This research is concerned with understanding the role of consumer behaviour in microinsurance. There are notable factors such as premium flexibility, household income and marital status which serve as demand determinants of microinsurance; however the ultimate challenge is to influence consumer behaviour enabling growth of this insurance product. An established microinsurance sector results in the financial inclusion of low income consumers currently situated at the Bottom of the Pyramid, this is followed by economic development and subsequently economic growth for the broader society.Data was collected using a questionnaire from participants residing in East Bank, Alexandra, a South African township with a significant number of households in the LSM 1-4. The questionnaire collected data relating to basic financial services, characteristics of the Bottom of the Pyramid, as well as short term microinsurance demand.The findings show an immediate need towards the understanding of consumer behaviour by microinsurance stakeholders, including government and the private sector. It is only through innovation, partnership and low income consumer understanding that the desired levels of microinsurance demand will be attained. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

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A large proportion of the world’s population has neither access to any formal financial services nor access to clean energy. This poorest socio-­‐economic group is called the bottom of the pyramid (BoP). It is recognized that microfinance services offered through microfinance institutions (MFIs) can serve this group and offer them opportunities to end financial poverty. To resolve energy poverty, efficient and renewable energy technologies on micro-­‐scale can be a solution. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, carbon-­‐offsetting measures can be taken. A microenergy project is a combined solution, where MFIs are assisted to give clean energy loans to the BoP. If microfinance is the right channel to provide energy to the bottom of the pyramid (BoP), how are the countries chosen? Which projects fits in? What are the criteria to choose an MFI? What are the conditions needed in relation to the energy sector? This research proposes the Microenergy Atlas as a tool for project implementers with a systematized methodology that addresses these questions and may help decision-­‐making for project planning. Throughout a five-­‐phase process, the Microenergy Atlas screens the listed projects by myclimate according to the MEI’s general objectives. Then, the tool screens microfinance institutions worldwide to select top performers according to MEI’s criteria, and analyses the energy sector of the countries with indicators related to the targeted client. Next, the Atlas places the projects based on specific indicators and finally gives a list of countries with the most favorable conditions to implement a microenergy project along with the potential microfinance institutions and projects. The results shows thirty-­‐seven countries ranked from most favorable to least favorable ones, counting the number of potential institutions and projects that can be done in each country. These results are then compared to actual cases where MicroEnergy International already has had successful experiences in the top-­‐ranked countries. Therefore, this tool can be used as a firsthand guide when choosing a country to have a new microenergy project. / <p>This report concludes the European Joint Master Program of Management and Engineering of Environment and Energy (ME3). It has also been submitted to the coordinating university, Ecole des Mines de Nantes.</p>

Emerging markets (EMs) contribute significantly year-on-year to global gross domestic product (GDP) and continue to offer developed countries huge opportunities such as raw materials and readily available markets for various goods and services produced in developed economies. However, multinational corporations (MNCs) from developed markets operating in emerging countries continue to develop inappropriate perceptions and assumptions influenced by Western imperialist and arrogant attitudes, which carry a very short-term view on the future of developing countries, despite extracting multibillion-dollar profits from these regions. The objectives of the research study were to establish the relationship between strategic management practices (SMPs) and the financial performance of MNCs in emerging markets, by testing, validating the viability and applicability of the SMPs framework and by evaluating SMPs financial contribution to the bottom-line of MNCs. The research study found that for MNCs with comprehensively adopted and implemented the SMPs framework their financial performance continues to improve year on year, depicting a positive relationship between SMPs and overall financial performance of MNCs with business interests in emerging markets. The study, however, concludes that the MNC executives wrong assumptions about emerging countries results in the crafting of strategies within business models that fail to fit in emerging markets. Copyright / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Governments at the bottom of the pyramid are putting an increasing amount of trust inthe private sector to help build infrastructure and alleviate poverty. Therefore, finding better ways to support local entrepreneurial initiatives is crucial. Corporations and organisations alike are starting BoP initiatives to help with these challenges, yet knowledge of how these challenges can best be solved remains underdeveloped. It is suggested that creating shared value through partnerships between corporations and the BoP can help alleviate poverty as well as benefit the corporation. In sharing knowledge and resources with the BoP, corporations can also help develop the entrepreneurial ecosystem in BoP regions. Research regarding entrepreneurial ecosystems in the BoP or the workings of partnerships within BoP markets such as the Sub-Saharan African BoP is scarce. Through a thematic study of perspectives on entrepreneurship and partnerships from three different stakeholder groups active in the Sub-Saharan African BoP market, this study seeks to add to the existing body of literature on entrepreneurial ecosystems and partnerships in BoP markets. Our findings suggest that partnerships between entrepreneurs and corporations could help mitigate some ofthe challenges entrepreneurs face, provided the stakeholders have shared goals and commitment to achieve impactful and mutually beneficial results. Currently, these goals appear to be slightly misaligned.

