Browsing by Author "Griffin-EL, Eliada"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Exploratory study to evaluate the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Namibia's manufacturing sector
    (2015) Maponga, Chivimbiso C J L; Griffin-EL, Eliada
    This study sought to explore what is termed the 'entrepreneurial ecosystem' that exists for small businesses operating in the manufacturing sector in Namibia. The objectives were to establish whether there exists a conducive business environment – that is an environment conducive for small businesses in the manufacturing sector to develop networks and build new institutional capabilities. The study also sought to determine if there existed an environment conducive to foster cooperation between different stakeholders in the manufacturing sector in Namibia. Finally the research also sought to make practical recommendations on how stakeholders in the small business sector in Namibia can create an integrated holistic system that encourages a healthy entrepreneurship ecosystem. Through an analysis of literature information provides an overview of the business environment, and through analysis of the primary findings, the researcher shares perception on the ecosystem from the manufacturers themselves. The interviews revealed that the challenges faced by small businesses operating in Windhoek were similar to those documented by existing literature. Of key note however, was the increasing perception of a lack of cooperation between various stakeholders, the government, the private sector, tertiary institution and consumers to make concerted efforts to foster a conducive environment for these small businesses. It is recommended that government initiatives be supported by the private and civil sector – particularly and awareness of and access to funding opportunities, compulsory skills development and training, and capacity building through mentorship and incubation and facilitating market access. The research concludes by suggesting a systematic model that illustrates the relationships (as suggested by the theory and the interviews) between the elements of the ecosystem, as well as recommendations for future research.
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    Network diversity structure closeness and innovation of South African micro-entrepreneurs
    (2014) Griffin-EL, Eliada
    This study qualitatively explores the embeddedness of the innovation process of South African microbusinesses by investigating how small local entrepreneurs in the Greater Johannesburg area utilise their social networks to source entrepreneurial value. A comparative grounded theory analysis enabled the original conceptualisation of Network Diversity Structure and formulates the central proposition that the network dimensions of diversity and closeness enable the innovation process among manufacturing microbusinesses more so than in service microbusinesses. Furthermore, the study proposes that both a structural and relational/experiential dimension of closeness, enables micro-entrepreneurs to create meaning and knowledge collaboratively with other entrepreneurs and actors. This socially facilitated process of exchanging ideas, information, and resources is central to the innovation process of firms traditionally limited by both their size and historical social institutions.
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    A qualitative analysis of social enterprises as mechanisms for boosting agricultural productivity in Kenya
    (2014) Mburu, Shirley Wanjiku; Griffin-EL, Eliada
    With the ever expanding role of social enterprises globally, this research aims to build awareness of the role that social enterprises play in the Kenyan agricultural sector and investigate the factors that influence the development of agricultural social enterprises in Kenya. The data analysed for this study was collected via semi-structured interviews as part of a wider study, 'A case study of health and agriculture social enterprises in Kenya', commissioned by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and implemented by the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business. The writer of this study was part of the team that collected and published the preceding ODI report from the data set now utilised in this study.
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    Social entrepreneurship in Kenya: understanding models, drivers, constraints and opportunities for enhanced impact in healthcare
    (2014) Chater, Rachel; Griffin-EL, Eliada
    Social entrepreneurship is a rising field, gaining momentum and recognition. With the impact it is already having plus its substantial scope for further growth and influence, it is important to understand the dynamics that drive and affect it as well as the ecosystem it sits within. At present, there is very limited research available on social entrepreneurship in a developing country setting and even less on its application within the health sector. Hence, the purpose of this study is to understand the objectives, operations, and challenges of social enterprises in Kenya, with a specific focus on the health sector. As an exploratory study, an open, grounded theory, qualitative approach was adopted to allow the generation of insight into this little understood context. This research presents a set of emerging themes and propositions that answers the primary research question: What drives and affects innovation among social enterprises in Kenya's health sector? Ultimately it provides a theoretical framework that addresses the core concern of establishing a social enterprise that has impact in a developing country's health sector. The themes that emerged from the data throughout the study support the following main conclusions: 1) The character, perspective and experience of the social entrepreneur(s) in combination with the identified needs (opportunities) drive innovation in Kenya's health sector and 2) Challenges, enablers and environmental influencers (infrastructure, regulatory/ political, support and operational) affect the operation and innovation of social enterprises in Kenya's health sector.