Business Environment Research Articles

From challenges to competencies: informal female entrepreneurship in emerging economies

PurposeInformal female entrepreneurs in emerging economies operate in challenging business environments. This research examines the competencies of informal female entrepreneurs (IFEs) to explore how they persist because and despite the unique set of challenges they face.Design/methodology/approachWe undertake a qualitative study focusing on IFE in the Indian context. Using the abilities–motivation–opportunity (AMO) framework as a theoretical lens, we interviewed 14 IFEs to gain insights into their entrepreneurial challenges and understand how they address the challenges.FindingsThe results demonstrate that IFEs are prone to various challenges around the individual level, business challenges on an operating and functional level and other challenges rooted in their business environment. Further, the study sheds light on the competencies of IFEs on three fronts, namely, ability-enhancing competencies, including – technical skills, problem solving, communication and adaptability; motivation-enhancing competencies, including – self-motivation, resilience and optimism and lastly, opportunity-enhancing competencies, including – local-centric approach, networking and resourcefulness.Research limitations/implicationsThe study highlights the nuanced settings of informal female entrepreneurship in an emerging economy context. By highlighting the challenges and competency interplay, our study opens novel avenues for the interrelationships to be studied in further detail.Originality/valueOur study provides close insight into the everyday challenges of IFEs operating in informal economies. Their competencies and perseverance-related attributes contribute to the mainstream entrepreneurship literature, as these entrepreneurs exhibit unique competencies that allow them to thrive in challenging contextual settings. Their willingness to learn new skills, opportunity recognition, motivation and adaptability skills contribute to a better understanding of the phenomenon of informal female entrepreneurship.

Explainable AI for Alzheimer Detection: A Review of Current Methods and Applications

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, marked by cognitive decline and memory loss. Recently, machine learning and deep learning techniques have introduced promising solutions for improving AD detection through MRI, especially in settings where specialists may not be readily available. These techniques offer the potential to assist general practitioners and non-specialists in busy clinical environments. However, the ‘black box’ nature of many AI techniques makes it challenging for non-expert physicians to fully trust their diagnostic accuracy. In this review, we critically evaluate current explainable AI (XAI) methods applied to AD detection and highlight their limitations. In addition, a new interpretability framework, called “Feature-Augmented”, was theoretically designed to improve model interpretability. This approach remains underexplored, primarily due to the scarcity of explainable AD-specific datasets. Furthermore, we underscore the importance of AI models being accurate and explainable, which enhance diagnostic confidence and patient care outcomes.

Evaluation of the Development Effectiveness of Intellectual Property Operation for Science and Technology-based Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: Based on the Research Data of Qinchuangyuan Innovation Driving Platform

Science and technology-based enterprises promote national economic growth and facilitate scientific and technological innovation. This study takes the development of Intellectual Property (IP) operation of science and technology-based enterprises as the research object and constructs a relevant evaluation index system. It also takes the data of 112 small and medium-sized science and technology-based enterprises within the Qinchuangyuan Innovation Driving Platform as an example, conducts statistical analysis and case analysis, and concludes development strategies. The results of the study provide policy suggestions for further strengthening and promoting the development of intellectual property operation by enhancing the efficiency of the IP operation system and policy services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in science and technology, promoting the construction of supporting facilities and improving employee satisfaction; as well as simplifying the IP filing procedures, optimizing the financing environment, and establishing a platform for regular evaluation and information sharing to accelerate the transformation of IP; and at the same time, implementing a mechanism for efficient policy fulfillment and departmental linkages to enhance the implementation of the policies and form a high-quality business environment that will help SMEs in their development and technological innovation of SMEs.

Unlocking Opportunities: How Women Navigate Informal Networks in Saudi Arabia's Evolving Workplace

ABSTRACTIn the context of the Arab countries of the Middle East, Wasta informal networks predominate in the business environment. While historically women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had limited access to informal networks, recent socio‐economic changes have had a positive impact on women's participation in the workplace. This research explores the use of Wasta informal networks by women in the context of the new Saudi workplace based on 26 interviews conducted with Saudi professional women. The findings highlight that, due to the changes in the formal institutions, which in turn impact informal institutions, women are generally afforded more direct access to networks, enabling them to attain jobs and progress their careers. The research also contributes to informal network literature by distinguishing between Wasta (negative practice) and other forms of informal networks (positive/beneficial practice). Suggestions are offered to policymakers, managers, and women practitioners to navigate the use of informal networks and Wasta.

