Business Administration Program Research Articles

The potential of virtual internships for management education: capturing student journey through experiential learning

PurposeThe study aimed to capture student experience during virtual internships by identifying the facilitators and barriers during their experiential learning journey. The students were pursuing their Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) program at a business school in India. The authors shed light on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the current education system, specifically experiential learning through virtual internships.Design/methodology/approachAbout 38 Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted from July to September 2022 with the students of a business school located in Pune, India. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed to generate new themes for ascertaining the facilitators and barriers to virtual internships. Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis was undertaken to analyze the lived experiences of the respondents.FindingsStudents viewed virtual internships positively in terms of mentor support, active learning, flexibility, and an easy onboarding process. Poor work-life balance, lack of peer learning and infrastructure issues were some of the barriers/challenges faced by the students.Practical implicationsThe study discusses various managerial and administrative implications. The findings help educationists design effective pedagogy by drawing insights from constructivist learning theory, where students' active role during virtual internships must be given primary attention. Corrective measures in the pedagogy can be taken while designing a virtual internship, considering the barriers found in this study.Originality/valueThe themes identified in the study are a novel contribution to the growing body of knowledge on virtual experiential learning. The study empirically captures student experience regarding a relatively new phenomenon of virtual internships, which is the uniqueness of this paper.

Attributes of Business Administration Graduates from Stakeholder Perspectives: Case Study of Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus

Unemployment of new graduates remains because of a mismatch between employer demands and graduate attributes. To reduce the skills gap, the study programs need to know what attributes are required by stakeholders. This study aims to identify the attributes of business administration graduates based on the requirements of stakeholders, and to determine the importance of the attributes of business administration graduates. The qualitative data was collected from stakeholders consisting of 17 internal stakeholders and 29 external stakeholders. Based on qualitative data analysis approach, the data was analyzed and thematically categorized by researchers. The study found that the importances of both generic and specific attributes of graduates were mentioned by stakeholders. The attributes of business administration graduates include 36 generic attributes and 3 specific attributes. This study suggested that the study programs should integrate the attributes of graduates into curriculum design and provide students with teaching and learning activities that enable them to develop the expected attributes. However, this study investigated graduate attributes specifically for the Bachelor of Business Administration Program, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus. The results of the study may not be generalized to other programs of study or other areas because the required graduate attributes in a specific area can be different than others.

Changing focus: How status affects reputation-based comparisons in the evaluation of organizations

Status and reputation both play important roles in the evaluation and choice of organizations. Status is used as a heuristic in the first stage of a two-stage process when decision-makers select a subset of status-proximate organizations, and cognitively costlier reputation-based comparisons take place in the second stage within this subset. Existing status research assumes that the relative importance of different dimensions of reputation in the second stage is not contingent on the status of the organization that is being evaluated. We argue that this assumption is not warranted. Evidence suggests that high status is associated with a focus on gains and opportunities while low status is associated with a focus on downside risks. Similarly, some dimensions of reputation are associated more with upside opportunities while other dimensions of reputation are associated more with downside risks. Consequently, we argue that the emphasis on reputation dimensions associated with upside opportunities relative to dimensions of reputation associated with downside risks is contingent on status, which provides the evaluation frame. We test our hypothesis and provide empirical evidence consistent with our predictions using a sample of 411,530 US applicants to Master of Business Administration programs.

What matters the most, the assessment method or individual skills in marketing research learning?

