Since the introduction of computers in to organisations in the 1950s, computer information systems have become powerful organisational instruments. The uptake of information technology including information systems (IS) and the impact of these technologies have been phenomenal, particularly in the least developed countries (LDCs). Organisations in these countries have continued to utilise IS as a development tool with the belief that it will enhance business processes, in many instances accelerated by foreign assistance. IS can have a positive effect on users, organisations and national development, measured economically or otherwise at the individual, organisational, and national levels. Yet IS implementation and the measure of its success is characterised by a high rate of failure and disagreement among scholars and practitioners. The success of organisational IS is influenced by a fabric of many variables, including contextual elements. In this regard IS can be influenced by both the organisational context in terms of strategies, structures, politics and culture, and by the wider political socio-economic, cultural, and technological climate within which organisations exist. Understanding the contributing variables and the barriers that impede IS success, would better prepare organisations to overcome the inherent difficulties. There is a large body of work documenting the usefulness and consequences of IS. However, these studies have been concentrated in the developed countries (DCs), hence, little is known about IS implementation in LDCs. DCs and LDCs differ in their contextual and social settings, and a uniform analysis may not be applicable in their disparate settings. Indeed the paucity of research and data in the IS domain indicates that the study would benefit an LDC such as Papua New Guinea (PNG) and contribute to knowledge in understanding IS implementation in an LDC environment. This thesis reports on a study that examined IS implementation success in PNG organisations in the context of an LDC. Computers were introduced to PNG in the 1960s, however, no studies have been undertaken to date in this domain that the author is aware of. Hence, the objective of this study was to provide detailed analysis of IS, the context in which it was implemented, its interaction with organisational and external settings, and elicit the underlying elements associated with its success. It also explores the emphasis placed on each of the elements and the extent to which organisations effectively addressed these elements to ensure IS success. The exploratory study employs a multi method design - beginning in Stage 1 with case studies, followed by a survey in Stage 2. Stage 1 adopted a multiple case study approach. Eight case studies were undertaken, however, results of only four case studies are reported in this thesis. Data obtained in the case studies provide a useful basis for the survey. The study in Stage 2 consolidated and expanded on the case study findings from the perspective of a wider population. All the organisations contacted but not involved in the Stage 1 study contributed by participating in the survey. The study identified more than fifty elements that contributed to the success of IS in PNG organisations. There were significant similarities to the findings of studies in other DCs and LDCs despite the disparate contextual conditions. Several elements, not identified in prior studies, were also revealed. Based on this study, a set of principles pertaining to IS implementation and management in PNG were postulated. Similarly a set of recommendations were also outlined.

Cette thèse est composée de quatre chapitres. Le chapitre 1 analyse comment les différentes interventions publiques impactent l'octroi des microcrédits. Nous montrons que la garantie des prêts peut avoir un effet contreproductif en réduisant le nombre d'entrepreneurs bénéficiant de l'accompagnement offert par l'Institution de Microfinance (IMF). Alternativement, nous montrons que les subventions visant l'accompagnement peuvent être plus efficaces relativement à la garantie des prêts.Le chapitre 2 étudie comment les décisions d'une IMF concernant l'accompagnement peuvent impacter le comportement des emprunteurs. Nous montrons que l'asymétrie d'information renversée peut conduire à une relation non-monotone entre le type de l'emprunteur et l'offre de l'accompagnement. Cet équilibre apparaît suite à l'effet "soi-miroir". Notre modèle probit bivarié confirme l'existence d'un tel équilibre.Le chapitre 3 s'intéresse aux seuils de crédit imposés aux IMFs. Nous montrons que les seuils de crédit peuvent générer l'éloignement de la mission en facilitant le co-financement avec les banques classiques des projets les plus larges au détriment des projets les plus petits. Notre modèle probit différence-en-différences confirme l'existence de cet effet pervers à partir des données d'une IMF française.Le chapitre 4 compare les prêts octroyés aux entrepreneurs hommes et femmes par une IMF française avant et après l'introduction du seuil de crédit. Nous montrons que, sans le seuil, l'IMF choisit les femmes avec les demandes de crédit les plus élevées. Cependant, cela n'est plus le cas après l'introduction du seuil de crédits qui détériore la situation des entrepreneurs femmes. / This thesis is organized in four chapters.Chapter 1 theoretically analyses how various forms of state intervention impact microfinance institutions' (MFIs') lending behavior. We show that loan guarantees can have a counterproductive effect on financial inclusion triggered by unsubsidized business development services (BDS). Alternatively, we show that, BDS subsidization can do better in terms of financial inclusion than the loan guarantee. Chapter 2 analyses how decisions of an MFI on BDS provision can impact borrowers' behavior. We show that, reversed asymmetric information can lead to a non monotonic relationship between borrowers' type and assignment to BDS. In this equilibrium the MFI does not train the lowest and the highest type borrowers. This relationship occurs due to the "looking-glass self" effect. Our empirical bivariate probit model confirms the existence of such equilibrium. Chapter 3 tackles the issue of loan ceilings imposed to MFIs. We show that loan ceilings can trigger mission drift by facilitating the co-financing of large projects with regular banks at the expense of small projects. We test this prediction by exploiting the natural experiment of a French MFI. Difference-in-differences probit estimations show that the risk of the mission drift is real.Chapter 4 compares the loans granted to male and female entrepreneurs by a French MFI before and after the enforcement of the loan ceiling. We find that the ceiling free MFI selected women with larger requested amounts. However, under ceiling enforcement this was no longer the case, suggesting that female entrepreneurs are worse off after ceiling enforcement.