Show Her the Money

Female-founded businesses struggle to attract private investment but seem to attract more within the sport industry. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine this discrepancy and determine what factors contribute to private funding of female-owned sport businesses. This study examined 440 female-founded sport-related businesses with a founding date between 2010-2020 from the Crunchbase database. There was $2.21 billion invested into 207 female-founded sport companies during the identified period. Using multiple logistic regression and signaling theory, results of the study suggest that female founders in sport should focus capital acquisition efforts on revenue-generating business models and successfully pitching investors, as this leads to greater funding. Social network analysis indicates that the investing environment for female sport businesses is loosely connected with a potential role for start-up accelerators. This study helps to further understand the investment environment surrounding women-owned businesses in sport.

TELETRABALHO E SEUS IMPACTOS NOS DIREITOS TRABALHISTAS: NOVAS REALIDADES E REGULAMENTAÇÕES

Currently, with the significant development and expansion of information and communication technologies, the possibility of working from anywhere has become an attractive and promising reality. Through remote work, employees can perform their tasks outside the company's physical environment, which is transforming the landscape of labor relations, bringing both benefits and challenges to employers and employees. Although it has gained momentum in recent years, especially during the pandemic, remote work also raises complex issues regarding labor rights and the necessary regulations to protect both parties. The flexibility offered by this modality requires regulations to protect workers from overwork, provide support for physical and mental health, and ensure that costs are not disproportionately shifted to the employee. The creation of new standards, particularly concerning the right to disconnect and accountability for expenses, is essential to balance the benefits of remote work with the protection of labor rights in this new work reality.

Exploring Internet of Things adoption challenges in manufacturing firms: A Delphi Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process approach.

Innovation is key to gaining a sustainable edge in an increasingly competitive global manufacturing landscape. For Bangladesh's manufacturing sector to survive and thrive in today's cutthroat business environment, adopting transformative technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) is not a luxury but a necessity. This article tackles the formidable task of identifying and comprehensively evaluating the impediments to IoT adoption in the Bangladeshi manufacturing industry. We delve deeply into the complex terrain of IoT adoption challenges by synthesizing expert insights and a meticulously selected body of contemporary literature. We employ a robust methodology combining the Delphi method with the fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process to systematically analyze and prioritize these challenges. Using this methodology, we leveraged the combined expertise of domain specialists and subsequently employed fuzzy logic techniques to address the inherent ambiguities and uncertainties within the data. Our findings highlight this clear path. They reveal that among the myriad barriers, "Lack of top management commitment to implementing new technology" (B10), "High initial implementation investment costs" (B9), and "Risks associated with switching to a new business model" (B7) loom most extensive, demanding immediate attention. These insights are not confined to academia but serve as a pragmatic guide for industrial managers. Armed with the knowledge gleaned from this study, managers can craft tailored strategies, set well-informed priorities, and embark on a transformational journey toward harnessing the vast potential of IoT in the Bangladeshi industrial sector. This article provides a comprehensive understanding of IoT adoption challenges and industry leaders with the tools necessary to navigate these challenges effectively. This strategic navigation, in turn, contributes significantly to enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of Bangladeshi manufacturing in the IoT era.

Beyond the 9-to-5: Unravelling the Pros and Cons of Moonlighting in Today’s Job Market

In current years, moonlighting, defined as the practice of performing multiple tasks simultaneously, has gained prominence as an integral part of the evolving business environment. The first section explains the meaning and theoretical basis of moonlight. We explore its historical background, legal implications, and impact on employee well-being through established research. The second section focuses on our research methodology, highlighting the data selection criteria included in this study, which are carefully detailed. Strong research practices ensure the accuracy of our findings. The third category classifies motivations for moonlight behaviour. From economic incentives to personal preferences, we explore why individuals choose to balance multiple roles. The fourth section includes sector-specific research that sheds light on broad moonlighting across sectors. We explore how moonlight and gig economy trends align with traditional employment models. The relationship between moonlighting and organizational commitment is explored in Section V. We examine whether moonlighting affects loyalty, participation, and performance in an employee’s primary job. Our paper concludes by summarizing the main takeaways and proposing avenues for future research. Moonlighting is a multifaceted phenomenon, and understanding its implications is critical for employees and employers alike. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on career mobility, and provides insights for policy makers, HR professionals, and scholars alike. As organizations adapt to the changing landscape, acknowledging and addressing moonlighting practices becomes essential for sustainable workforce management.