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to generate knowledge about assessment methods in blended business education, which have become increasingly important to establish sustainable assessment practices that support knowledge acquisition for undergraduate students in business administration at a Colombian university.Design/methodology/approachFor the analysis, a two groups comparison was performed using a nonequivalent control group design with a sample of 420 students. As this study wants to find insights to improve the knowledge on assessment topics in marketing research (MR) education, it was focused on the students from the business administration program. This study also uses individual scores from the state test as prior cognitive scores and the high school classification provided by the National Ministry of Education in Colombia (2012).FindingsIt was found that the variables that best predict performance on the MR course examinations were the mathematics skills and reading comprehension scores on the state test. The study also showed a better performance of female students on both assessment methods. There were no significant differences between the assessment methods or among the high school levels.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations of this study is the limited number of items on the tests. Additionally, the authors recommend conducting an analysis of the differences between the testing items to provide a detailed explanation of students’ performance when comparing computer-based testing and paper-and-pencil testing.Practical implicationsFurther design of teaching material and assessments online and offline, based on local and regional marketing problems, is suggested. As the current text and readings are more oriented to the English-speaking contexts, most of the problems presented are oriented to multinational companies and brands.Social implicationsInsights into the skills required for future jobs provide valuable guidance (World Economic Forum, 2020). Essential skills for emerging roles, like data scientists, can find robust support within the MR course. To further enrich in-class and online exercises with Excel and SPSS, Colombian educators can leverage data sets obtained from sources like the national statistics office and international market intelligence databases available through the university’s library, including Passport and Statista. Engaging with authentic data sets provides students with a more profound understanding of practical applications in MR.Originality/valueThis approach facilitates the identification of key variables, such as assessment and cognitive abilities in math and reading, which predict students’ knowledge acquisition in MR. It not only offers insights into the relevant factors influencing learning in MR but also provides valuable feedback. Additionally, it suggests potential avenues for future research in this field.

YES: leading a Youth Employment Service towards increasing impact

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes for this case study are as follows: learning outcome 1: evaluate the environmental context of Youth Employment Service (YES) and ascertain whether YES is a social enterprise. Students will provide an analysis of what is happening around the business, and why addressing youth unemployment is an urgent matter to address; learning outcome 2: apply basic financial principles to evaluate the basic profit and loss statement of YES. In a business management class, students need to recognise the importance of applying basic financial principles to ensure the financial sustainability of a business. Therefore, the objective is for students to evaluate the basic profit and loss statement in the case’s exhibit. The focus is not necessarily on the numbers, but rather on the insight that students will gain into the organisation’s strengths and development areas; and learning outcome 3: create recommendations by considering the exploitation of existing opportunities and the exploration of new opportunities to innovate. Students should understand the principles of organisational ambidexterity and provide suggestions on how they can be used by organisations to reshape their desirable future. Case overview/synopsis On 31 March 2022, Leanne Emery Hunter, the chief operating officer of the YES, was considering how YES could increase their impact. Hunter considered how to convince more corporations to sponsor their efforts in creating work experiences for South African youth. In addition to exploiting these efforts that they were already involved with, YES could explore new opportunities to increase their impact, such as focusing on the community hubs and the innovative products they were developing. Expanding YES’s community hubs to serve as support to the youth would require a capital investment in technology and specific skills within the next six months. Hunter, therefore, faced the dilemma of managing the tensions between focusing on YES’s existing offering, which had a social impact, while paying attention to secure their future by focusing on the financial sustainability and expansion of YES. Its ceremonial inauguration in March 2018 was ushered by President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, followed by its registration in October 2018. YES was challenged to look for new ways of creating a proactive growth strategy. YES had a social mission to address youth unemployment, students will, however, need to ascertain whether YES is a social enterprise. The case shares financial results and students have an opportunity to calculate profit and loss and offer recommendations on the financial viability of YES while fulfilling their social mission of contributing to youth employment. Students must give recommendations to resolve the dilemma of Hunter in managing the tension between their existing social impact and the future financial sustainability of the business. Complexity academic level The case is suitable for post-graduate courses in business management in business administration programmes. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.

