Thesis (M.A.)--Florida State University, 2004. / Advisor: Dr. Jonathan Grant, Florida State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Dept. of History. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed June 16, 2004). Includes bibliographical references.

Syfte: Studien avser att skapa en employer branding-modell för att påvisa vilka faktorer företag ska profilera för att attrahera den del av generation y som pågår eftergymnasial utbildning. Frågeställning: Vilka faktorer enligt generation y som pågår eftergymnasial utbildning i städerna Västerås och Eskilstuna attraherar dem till företag? Metod: Studien har använt sig av en deduktiv metodansats med kvantitativ och kvalitativ forskning. Den kvantitativa undersökningen har genomförts med enkäter genomförda på studerande generation y och den kvalitativa undersökningen genomfördes med en intervju på ett företag. Data har sammanställts i SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) för att påvisa vilka statistiska slutsatser som kan säkerställas. Därefter har en rangordning av de mest attraktiva faktorerna skapats som ligger till grund för en employer bradning-modell riktad till företag. Slutsats: Det finns en mängd faktorer som attraherar generation y och de har olika attraktionsförmåga. De statistiskt bevisade faktorerna med hög attraktion är: utveckling och organisationskultur. Statistiskt bevisade mindre attraktiva faktorer i förhållande till resterande faktorer är förmåner och branding. För att vinna war for talent ska företag därför profilera de mest attraktiva faktorerna för att attrahera generation y och stärka sitt employer branding. Företag ska utstråla igenkännande, trovärdighet och personlighet vilket leder till att företag blir ihågkomna av generation y bland mängden av företag. Slutsatserna har summerats i en modell som påvisar vilka faktorer som skapar attraktion till generation y i form av hög-, medel- och låg attraktion. / Reserarch Question: What are the contributing factors that attract the generation y students from the university of Västerås and Eskilstuna to companies? Purpose: The purpose of this bachelor thesis is to form an employer branding model to contribute to the understanding how companies should profile themselves in order to attract students of generation y whom are undergoing studies at a University level. Method: This study used a deductive research approach. Both quantitative and qualitative methods have been used to gather data. The quantitative research was conducted with a survey on generation y in the cities of Västerås and Eskilstuna. The qualitative research was conducted from an interview with a company to find additional factors of attraction. The gathered data has then been analyzed in SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) to determine statistical conclusions. The analyzed data has been ranked from the most attractive factor to the least attractive factor to form a model that explains the attraction levels of different factors. Conclusion: The segment of generation y has a rich quantity of attracting factors ranging from several levels of attraction. The statistically proven data has provided evidence that these factors relate to a high amount of attraction towards development and the organizational culture. The less attractive factors provided by the statistically proven data are the benefits of work and branding. To be able to win the “war for talent”, companies must profile the most attractive factors to interest generation y and strengthen their employer brand towards this segment. Companies that wish to recruit generation y shall radiate recognition, trust and personality so that generation y will remember them amongst other companies.

Social media is the fastest growing communication medium in history. Integrating it into a company’s marketing plan is becoming a necessity, regardless of the size of the company, for marketers to engage populations and promote their brands. This report is a comprehensive look into the implications of using these newer forms of communication for small businesses and organizations. In addition, there is an emphasis on using Facebook as a marketing tool because of its popularity and the capabilities it provides. First, the author will define the parameters of social media and take a brief look at the various platforms that exist. The report will then cover a more extensive overview of digital channels of communication as compared to traditional outlets as well as types of online marketing and advertising. Next the author will write about what all these new channels of communication can do and how small businesses and organizations can properly execute their own social media plans successfully as a way to interact with current and prospective customers. We will look at several examples of how the digital space has been used by other businesses and organizations including The University of Texas’ Advertising Department. The report will conclude with a look at criticisms, growing trends and the future of social media. / text

Since 2007, the number of street food vendors in Austin, Texas has more than doubled. Food trucks in the urban environment have three fundamental roles. They are entrepreneurial start-ups, interim and mobile land uses, and cultural expressions. In these roles, street food vending particularly impacts urban neighborhoods undergoing change. By occupying underutilized lots, activating streetscapes, promoting commercial activity and disseminating culture, mobile food vendors represent an innovative and low cost revitalization tool. In an effort to “catch-up” with the rapidly growing phenomenon, the City of Austin has had know choice but to implement policy and regulation reactively. By conducting in depth interviews and context analysis, this research attempts to answer the question: how might cities proactively leverage the beneficial impacts of mobile food vendors? The thesis culminates in a conceptual demonstration project for Birmingham, Alabama; a city on the cusp of a street food explosion. / text