Sustainable Operations of Online and Offline Restaurants: Focusing on Multi-Brand Restaurants

This study investigates the sustainable operations of a multi-brand restaurant that adopts multiple brands in a store, unlike a typical restaurant that operates only a single brand. We introduce five restaurant operation models, including three traditional single-brand ones (offline, online, and multi-channel) and two recent multi-brand restaurants with a single fixed franchise fee and multiple franchise fees proportional to the number of brands. We then investigate the performance of the models in the changing market and cost environments. Through analytical and numerical analyses, we reveal that adopting a multi-brand restaurant does not always guarantee superior profit performance. Such an adoption is recommended under certain conditions, such as when the potential market base is large, consumers are not very price-sensitive, food and delivery costs are low, an increase in food items does not significantly impact process inefficiency, franchise fees are low, or the relative market power of multiple brands is strong. Otherwise, adopting the traditional single-brand restaurant would guarantee better profit performance. Therefore, for a sustainable multi-brand restaurant adoption, it is important to create a business environment that can lower food prices, and a thorough understanding of the decision dynamics related to the number of brands is required.

Strategi Bauran Pemasaran dalam Meningkatkan Volume Penjualan pada Intentions Coffee: Studi Kasus di Kota Pare

This research aims to analyze the marketing strategies used by Intentions Coffee in Pare City to increase its sales volume. This research method uses a descriptive qualitative approach. The sample determination was carried out purposively by analyzing the 7P marketing mix strategy (product, price, place, promotion, pople, physical evidence, process) that had been determined. This research also uses SWOT analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat). SWOT analysis is used to evaluate the impact of strengths and weaknesses on the company's environment as well as opportunities and threats on the company's external environment. By analyzing using the SWOT method, it can produce several alternative strategies for making the right decisions to carry out. The results of this research show that Intentions Coffee has an internal strength of 1.86, a weakness of 0.96, an opportunity of 1.38 and a threat of 1.47. In the SWOT analysis diagram, Intentions Coffee is in quadrant position 2 (two) which can support a diversification strategy by optimizing the strength of the threats it has.

Pengaruh Financial Teknologi, Pengelolaan Keuangan dan Modal Sosial Terhadap Kinerja UMKM di Sentral Grosir Cikarang (SGC)

The study aimed to analyse the impact of financial technology, financial management, and social capital on SME performance. Several factors influence SME performance, including internal funding and external factors. Issues to address include underutilisation of financial technology, ineffective financial management, and lack of utilisation of social capital. This quantitative study collected data via a questionnaire from 60 SME operators using purposive sampling. Data analysis employed multiple linear regression assisted by SPSS. Findings revealed that financial technology, financial management, and social capital positively influence SME performance. This is due to the effective utilisation of technological advancements in business operations significantly enhancing SME performance. Improved financial management enables SMEs to seek funds selectively and use them efficiently. Similarly, building social capital facilitates SME operators' adaptation to their business environment, thereby enhancing SME performance. Recommendations for future research include expanding the scope of study variables, and SMEs should maintain and enhance the factors of financial technology, financial management, and social capital influencing SME performance. With financial technology, SMEs can access financial services more easily, utilise financial management for better record-keeping and calculation, and build social capital to develop their businesses.