Reflections and perspectives on accessing informal finance and social capital

Learning outcomes After completion of the case study, students will be able to identify and discuss ways in which informal financing of the kind discussed in the case study can provide new or different opportunities for access to alternative financing schemes; assess the role of“social capital” in micro and small business development and to understand and apply the role of social capital for female entrepreneurs in the Global South; critically analyse and reflect on the new role of digital technologies in challenging traditional patriarchal social norms and exclusion and ultimately be able to evaluate the role of digital technologies in terms of its practical implications for female entrepreneurs; and understand the role played by socio-cultural and historical contexts in female-owned/managed businesses within informal sectors of the economy. Furthermore, the students should be able to discuss how these contexts provide opportunities or challenges for actionable/robust/relevant business plans for female entrepreneurs. Case overview/synopsis This case study aims to create a platform for classroom conversations around: context of entrepreneurship in informal economies, challenges of accessing finance, women entrepreneurship, opportunities of digital entrepreneurship and resource acquisition and social capital. Overall, this case study intends to inspire and cultivate additional voices to advance authentic understanding of informal business practices in the financial sector that go beyond traditional formal western settings. This case study is based on a true story relating to the “sou-sou” financing system – an informal financing scheme – originating from West Africa which has been transported to other parts of the world including Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and other parts of Africa. The characters involve Maria, the main protagonist; Eunice, from LAC; and Fidelia from West Africa. With first-hand information from Eunice and Fidelia, Maria learnt about the ideological principles and the offerings of flexibility, trust, mutual benefits and kinship of the sou-sou system and was inspired to integrate digital technologies as a sustainable game changer for accessing microfinance. This case study draws on the contextual understanding of the economy in the Global South as well as the gender-based aspects of entrepreneurship as key aspects of women entrepreneurship and digital entrepreneurship. The sou-sou system is presented as a practical solution to the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the Global South to access finances, and the integration of digital technologies is considered instrumental not only in reinforcing the traditional system but also in transforming the entrepreneurial prospects for these women. Complexity academic level This teaching activity is aimed at postgraduate students in Master of Management and Master of Business Administration programmes. It can also be used for short executive courses, specialised PhD seminars and advanced bachelor programmes. This case study could be taught in the field of entrepreneurship in areas related to technology, gender, women entrepreneurship and financing in the context of the Global South. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.

Innovative Models of Cooperation between Business Administration Majors in Universities and Enterprises


 
 
 
 University business administration programs strive to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in industry. However, traditional cooperation models between universities and enterprises often fail to offer cutting-edge practical engagement. Through semi-structured interviews with Shandong Province 32 university department heads and business managers along with surveys from 217 students and employees, this mixed methods study aimed to uncover potentially innovative models of collaboration that effectively equip graduates for the modern workplace.
 The key findings reveal 4 collaborative archetypes deemed innovative by over three-fourths of experts, including intensive capstones with partner companies, corporate co-creation of competency frameworks integrated into curricula, rotational cross-appointments of university and company talent, and consortium advisory boards that reciprocally inform program development. Enabling success factors include aligned values, communication structures that mitigate bureaucracy, networks for talent pipeline development, and flexibility in partnership formalization. Challenges center on initial partnership development, ensuring continuity, and measuring outcomes over time horizons longer than typical academic or business quarters. By identifying best practices within these innovative collaboration models, the study provides insight into improving partnerships’ equipping of next generation corporate and entrepreneurial business leaders.
 
 
 

The Implementers' Challenges in The Business Administration Program's Extension Activities

The Implementers' Challenges in The Business Administration Program's Extension Activities

THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FOSTERING ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A USA AND AFRICA REVIEW