This study seeks to investigate the challenges facing informal sector micro-enterprises in Newlands West, using the case study of female owned home-based dress making enterprises in the South West of Durban. The investigation, which aims at establishing the historical background to these micro-enterprises, their main activities and their viability, and the challenges they are facing, will be conducted in the context of the broader debate both in South Africa (SA) and globally about the informal sector, to which micro-enterprises would arguably belong. This study also aims to contribute towards research and future policy developments in the field of home-based enterprises. Many of these workers have set-up home-based micro-enterprises as a means of creating employment in order to sustain their livelihoods. The purpose of this study is thus to highlight the potential of these micro-enterprises to create employment and alleviate poverty. The qualitative research method is used in this study. In-depth, semi-structured interviews using purposive sampling were conducted with ten owner-managers. Data was analysed using the constant comparative method of analysis. The conclusion drawn from this study was that these micro-enterprises received hardly any support from the local municipality or provincial government to grow their businesses. The study also found that there is potential for these owner-managers, with appropriate state support, to grow their businesses, make greater profits and create jobs. Some of the recommendations offered in this study include: a system of mentorship should be established to assist informal micro-enterprise owners improve their business acumen. They should be given enterprise support as none of the dressmakers underwent any form of business training. There should be development of the following skills: Financial management, production management, technical training, marketing and sales and understanding the regulatory environment. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007.