Private social media usage of employees: Implications for corporate risk management to protect corporate reputation

In an increasingly complex business environment, risk management has become essential for corporate survival. Given the rapidly changing environmental conditions and trends, new risks are constantly emerging and need to be assessed and managed. The influence of risks extends beyond the corporate sphere, for example, with the private use of social media by employees and the resulting potential damage to the company’s reputation. According to the literature, there is little to no knowledge on this topic. Therefore, in this study, 20 experts at different positions in their companies were interviewed about the significance, handling, mapping, consideration, and measurement of potential reputational risks associated with the private use of social media by employees. The results show that there is a certain awareness of the problem, but only a few mechanisms have been implemented to manage such risks. Based on the findings, risk management measures are identified by examining the employees’ journey, which can be used in operational practice to reduce the risk of potential reputational damage.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Traditional Recruitment and Selection Practices in a Technologically Dominated Economy

In the contemporary business environment, there is a need for firms to plan and implement proactive traditional recruitment and selection, especially regarding employees working in the gig economy. However, the poor handling of traditional recruitment and selection processes can significantly affect the quality of employees and their performance in an organisation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of traditional recruitment and selection practices in a technologically dominated economy. The importance of attracting and selecting a highly skilled workforce in a tight and competitive market has made adopting best practices in recruitment and selection by organisations critical. Firstly, the study highlighted various traditional recruitment and selection methods in organisations. Secondly, the overall recruitment and selection process was identified. Finally, strategies to mitigate the identified challenges faced in the traditional recruitment and selection process were suggested. The study was qualitative, adopting the survey strategy. Purposive was adopted, and hematic was used for data analysis. Findings revealed that traditional recruitment and selection as a practice is important for both employees involved in the gig economy. Importantly, the strategic approach to traditional recruitment and selection practices is vital and should be the cornerstone of any projected recruitment and selection process in a gig economy. Results validate the critical role of the traditional recruitment and selection process in achieving organisational aims and objectives in a technologically dominated economy. The study also proves that collaborative methods are central to the success of any traditional recruitment and selection process. Recommendations affirmed that recruitment and selection should be planned and well implemented. Human resource planning was also measured to be vital and emphasis on significant features of traditional recruitment and selection as a process such as having a place a well and implemented traditional recruitment and selection policy was asserted.

Can improving the business environment narrow the within-firm pay gap? Evidence from data on 233 Chinese cities

This paper investigates the impact of the business environment (BE) on the within-firm pay gap (WFPG) by using data on listed firms from 233 cities in China. The main finding is that a better BE reduces the WFPG between management and regular employees. After a series of endogeneity treatments and robustness tests, this conclusion remains unchanged. The results of mechanism analysis suggest that intensifying market competition and the alleviating agency problems are two important channels for this effect. Heterogeneity tests indicate a stronger effect for non-state owned enterprises, firms with worse governance, and firms in noncompetitive industries. Additional analysis indicates that human resources, the innovation environment, and financial services are the main factors through which the BE affects the WFPG. This paper provides empirical insights for practical application.

The Impact of Country Risk on Innovation: Global Evidence

This article examines the impact of country risk on the level of innovation. Through empirical analysis of unbalanced panel data from 106 countries around the world from 1990 to 2020, we find that reducing country risk has a pro-innovation effect, and this conclusion holds after a series of robustness tests. We also find that the impact of country risk on innovation is more significant in countries with better infrastructure, democracies, lower income, lower political stability, and countries governed by left-wing parties. The impact of country risk on innovation is also more significant in high-tech industries than in traditional manufacturing industries. The mechanism analysis shows that country risk reduction promotes innovation by increasing and improving government efficiency, human capital, and the business environment. This study expands the research areas related to country risk and provides evidence for understanding the relationship between country risk and innovation.

Clean energy challenges and innovation opportunities in Kazakhstan

Abstract Kazakhstan has pledged to transition to a low-carbon economy by implementing national policies and strategies that promote clean energy innovation. However, Kazakhstan is still falling short of its expected targets for energy transition, and there is a lack of knowledge regarding the country’s challenges and opportunities for clean energy development. Towards this end, the current study identifies and assesses the enablers and barriers related to clean energy innovation in Kazakhstan. Using the combination of SWOT analysis, survey data from 41 experts and the DEMATEL decision support tool, we evaluated the key factors affecting Kazakhstan’s clean energy innovation and their implications for energy transition. Assessment results show that the immature business environment, underpinned by technological, institutional, and socioeconomic factors, is perceived as a high-impact constraint for clean energy innovation and green finance deployment in Kazakhstan. Skilled labour shortages, high reliance on hydrocarbons and low retail energy prices are significant challenges to Kazakhstan’s clean energy innovation. The low-profit margin and high investment risk in clean energy projects are identified as transition barriers in the power and energy-intensive industries. In contrast, Kazakhstan’s endowments of resources critical for developing clean energy technologies (rare earth metals, uranium, gas) and the potential of low-carbon investments (e.g. carbon storage) are perceived as prominent enablers of clean energy innovation. Results are consistent across expert subgroups (academia, industry, NGOs, etc). Findings call for policy support to modern and attractive business environments, capacity, and human capital development. The findings can provide helpful insights for countries in Central Asia and beyond with similar socioeconomic structures that aim for a timely energy transition.