This Review explores the crucial role of government policies in fostering entrepreneurship by examining the experiences of the United States (USA) and various African nations. Entrepreneurship is a driving force for economic growth, job creation, and innovation, and government policies play a pivotal role in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape. In the USA, a robust history of entrepreneurial success is attributed in part to supportive government policies. The Review delves into specific policies that have contributed to fostering entrepreneurship, including tax incentives, access to funding through Small Business Administration (SBA) programs, and initiatives promoting innovation and research. The analysis extends to the regulatory environment, emphasizing the importance of flexible regulations that encourage innovation while ensuring consumer protection. Turning attention to Africa, the Review explores the diversity of government approaches across the continent. It considers initiatives implemented by African nations to promote entrepreneurship, such as the establishment of entrepreneurial ecosystems, funding mechanisms for startups, and efforts to streamline regulatory frameworks. The review acknowledges the unique challenges faced by African entrepreneurs, including limited access to capital and infrastructure constraints, and evaluates how government policies aim to address these issues. The comparative analysis highlights lessons that African nations can draw from the USA's successful policies, such as the importance of fostering a culture of innovation, providing targeted financial support, and creating an enabling regulatory environment. Moreover, it emphasizes the need for context-specific policies that consider the unique socio-economic conditions of each African nation. In conclusion, the Review underscores the critical role of government policy in nurturing entrepreneurship, drawing insights from the USA's experience and the varied approaches across African nations. It calls for a nuanced understanding of the diverse African entrepreneurial landscape and encourages policymakers to tailor initiatives that catalyze entrepreneurship, driving economic development across the continent.
 Keywords: Role, Government, Policy, Fostering, Entrepreneurship.

Linguistic and non-linguistic factors impacting EMI academic success: a longitudinal study

AbstractThis study explored changes in English language proficiency and several non-linguistic factors during four years of English medium instruction (EMI) in two academic disciplines in a Turkish university setting. Moreover, it also investigated whether changes (if any) had a predictive impact on the academic success of EMI students. In addition, potential differences between disciplines were also investigated. The participants were 241 EMI students from Business Administration (n = 117) and Mechanical Engineering (n = 124) programmes. Our findings revealed that in addition to the language proficiency scores, various non-linguistic factors, including self-efficacy, ideal L2 self, motivation, self-regulation skills, and anxiety levels, changed throughout EMI education. However, only English proficiency and instrumental motivation emerged as positively significant predictors of EMI success.Our findings also revealed that the increase in participants' intrinsic motivation scores was a significant negative predictor of EMI success. These results are discussed and implications are given regarding the impact of linguistic and non-linguistic factors in EMI contexts.

Self-assessment policy and perspectives for learning and organizational innovation in postgraduation programs in business administration in brazilian northeast region

The objective of this research is to investigate how the Self-Assessment Policy is being implemented and the perspectives for Learning and Organizational Innovation in Postgraduation Programs stricto sensu in Business Administration of public Higher Education Institutions (IES – Instituições de Ensino Superior) in Brazilian Northeast Region. Methodologically, a multi-case study was conducted with four Postgraduation Programs; evidence was produced from interviews and documentary research and treated through Content Analysis. The conclusion is Self-Assessment can be translated into an Organizational Learning process, in which the analysis of the knowledge produced can lead to changes and innovations in the Programs. Elements confirming the perspective of learning, based on facilitating aspects, arranged in four dimensions (Experimentation, Interaction with the external environment, Dialogue, and Participatory decision-making) were identified. There was also an assertive perception regarding the perspectives for Organizational Innovation, highlighting, among other aspects, changes in the training process, approximation to other sectors of civil society, and changes in the management model. The results can help discussions about Self-Assessment in the postgraduation scenario and contribute to insights understanding learning and innovation in Postgraduation Programs beyond isomorphic aspects.

სიცოცხლისუნარიანი საგანმანათლებლო პროგრამების სტრუქტურირება

Educational leaders are questioning the “traditional’ curriculum, does not provide students with the appropriate employment skills for the modern industrial and knowledge economy. The context of this article is the choice of metaphor to best communicate our Master of Business Administration program. Our design is grounded on systems thinking and two important concepts are stressed, organization structure and operational excellence. The article does not justify this design but concerns how best such a design could be communicated to the reaching staff, students and other institutions. Keywords: Employment skills for business, Operational Excellence, Curriculum development.