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After the collapse of the Soviet Union the former member states have started the transformation process. The transformation process from planned to market economy includes not only the adaptation of the economy to the new market rules but also the profound social and political transformation. For this reason such processes present huge challenges to affected societies. The transformational recession in Georgia was significantly enhanced by the civil war and by ethnic conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. During the ethnic conflicts and civil war the business and technical infrastructure were damaged and most of them were completely destroyed. Poverty and political instability were predominated. The trade relations with the member countries of Council of Mutual Economic Assistance (Comecon) were aborted. Moreover, the conflict in South Ossetia hampered the power supply from Russia and a conflict in Abkhazia, the production and trade with tea and citruses, which were major trade commodities at that time. In the beginning of 90-ies, Georgian government with the assistance of international organizations, such as International Monetary Fund and World Bank started to elaborate political and economical reforms. The reforms included several aspects, such as the transfer of public assets to private through privatization, the liberalization of domestic market and trade and the creation of market-oriented institutions. Because of lack in implementation neither economical nor political transformation has been achieved. For instance, by the begin of market oriented reforms the awareness of policy makers about the importance of entrepreneurship, in particular small and medium ones for the economy was low. The absence of previous experience prevented the elaboration of appropriate policy instruments and methods for the development of competitive market economy. The stimulation of private sector has been generally neglected. This had a severe affect on political, social and economical problems, which still hampers the development of middle class in Georgia. The presented research indicates that productive entrepreneurship is a driving force of an economy. The entrepreneurial activities on the one hand facilitate the resource allocation and on the other through the development of new products and services urge the competition. Furthermore, they contribute to technological improvements through innovation, create jobs and thus boost the economic and social development of a particular region or country. However, it is important that the legal and institutional framework is appropriately settled. Unlike mature market economies, Georgia is not characterized by well-developed sector of small and medium sized businesses. Most existing SMEs are operating in local markets and predominantly in the shadow economy. It is also noteworthy that small business in Georgia belongs to so called “mom and pop” rather than to innovative, growth oriented businesses. They are mostly engaged in trade and craft. In addition of poor performance, the business activity of SMEs is very centralized. The vast majority of them are operating in the capital Tbilisi. The poor performance of small and medium businesses in Georgia and their negligence by the market forces is among others due to the armed conflicts and state failure. As in the beginning of transformation process, down to the present day, the state fails to provide necessary conditions, such as rule of law, the protection of property rights and competition, transparent and uncorrupted public administration. The result is the weak middle class. The weak middle class by itself has a negative impact on economic development and democratization process in Georgia. / Nach dem Zusammenbruch der Sowjetunion haben die ehemaligen Mitgliedstaaten angefangen, ihre Wirtschaftssysteme zu transformieren. Beim Prozess der Transformation von einer Planwirtschaft zu einer Marktwirtschaft handelt es sich um mehr als um einen Prozess der wirtschaftlichen Umwandlung: Er beinhaltete sowohl einen tiefgreifenden sozialen als auch einen politischen Wandel. Aus diesem Grund stellen derartige Transformationsprozesse eine große Herausforderung für die betroffenen Gesellschaften dar. Die transformationsbedingte Rezession in Georgien wurde in der Anfangszeit durch den Bürgerkrieg und ethnische Konflikte wesentlich verstärkt. Im Laufe der Kriegszeit wurden sowohl die technische als auch die geschäftliche Infrastruktur im Wesentlichen zerstört. Es herrschten Armut und politische Instabilität. Die Handelsbeziehungen mit Mitgliedstaaten des Rates für Gegenseitige Wirtschaftshilfe (RGW) wurden abgebrochen. Zudem behinderte einerseits der Krieg in Südossetien Energielieferungen aus Russland andererseits schwächte der Krieg in Abchasien die Produktion von Zitrusgewächsen und Tee sowie den Handel mit ihnen. Diese Produkte gehörten damals zu den wesentlichen Exportgütern von Georgien. Im Jahr 1994 wurden die marktwirtschaftlichen Reformen in Georgien durch den Internationalen Währungsfonds und die Weltbank unterstützt. Die Unterstützungsmaßnahmen konzentrierten sich zunächst auf den Privatisierungsprozess, auf die Stabilisierung und die Liberalisierung der Märkte. Die Stabilisierungs-und Liberalisierungsmaßnahmen wurden durch diese Unterstützung effektiv durchgeführt. Dadurch wurde ein gewisses Maß an wirtschaftlicher Stabilisierung erreicht, was jedoch die Privatisierung anbetrifft, blieben die Ergebnisse des Prozesses insgesamt mangelhaft. Es ist ganz offensichtlich, dass mit dem Beginn der marktwirtschaftlichen Reformen das Bewusstsein für die volkswirtschaftliche Bedeutung des Unternehmertums, insbesondere der KMU, unter den politischen Entscheidungsträgern allerdings nicht mit der notwendigen Geschwindigkeit gewachsen ist. Die Rolle der kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen für die Volkswirtschaft sowie die Instrumente und Methoden, um eine moderne wettbewerbsfähige Marktwirtschaft aufzubauen und institutionell zu kräftigen, waren den Entscheidungsträgern in den Georgien aus Mangel an früheren Erfahrungen zunächst unbekannt. Deswegen wurde es versäumt, Maßnahmen zur Förderung der kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen zu erarbeiten. Dies führt bis heute zu transformationsbedingten politischen, wirtschaftlichen und sozialen Problemen, welche die Entstehung eines starken Mittelstands bremsen. Die Ergebnisse der Forschung zeigen, dass auf die makroökonomische Ebene bezogen das produktive „Entrepreneurship“ einen Schlüssel zu Wachstum und Dynamik der Wirtschaft darstellt. Unternehmerische Aktivitäten ermöglichen einerseits eine effiziente Allokation der Ressourcen, andererseits treiben sie durch die Entwicklung neuer Produkte und Dienstleistungen den Wettbewerb an. Darüber hinaus erfüllen sie im praktischen Wirtschaftsleben aber noch weitere wichtige Funktionen: Vor allem gewährleisten sie den technischen Fortschritt, indem sie Innovationen durchsetzen, sie tragen zum Entstehen von Arbeitsplätzen bei und beschleunigen die wirtschaftliche und gesellschaftliche Entwicklung, indem sie brach liegende Potenziale mobilisieren. Es ist jedoch unbedingt notwendig, dass die rechtlichen und institutionellen Rahmenbedingungen korrekt festgesetzt sind, damit die Entrepreneure diese Ziele erreichen können. Die Analyse des Status quo in Georgien hat verdeutlicht, dass die überwiegende Zahl der kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen in den Bereichen Handel und Dienstleistungen beschäftigt ist. Die Tätigkeit von vielen davon ist eher als „Proprietorship“ statt „Entrepreneurship“ zu charakterisieren. Die Ursache, dass sich in Georgien eine unproduktive Form unternehmerischer Tätigkeit entwickelt hat, ist u. a. auf Staatsversagen zurückzuführen. Wie in der Anfangsphase versagt der Staat bis heute bei der Bereitstellung der notwendigen Rahmenbedingungen und der Festlegung gerechter Spielregeln, und darunter leiden kleine und mittlere Unternehmen stärker als die großen. Da die notwendigen Rahmenbedingungen in Georgien noch nicht im gewünschten Maße bereitgestellt sind, und die Institutionen einfach fehlen, erschwert das weiter die Funktion der Märkte, sodass die kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen auch durch die Märkte benachteiligt werden.