Beyond Eradication: Unveiling Local Voices and Proactive Management Strategies for Prosopis juliflora in Eastern Ethiopia's Arid Landscape

The introduction of Prosopis for environmental rehabilitation in Ethiopia's arid regions led to unanticipated consequences. To overcome these challenges, OXFAM introduced a new technology with multiple benefits. This paper examines the local community's perception, the current Prosopis management system, and potential strategies using exploratory research. Data were collected from 55 purposively selected respondents through key informants (09), focus group discussion (05), survey scheduled interviews (13), in-depth household interviews (28), and direct field observation. Data were analyzed thematically and using descriptive statistics. The result of the study revealed that Prosopis is expanding alarmingly in the area. Pastoralist communities in the study area have a negative attitude towards this alien species. The pilot project was found to be essential and supports the government's effort to decrease the Prosopis invasion and provide alternative income sources. The most critical problems that cooperative members faced included access to credit (PCI=39), lack of technical support after the project exits (PCI=32), and the high price of Prosopis pods extraction and charcoal-making machines (PCI=25). The success of the new technologies depends on their acceptance and adoption by the beneficiaries. Therefore, it is crucial to integrate the various efforts made by stakeholders towards sustainable management of Prosopis juliflora. Providing a supportive environment for new businesses during their critical early stages regarding startup capital, market linkage, technical-skill training, and information can help them survive and grow through the vulnerable period. Further projects and interventions should consider using Prosopis for human nutritious foods, medicinal uses, and honey production.

Click and learn: a longitudinal interprofessional case-based sepsis education curriculum

BackgroundSepsis is a global healthcare challenge and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. In the USA, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has integrated the Severe Sepsis and...

Closing the Gap: A Holistic Approach to Leadership Development in Times of Change

Effective leadership is essential for organizations to thrive in today’s fast-paced and complex business environment. However, many companies face critical leadership development gaps, particularly in managing change, attracting and retaining top talent, and fostering diversity. This article examines these challenges and provides actionable strategies for addressing them. Organizations often struggle to cultivate leaders prepared to drive transformation, as traditional leadership programs focus on stability rather than agility. Attracting talent is also hindered by the absence of key leadership qualities like emotional intelligence and collaboration. Furthermore, a lack of diversity in leadership pipelines limits innovation and decision-making capabilities. To overcome these gaps, organizations must foster change leadership through hands-on initiatives and mentoring, develop high-performance cultures that empower and engage employees, and create diverse pipelines by addressing unconscious bias and providing sponsorship programs. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Accenture demonstrate how aligning leadership strategies with modern business needs can drive sustained success. Ultimately, leadership development must be a continuous, integrated effort woven into the organization’s culture to meet evolving challenges and ensure long-term growth.

Corporate Governance and Business Resilience in the Banking Industry

The unstable banking business environment and ethical questions that bedeviled the industry have opened new windows for researchers and policymakers on how best to tackle the menace. But as researchers keep pace on how best banking institutions can remain unperturbed with preparation for future adversities and bearing in mind the shareholders' wealth, the concept of resilience becomes the beacon of hope for managers and directors alike. 139 participants drawn from ten interest-deposit money banks in south-eastern Nigeria were selected for this inquiry. The result of this study demonstrated that corporate governance predicted business resilience positively. It was concluded that corporate governance that is predicated on board independence, board size, board effectiveness, leadership quality, and accountability would strengthen the resilience of interest deposit money banks. This study recommends that managing directors of interest deposit money can leverage corporate governance measures utilized in this study to strengthen the resilience capability of their organisations.