Tata International Limited: expanding leather footwear in India

Learning outcomes The case study aims to provide students with an understanding of the challenges businesses face expanding into the home market after having an international presence through exports. It also throws light on operations in an emerging market economy – both rural and urban. The key objectives are to understand the leather footwear business operation in India, understand the challenges of expanding business in India, analyse strategies adopted to sustain and compete in India and identify the possible distribution strategies for the leather footwear business in India. Case overview/synopsis The case study focuses on Tata International Limited’s (TIL) leather and leather products business in India. The leather and leather products division was present in India since 1973 (Anand, 2020) and exported to more than 35 countries across the world (Anand, 2020). TIL did not want to miss the opportunity available in India and planned to expand its leather footwear business in the country. The company opened retail outlets in major Indian cities and an experience store in Dewas (Madhya Pradesh) in 2019. It aimed for a domestic presence along with the existing export business. However, the biggest challenge that was in front of V. Muthukumaran, head of leather products division at TIL, was how to go ahead with the idea of domestic expansion (Anand, 2020). Should the company expand the market through sister companies (Westside and Tata CliQ) in India? How and in what way should TIL plan for going through Westside and Tata CLiQ? Should Muthukumaran think of either the brick-and-mortar route or the online route or both? Complexity academic level This case study is designed for use in undergraduate and graduate early-stage programmes. This case study is primarily designed for use in Master of Business Administration and/or Bachelor of Business Administration programmes. The case study is ideal for courses on understanding the expansion in the domestic market, strategy, retail and international marketing. The teaching note discusses theoretical frameworks such as external environment analysis and SWOT analysis to devise distribution strategies. The case study mapped the distribution channel and decision alternatives for the company. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 8: Marketing.

Study on Online Formative Learning Assessment for Effective Measurement of Student Achievement

The influence of COVID-19 has caused an explosion of digital transformation not only in the business sector but also in education. As a result, the digital revolution of education has advanced and we are currently in the era of everyday use of various learning assistance systems and educational support systems that utilize digital technologies, especially in the Master's Degree program in Business Administration at the National University of Laos. This study examines the effectiveness of formative learning assessment in learning support systems that use digital technologies. Digitization of educational support systems has realized not only restrictions related to place and time but also the provision of learning content with high-quality visuals and sound quality compared to conventional web-based training. Formative learning assessment is becoming increasingly important in digitalized learning support systems, as it is essential to measure the learning achievement of students more accurately and in a timely manner. In this research paper, we focus on scoring methods for 4-cmultiple-choice questions and propose a formative learning assessment using an online questionnaire platform. Include a description of the nature of the newly proposed 4-choice multiple-choice scoring method, the implementation of this new scoring approach is expected to considerably improve online learning in the Master's Degree programs in Business Administration at the National University of Laos and other comparable programs. Furthermore, this study contributes to the future evolving digital revolution in education by proposing a new method of scoring the assessment with 4-choice questions for the formative learning assessment process.

Organizational resilience: leadership, operational and individual responses to the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeSince the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, most organizations have experienced a sudden and unprecedented drop in revenue and productivity. However, the pandemic did not exclusively negatively impact organizations; rather, it resulted in both negative and positive effects. To delve into the multi-level process through which organizational outcomes change from negative to positive indicators, this study focuses on organizational resilience as a theoretical concept to overcome pandemic-related turmoil.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a multi-level analysis based on grounded theory with a sample of 30 healthcare employees who worked in hospitals and were simultaneously enrolled in a part-time master of business administration (MBA) program at a university in the Midwest. Of the 30 participants, 21 were from a single university hospital (UH), and the remaining 9 participants were from other hospitals (non-UH).FindingsThe authors analyzed the data and incorporated three existing perspectives of organizational resilience (attribute, process and multi-level views) into an integrated model. The authors identified 25 first-order concepts and 8 second-order themes and categorized them into 4 aggregate dimensions at different unit levels: organizational field, leadership, operation and individual units.Practical implicationsA resilient hospital operates as a cohesive system, with entities at various levels – from individuals and teams to the broader organization – collaborating seamlessly to foster resilience. Top management team (TMT) should persistently communicate with employees to provide information about the current crisis and clear strategic directions to reduce employees' fear and prevent anomie stemming from future uncertainty. Managers should not only be concerned about employees' physical safety from infection and psychological safety from isolation but also encourage employees to elicit meaningfulness from their work. Furthermore, TMT and human resource (HR) teams should adapt human resource management (HRM) practices to allow for flexibility and optimism in employee roles.Originality/valueIn this study, the authors utilized a qualitative methodology with grounded theory in order to develop a comprehensive model that holds theoretical, methodological and practical significance. Theoretically, the authors' novelty lies in the synthesis of three distinct perspectives: attribute, process and multi-level. The authors merged these approaches into a unified model, identifying precursors of resilience at different levels. Methodologically, the authors focused on hospitals as target samples, which were the foremost and representative organizations severely confronting the crisis and turmoil brought by the pandemic. The authors documented organizations' experiences amidst the crisis as they unfolded in real time rather than in hindsight. This approach highlights the immediacy and significance of the authors' research in the realm of crisis management. Practically, the authors' findings illuminate that organizational resilience can be developed through a collaborative effort. It emerges from coordinated interactions across various organizational actors, from employees and middle managers to the TMT.