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Syftet med studien är att få en djupare förståelse för hur användare av sociala medier förhåller sig till, och varför de väljer att följa företagssidor i sociala medier, vad de förväntar sig av dem samt hur de upplever företagens ständiga närvaro. Vi har undersökt detta utifrån en kvalitativ ansats och har använt fokusgrupper för att samla in studiens empiriska material. Fokusgruppsintervjuerna är semistrukturerade då detta anses vara lämpligt för att fånga in så mycket som möjligt av ämnet samtidigt som deltagarna får möjlighet att diskutera fritt. Det teoretiska ramverk som används i denna studie omfattar konsumentattityder, konsumentbeteende, skapande av image genom varumärken och word of mouth i sociala medier. Våra resultat visar att de största anledningarna till att deltagarna följer företag i sociala medier är för att få tillgång till information och inspiration samt ta del av underhållning. Majoriteten av deltagarna följer även företag för att få någonting tillbaka i form av tjänster, rabatter eller erbjudanden. Image är en avgörande faktor till varför deltagarna väljer att inte följa företagssidor. Den mest återkommande förväntan deltagarna har är att företagssidorna ska ge möjlighet till en tvåvägskommunikation, att företag ska svara på användares kommentarer samt att deras svar är relevanta. Deltagarna ställer sig generellt sett positiva till företags närvaro i sociala medier, främst för att detta ger dem möjlighet att påverka företag genom att framföra sina åsikter och kritik samt ta del av andra användares kommentarer. Deltagarna är mest negativa till företagsrelaterat innehåll som de själva inte aktivt har valt att ta del av. Majoriteten av deltagarna anser att det skulle kännas konstigt om företag inte fanns i sociala medier och menar att det är bättre att de finns där än att de inte gör det. / The aim of this thesis is to gain a deeper understanding of how social media users relate to and why they choose to follow business accounts in social media, what they expect from them and how they feel about businesses constant presence in social media. We have studied this through a qualitative approach and have collected our data through the use of focus groups. In order to capture as much of the subject as possible the interviews have been semi-structured as this is considered to allow the participants to discuss freely. The theoretical framework covers consumer attitudes, consumer behaviour, image creation through brands and word of mouth through social media. The results show that the participants mainly follow business accounts for information, inspiration and entertainment. The majority of the participants also follow business accounts to gain access to discounts, promotions and services. However, image is also a key factor as to why the participants choose not to follow business accounts. The most recurring expectation among the participants is that the business accounts enable two-way communication, that businesses respond to users' comments and that the responses are relevant. On the one hand the participants generally perceive businesses presence in social media as positive when it gives them the means to influence businesses, express opinions and criticism and learn from other users' comments. On the other hand the participants generally perceive businesses presence in social media as negative when content they have not actively chosen to take part of reaches them. That said, the majority of participants believe that businesses should be present in social media and would perceive it as somewhat strange if they where not.

The study was based on the evaluation of specific business–related factors concerning small businesses in the formal sector. The purpose of this study was to gain a clear understanding of the current education level of employees in the small business industry. Income and business related costs applicable to small businesses and formal business support was also evaluated in terms of its availability to small businesses. By means of investigation it was possible to conclude to what extent small businesses contribute towards economic growth in South Africa. The South African government is definitely aware of the important role which small businesses play in economic growth and poverty reduction. Small businesses were analysed to determine the education level of both employees and business owners. The contribution which business owners made to training and development of their employees was also investigated. The income over a period of five years were analysed to determine the financial sustainability of the businesses. The impact of business related costs and the global economic recession were also investigated to determine the future sustainability of small businesses. The empirical research was conducted at a financial institution in Klerksdorp to assess the contribution which small businesses made towards economic growth and development. Small businesses' contribution towards education and training must be reconsidered as limited opportunities exist within small business for training. Small business owners cannot afford to send their employees away to obtain training and mainly make use of on–the–job training. SETAS must focus more on small businesses when it comes to training and alternative training methods must be reconsidered. The implementation of complex labour legislation and the minimum wages law make unskilled labour very expensive for small business owners. This must be reconsidered as small businesses cannot afford to employ additional employees. Formal business support available to small business owners were perceived not to be marketed very well although the lack of internet access may contribute to the limited knowledge in this regard. The South African government must reconsider its strategy to utilize small businesses to create jobs and to develop skills. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.