as a possible solution to climate change impacts and food production challenges (Suliman, Elhassan, Ali, & Kamal, 2015; Wambugu, 2014; Rock & Schurman, 2020; Midling, 2011; Scoones, Amanor, Favareto, & Qi, 2016; Cabral & Shankland, 2013; Abdallah, 2014; Schiek, Hareau, Baguma, & Medakker, 2016). However, despite the great development opportunities offered by biotechnology in the agricultural sector, only a few African states have so far adopted this technology as a production tool. It is believed that this situation is due to the controversy over the safety of the technology, but more importantly, over non-safety aspects such as ethical and socio-economic considerations (SEC). (Juma & Serageldin, 2007; Brooks, 2013; Pixley, et al., 2019; Juma, 2016; Omobowale, Singer, & Daar, 2009). The contemplated research aims to explore the importance of the ethical and SEC in the biotechnology debate in Africa and the role of the new construct of biosafety communication in addressing these non-safety aspects of the technology. The contemplated research investigates the role of the biosafety communication approach in relation with the often-ignored facets of ethical and SEC in biotechnology. The research will be explored through a triangulated research approach that will review the existing academic and scientific literature and content analysis of existing data, as well as interviews with key stakeholders in selected African countries.
Biotechnology Debate, Ethics, Socio-economy, Biosafety Communication, Consensus Building
Multigenerational Leadership: Engagement Of Generation Z Employees
Employee disengagement is a source of trouble for world-wide businesses with 85% of global employees being actively disengaged at work equating to financial consequences of approximately $7 trillion in lost productivity (Sheep, 2006; Harter, 2017). Young employee stigmatization correlated with the lack of research on Generation Z, the youngest generational group of employees penetrating the workforce, results in high organizational turnover, younger employees lacking mentorship and further disengagement (Myers & Sadaghiani, 2010; Marston, 2007; DeLong, 2004). The present executive summary abridges the research findings of the doctoral research submitted to Monarch Business School Switzerland on Multigenerational Leadership: Engagement Of Generation Z Employees Within Romanian Organizations. The introduction presented the background of the problem. In the Literature review, influential authors in the domains of power and conflict resolution, generational theories, theories of leadership and theories of employee engagement have been reviewed and critiqued. The methodology and data presentation exhibited the research method, design and data collected during the field work component. The theoretical and applied contribution to the domain were revealed in the synthesis and integration. The conclusion indicated recommendations for implementation and identified areas for future investigation. The research focused on the nexus within the academic literature with respect to the multigenerational work environment, generational leadership and engagement, Generation Z, power theories and dynamics, the nature of power-based workplace conflict and resolution. The second aim of the research was to investigate the work-related values as well as the leadership preferences of Generation Z employees. The final aim of the research was to develop a model of Multigenerational Leadership that describes the relationship of engagement within multigenerational organizations towards Generation Z employees from a power perspective, introduced as the Ochis Multigenerational Leadership Model. The research was believed to be the first to extract data from the four generational groups constituting the workforce namely Generations X, Y, Z and Boomer and to compare perceptions from Generation Z employees and managers belonging to the older generational groups, uniquely incorporating the micro, meso and macro levels of analysis in the engagement discourse. The research disputed existing literature according to which intergenerational conflict is the result of differences between generational groups and described the power generated conflict between the multigenerational workforces.
A New Career Development Model For South Africa: Addressing Inequity Of The Black WorkForce
It is argued that the Black employee career experience and development is different from that of their Caucasian counterparts due to their socio-economic background in South Africa (Watson & Stead, 2001). This experience results from the emerging Black workforce being subject to the ramifications of historical inequities (De Beer, Rothmann Jr, & Pienaar, 2016). These historical inequities influence various areas of career development such as education, skills development and social networks. The contemplated research examines the above by analysing seminal literature from Employee Wellness Theory, Social Justice Theory and Human Resources Development Theory. The research aims to construct a new conceptual framework that better integrates theory with praxis. In particular, the research examines the influence of historical inequities on employee career development in South Africa through a triangulation research approach, including existing literature review, content analysis of company and government data combined with interviewing selected experts from private sector companies. The envisaged framework may provide a basis for debate, discussion, and support to promote further research in the future.
The case covers the Lakeview Mews residential building fire and subsequent response by the management team in controlling a crisis affecting over 100 families. The case covers issues of management responsibility, stakeholder communication, crisis management and leadership principles.
Crisis Management, Ethics, Corporate Governance, Leadership, Stakeholder Management, Real Estate