Mahesh Foundation – care for the uncared

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes of this case study are to identify the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in social upliftment of developing countries, understand the functioning of NGOs, understand the challenges faced by the NGOs in day-to-day operations and discuss the probable solutions for the same, appreciate the role of leader and leadership in an NGO, study the working style of NGO leaders, appreciate the importance of having a formal organizational structure for these informal organizations (NGOs) to ensure the sustainability of their ventures and design a sustainable organization structure having a proper succession plan for the NGOs. Case overview/synopsis The case study is about one NGO – Mahesh Foundation – located in a small town named Belagavi, nestled in the state of Karnataka, India. Mahesh Foundation worked towards the upliftment of poor children infected with HIV. Today, fighting against all odds, Mahesh Foundation is a safe shelter home for 45 HIV-infected children in the age group of 6–18 years and has reached more than 2,000 beneficiaries from the time of its inception (2008). In addition, Mahesh Foundation also provides skill-based education to the HIV-infected, slum and underprivileged children. The foundation also supported the livelihood of underprivileged women and till date has supported more than 1,500 needy women. Mr Mahesh Jadhav, the founder member of Mahesh Foundation, has been successful in overcoming different challenges faced by the NGO, may it be the requirement for funds or shelters or social agitation. However, Jadhav was worried about the succession planning of his organisation. Mahesh Foundation, being run as a one-man show, Jadhav was bothered about its sustainability after him. The case study therefore highlights and discusses the importance of having a formal organization structure for such informal organizations, thereby having a proper succession plan to ensure their perpetual existence. Complexity academic level This case study is best taught as part of a graduate and postgraduate Business Administration (BBA/MBA) programme, Management Development Programme or Executive MBA Programme. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy.

Khushboo Pouch and Packaging – “adapt to change”: a case on succession planning

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes after reading and analysing this case study are dealing with the challenges of family business; learning the importance of succession planning; accepting the next generation and the role of the first generation; and understanding the decision-making skills and roles of the generations in family business. Case overview/synopsis Khushboo Pouch and Packaging was the first-generation initiative of Mr Bhavesh Udeshi. Mitesh Udeshi, son of Bhavesh Udeshi and the business’s sole successor, joined the firm in 2019 after graduating with a Master of Business Administration degree. Mitesh had desired to join his family firm since he was a teenager and aid the business with emerging business ideas. As a fresher, he applied his newly acquired theories to the company’s operations. He initiated several changes in the company; however, his actions were ineffective. He introduced modifications to the business premises, production units, marketing tactics, accounting department and product line extension for two years. Mitesh had intended to restructure his traditional firm in rational and innovative ways, but none of his plans had come to fruition. He failed because the firm’s change management was confronted with denial, rage, bargaining and melancholy from both his father and the employees. Amidst non-acceptance and inconsistency, he found himself in a quandary. He had two options: remain in the family firm and persevere in making his ambitions a reality or resign, find a job and embark on a new path. Unfortunately, leaving would indicate surrendering defeat after a two-year struggle. Study level/applicability Programmes: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programmes, MBA in Entrepreneurship and small businesses, and Post graduate diploma in management (PGDM). Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 3: Entrepreneurship