Business leaders often leave more than half of the world's population the bottom of the pyramid (BOP), a $5-trillion market of potential consumers untapped for products and services on account of failing to see BOP markets as profitable for business, yet business leaders who have managed inclusive BOP marketing in Nigeria have experienced profit margins as high as 120%. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies of business leaders who market to BOP consumers in Nigeria and maintain a profit. The study population consisted of 3 business leaders in the Dallas and Fort Worth metropolitan area who marketed to BOP consumers in Nigeria and maintained a profit. The conceptual framework that grounded the study was BOP marketing theory. Data were collected through semistructured in-depth interviews and company documents, with member checking implemented to strengthen creditability and trustworthiness. Based on the methodological triangulation of the data sources collected, 3 emergent themes were identified following 5 stages of data analysis. The themes were (a) maintain low profit margins in marketing essential items to the BOP in Nigeria, (b) maintain high profit margins in marketing to the non-BOP in Nigeria, and (c) market scaled-down products to the BOP in Nigeria. The findings from this study may contribute to social change by providing insights and strategies for business leaders seeking to prepare for and sustain profitability. The data from this study may contribute to higher profit margins for business leaders as well as job placement and entrepreneurship opportunities for the communities of Nigeria.

With the convergence of banking services and mobile technologies, users are able to conduct banking services at any place and at any time through mobile banking (Gu, Lee&Suh, 2009). This research examines the factors influencing the adoption of mobile banking by the Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) in South Africa, with a special focus on trust, perceived cost and perceived risk including the facets of perceived risks: performance risk, security/privacy risk, time risk, social risk and financial risk. The research model includes the original variables of extended technology acceptance model (TAM2) (Venkatesh&Davis, 2000). Data from this study was collected through a physical hardcopy survey in townships around Gauteng. The research has found that customers in the BOP will consider adopting mobile banking as long as it is perceived to be useful and perceived to be easy to use. But the most critical factor for the customer is cost; the service should be affordable. Furthermore, the mobile banking service providers, both the banks and mobile network providers, should be trusted. Trust was found to be significantly negatively correlated to perceived risk. Thus, trust plays a role in risk mitigation and in enhancing customer loyalty. Copyright / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

The original study on which this study was based on was conducted by Jacob Goldenberg, Sangman Han, Donald R.Lehmann, and Jae Weon Hong and published in 2009. In a slight contrast to Goldenberg et al (2009), this study was conducted among a bottom of the pyramid (BOP) network in South Africa using one non discretionary product whilst the original study was conducted on multiple high tech products in Korea This study explores the role of hubs (people with an outstanding number of social ties) in diffusion and adoption of products. The study was conducted using data on a large network and its adoption of a product (electricity) to identify two types of hubs – innovative and follower hubs and their role in influencing adoption ala Goldenberg et al (2009). Even though hubs are not necessarily opinion leaders nor are they necessarily innovators (as described by Rogers, (1962)) they tend to adopt earlier in the diffusion process. Innovator hubs have a greater impact on speed of adoption whilst Follower hubs have greater impact on the size of the market or total number of adoptions. Interestingly and crucially this early adoption behaviour of hubs can be a useful predictor of future product success. Among BOP network nodes, relationships and trust are important in determining the amount or degree of influence one can exert on a fellow network member. Homogeneity increases trust which in turn impacts the role of a hub as a force of influence. The centrality of hubs to networks is also a factor behind their role as information to the rest of the network passes through them, to a degree giving them control over the dissemination of information. Copyright / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Yes / This paper uses insights from the natural resource-based view (NRBV) to examine the conditions under which proactive environmental strategy (PES) drive firm performance. Using data collected from 266 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Ghana, the results suggest that the impact of PES on firm performance is more pronounced in firms that do not purse bottom of the pyramid (BOP) orientation but not significant for firms pursuing the BOP orientation. Besides, the findings show that the influence of PES on firm performance is amplified for firms adopting imitation orientation but not significant for non-imitation oriented firms. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this research report is focused on stating a case for the strategic value to be gained from an alignment of company strategies with the needs of the bottom of the pyramid (BOP), as well as an analysis of the relationship and conditions of support between the donor and receipient of corporate social investment. The report will focus on the relationship of the business sector with the triple bottom line, more specifically the social development component - the relationship of the recipients with the business reaching out to them; and the contribution it makes to sustainability. Corporate social investment (CSI) is most often measured in non-economic terms. In continuation of establishing the link between CSI and sustainability, the report will: • Provide evidence of the strategic advantage a high emphasis on sustainability initiatives bring about for the business sector. • Address the direct relationship between the economic performance of a company and their corporate social investment achievements. • Highlight the close relation between social and environmental perfonnance of business and the link to continued business competitiveness and long-term sustainability. • Support a better understanding for the need for business and non-profits to form partnerships to add value to the long-term sustainability of communities through CSI. • Highlight the role NGOs and other socially concerned groups can play in engaging with the business sector (CSR Investors) as well as the people at the "Bottom of the Pyramid". • Develop a model for use by any partner on either end of CSI initiatives which will serve as a guideline for mainstreaming CSI. NGOs within the non-profit sector have a very specific role to play in the sustainability context. This statement also translates as to stating that the NGO should be the main partner in linking the business sector with the social development within the community. The role of NGOs, the non-profit sector in the community, is key to corporate companies opening the door to BOP markets. This view is supported by Prahalad and Hart (2005:32) stating that NGOs and other concerned social groupings are by far the lead experimenters in BOP markets. GRI indicators and guidelines playa dominant role in linking social development as component of the triple bottom line to sustainability. This is also confinmed by sustainability reports of a selection of businesses evaluated and compared. The model developed gives attention to the process of embedding CSR in the business profile, with factors influencing this process and activities acting as drivers. The change needed requires a certain quality of leadership, not only from the management of the business, but also from the govemance structure in place. Answering in these requirements will ensure the identification of strategiC issues and effective strategies to address them. The role of indigenous governance systems is highlighted to support the objective of reaching the BOP. The model provides guidance on the calculation of a return on CSR, the indicators of growth and success and the expected outcomes. The task of fitting a non profit organisation to a potential partner in the business sector continues to be a challenge, a strategiC move critical for the long-tenm sustainability of society. It cannot be dealt with in the enclosed boundaries of a research report and is a living activity that needs to be practiced. Innovation, skill, will-power and ethical leadership and govemance will continue to be instrumental for success. It is therefore critical that the buy-in comes from all levels of business, to allow for true sustainability of services and products. Eventually the true measure for success will be the extent to which the BOP benefits from the "exercise" economically and socially, the extent to which the businesses can add to their profit margin with incorporation of serving the BOP. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie navorsingsverslag is om 'n besigheidsaak te staaf. Die fokus is op die verkryging van 'n strategiese waarde uit die ooreenstemming van besigheidstrategiee met die behoeftes van gemeenskappe aan die onderkant van die ekonomiese piramide (BOP). Die fokus is verder op die analise van die verhoudings en voorwaardes vir ondersteuning tussen die gewer en die ontvanger van korporatiewe sosiale beleggings (CSI). Die verslag sal fokus op die verhouding tussen die besigheidsektor en die "triple bottom line", meer spesifiek die sosiale onlwikkelingskomponent - die verhouding tussen die ontvangers en die besighede wat uitreik na hulle; en die bydrae wat dit maak tot volhoubaarheid. Korporatiewe sosiale belegging (CSI) word gewoonlik gemeet in nie-ekonomiese terme. Ter voortsetting van die vestiging van die skakeling tussen CSI en volhoubaarheid, hanteer die verslag ook die volgende: • Dit gee bewyse van die strategiese voordeel wat verkry sal word uit 'n sterk klem op volhoubaarheidinisiatiewe wat voortgebring word vir die besigheidsektor. • Dit spreek die direkte verhouding aan tussen die ekonomiese prestasie van 'n besigheid en hul prestasies op die terrein van CSI. • Dit plaas nadruk op die noue verhouding tussen die sosiale en omgewingsprestasies van die besigheid en die konneksie daarvan met die mededingendheid van die besigheid en langtermynvolhoubaarheid. • Dit ondersteun 'n beter begrip vir die behoeftes van besighede en niewinsgewende organisasies (NGO's) aan vennootskappe ten einde waarde toe te voeg tot langtermynvolhoubaarheid van gemeenskappe deur korporatiewe sosiale beleggings. • Dit beklemtoon die rol wat NGO's en ander sosiale bewustheidsgroepe kan speel wanneer hulle betrokke raak by die besigheidsektor (CSR beleggers), sowel as die mense aan die onderkant van die ekonomiese piramide. • Dit ontwikkel 'n model vir gebruik deur enige vennoot aan enige kant van CSI inisiatiewe wat sal dien as riglyn vir die insluit van CSI in die besigheidshoofstroom. • NGO's binne die kader van die nie-winsmakende sektor het 'n baie spesifieke rol te speel binne die konteks van volhoubaarheid. Hierdie standpuntinname kan ook beteken dat die NGO die hoofvennoot behoort te wees in die skakeling van die besigheidsektor met die sosiale ontwikkeling van die gemeenskap. Die rol van die NGO, die nie-winsgewende sektor in die gemeenskap, is die sleutel tot die ontsluiting van die ekonomiese markte vir gemeenskappe aan die onderkant van die ekonomiese piramide. Hierdie standpunt word ondersteun deur Prahalad en Hart (2005:32) wat dit stel dat nie-winsgewende organisasies en ander sosiale groeperinge die onteenseglike leiers is in eksperimentering binne die BOP markte. GRI (Global Reporting Initiative, ook genoem die GRI Volhoubaarheid Verslagdoening Riglyne) aanwysers en riglyne speel 'n dominante rol in die koppeling van sosiale ontwikkeling as onderdeel van die "triple bottom line" met volhoubaarheid. Dit word bevestig deur die volhoubaarheidsverslae van 'n aantal besighede wat geevalueer en vergelyk is. Die ontwikkelde model gee aandag aan die proses van vaslegging van CSR binne die besigheidsprofiel, saam met die faktore wat hierdie proses beinvloed en die aktiwiteite wat dien as drywers. Die verandering wat benodig word vereis 'n sekere kwaliteit van leierskap, nie alleen in die bestuur van die besigheid nie, maar ook vanuit die regerende strukture wat reeds bestaan. Die identifisering van strategiese sake en effektiewe strategiee verseker dat voldoen word aan bogenoemde vereistes. Die rol van inheemse regerende strukture word beklemtoon in die bereiking van BOP-markte as doelwit. Die model verskaf leiding in die berekening van 'n opbrengs op korporatiewe sosiale verantwoordelikheid (CSR), die aanwysers van groei en sukses en die verwagte resultate. Die taak om 'n nie-winsgewende organisasie in geskikte passing met 'n potensiele vennoot in die besigheidsektor te gee, bly steeds 'n uitdaging, 'n strategiese skuif wat belangrik is vir die langtermynvolhoubaarheid van die gemeenskap. Dit kan nie voldoende hanteer word binne die grense van 'n navorsingsverslag nie en bly 'n lewende aktiwiteit wat voortdurend beoefen moet word. Innovering, vaardigheid, motivering en etiese leierskap en regering sal voortgaan om instrumenteel te wees vir sukses. Dit is daarom uiters belangrik dat die betrokkenheid en inkoop moet kom van al die vlakke van besigheid ten einde die ware volhoubaarheid van dienste en produkte te verseker. Uiteindelik sal die werklike meting van sukses bepaal word volgens die omvang waartoe BOP-markte baat vind by die "oefening", ekonomies sowel as sosiaal - dit is die omvang van waardetoevoeging tot die winste van die besigheid met inbegrip van dienste aan gemeenskappe aan die onderpunt van die ekonomiese piramide.