Appreciating failure and success to help nations unite

Research methodology The author employed a five-step approach: Data (e.g., qualitative primary and secondary data) collection (about a major project at the examined organisation), Critical thinking (in order to determine the dilemma), Setting learning objectives (e.g., with respect to the Bloom's taxonomy), Testing (in order to confirm the teaching plan) (e.g., with research assistants and doctoral candidates), and Ensuring clarity (e.g., especially for the case narrative). Case overview/synopsis The site manager at a UNESCO World Heritage Site by the name Ephesus in Türkiye (Turkey) was considering who would update the site management plan. UNESCO was regularly asking for updates. Would site management outsource the management plan from a firm? For example, the site management had had an outside firm develop the management plan and Ephesus had become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Otherwise, would the site management rely on their own experience this time? Was there another way? Complexity academic level The educators could use the case study to introduce graduate students to “the value conception” in “marketing management” courses and to “the social exchange school of thought” in “marketing theory” courses. The learning objectives develop over the tension between owning and outsourcing main responsibilities of a scientific field as well as the tension between claims and objective evaluations. “The value conception” in “the social exchange school of thought” could improve planning in favour of humanity in a way that the United Nations could recognise (e.g., “value-based planning”). Corresponding discussions motivate a main question about the future: What is marketing for?

Design Thinking in the Executive MBA

This article describes the redesign of a Strategic Vision course in an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program in the United States, and the subsequent use of design thinking as a critical problem-solving tool in the program itself. Using Design Thinking as the curricular framework, this experiential course aims to introduce business executives to solving business challenges through design thinking methodologies. Over eight weeks, student teams work with external project partners to produce creative business solutions to current and complex organizational challenges. Teams are introduced to Design Thinking and practice steps in the Design Thinking process by applying them to a real-life business challenge. Here, we describe the genesis of the course redesign, iterations on its content, and the feedback it has received from students, faculty, and project partners, in the hope that it will contribute to the curation of new design frameworks in higher education.

Amounee, a case for micro entrepreneurship: giving voice to the artisans of the Indian handicrafts industry

Social implications The case projects how a women-led social enterprise provides livelihoods through a digitally operated unique micro-entrepreneurship model for the rural artisans of the Indian handicrafts industry, thus bringing about social change through economic empowerment of the community. Learning outcomes To understand how women entrepreneurship is contributing towards livelihood generation and rural artisan empowerment in India. To understand the make-up of a for-profit social enterprise in the Indian Handicrafts Industry, its challenges and solutions through innovative business. To present the mindset and journey of a woman social entrepreneur. To present and understand the growth and scaling up of such unique social ventures. To understand a unique form of the micro entrepreneurship model being built through digital platforms. Case overview/synopsis The objective of writing this case is to bring out a case of women entrepreneurship in the craft-based industry in India. This case seeks to emphasise on the following learning themes in the area of entrepreneurship: Women entrepreneurship: trials and tribulations. Micro entrepreneurship/rural artisan empowerment. Livelihood generation and upliftment of the rural artisans and revival of dying art and crafts in the Indian craft-based industry. The novel ecommerce and data analytics experience being skilfully incorporated by small enterprises to their vantage and making both the seller’s as well as the buyer’s experience unique. The case highlights how the unique business models of social entrepreneurship through the use of technology bring the digital experience to rural India. Social entrepreneurship. The case narrates the story of a budding social entrepreneur Megha Das who is a textile designer by profession and showcases her journey towards the creation of unique digital platforms which transf Complexity academic level The case has been targeted to be taught in Masters level course in business management/administration, entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, development studies, gender studies, design, etc. Its watered-down version can also be taught in under graduate programs in commerce, business management, business administration, fashion and textile designing, entrepreneurship, development studies, gender studies, etc. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CCS 3: Entrepreneurship.