The thesis deals with the topic of economic growth of the poor, least developed countries. For this group of countries, which includes most of sub-Saharan Africa, is characteristic that for the last half-century this group has shown no significant economic growth per capita. This fact is surprising at first glance if compared with other economic development groups of the developing world. Economic differences between the least developed countries on the one hand, and emerging and developing countries on the other hand, are increasing despite efforts by international development agencies. I intend to answer the question, what are the causes of poor economic performance of the least developed countries.

In times of scarce resources, frugal innovation can be a driving engine for growth and market success, as it is a practical concept established in developing countries. Nonetheless, the available literature also emphasizes a potential importance for Western countries. Accordingly, our thesis and research add to the lack of literature that connects frugal innovation to developed countries and its specific underlying conditions. The review of available literature and further discussions led to the following research questions: 1. What is the current application status of frugal innovation in Germany? 2. What characteristics should frugal innovations have to serve the BoP in the context of the German market? A preliminary theoretical framework was created from the relevant literature streams stressing the fragmented nature of frugal innovation. As the concept and research addressing this issue are in a nascent stage, one unifying definition was not found. For the course of this thesis, the definition of frugal innovation was therefore chosen to be "thrifty, modest and affordable innovations, valuable for BoP customers”. One major derivation from the literature review is that frugal innovation can be of major importance in developed countries, not only for customers for getting access to certain products, but also for companies addressing untapped markets. The empirical investigation and explorative data collection was undertaken within the market context of Germany based on eight companies from different industry backgrounds. Therefore, interviews were held with representatives of companies that offer frugal products (thereafter also including services) according to the definition from above. Within the scope of the grounded theory analyzation techniques, the interviews supported our aim to gain rich and meaningful data to extend the substantive theory about the concept of frugal innovation. Our study results (based on our eight interviews) prove the existence of frugal products in the German market, while the term and the concept have previously been unknown. Even though frugal innovations were still to be confirmed, they were not labeled as such to connect them to the concept. The study also indicates the existence of a bottom of a pyramid in Germany, despite its original connection to emerging market population. Our findings resulted in a revised framework that connects relevant fragments to a logical comprehension of the concept of frugal innovation. Finally, characteristics for frugal products and requirements could be validated and improved to be economically successful in developed market contexts. The major contribution of our thesis is its general investigation of a rather unknown concept and its presence in other markets than originally laid down. The thorough literature review, the creation and revision of the framework and our study results will serve as a fruitful ground for further exploration of this innovation type.

Magister Legum - LLM / Sugar, bananas, beef and cotton are some of the few products, which are the primary commodities in many African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP).2 Many are highly vulnerable small islands, landlocked and least developed states,' thus rendering the above-mentioned sectors, of great importance to their economies." In these countries, for instance, the sugar producers often provide housing, health care, education and other benefits.i

Cette thèse doctorale s’attache à fournir une théorisation du Développement Economique Local (DEL) dans les Pays les Moins Avancés (PMA). Elle présente également une synthétisation des conditions et des hypothèses que les programmes et les institutions peuvent provoquer pour obtenir un changement durable dans les territoires. Un tel changement est prévu dans le but de conduire les PMA vers une trajectoire de développement. Le sujet de thèse est placé dans le cadre de la problématique des axes stratégiques du développement local et des choix de sociétés dans les Pays les Moins Avancés.La recherche, qui s’appuie sur une étude de cas de financement de développement local, est réalisée avec quatre sources de données qualitatives collectées de 2014 à 2017 sur le terrain d’une économie moins avancée. La posture épistémologique utilisée commence par déterminer la nature des problèmes identifiés et les spécificités des Pays les Moins Avancés. L’approche constructiviste pragmatique a permis de répondre et d’expliquer des phénomènes observables relatifs aux processus aboutissant au développement économique local suite à des financements appropriés.Les résultats de ce travail ont mis en évidence le cadre empirique du développement local dans les PMA.Les contributions de cette thèse de doctorat sont à plusieurs niveaux. D’abord elles sont d’ordre théorique, à travers un éclairage du système de gouvernance locale dans les Pays les Moins Avancés. Le cadre théorique spécifique aux PMA est approfondi et a permis de développer un ensemble de préconditions du développement local dans les PMA. Ensuite, les contributions de ce travail portent sur les politiques de développement et les politiques publiques.Nous proposons à partir de mécanismes de financements dit « mixtes » des stratégies de financements adaptées aux particularités des PMA en nous basant sur deux piliers du développement local dans les économies les moins avancés : la gouvernance locale et les entrepreneurs. Le modèle théorique et les préconditions au DEL permettent d’avoir une vue d’ensemble des stratégies à mettre en œuvre pour créer le cercle vertueux du DEL dans ces économies. / This doctoral thesis aims to provide a theorization of Local Economic Development (LED) in the Least Developed Countries (LDC). It also presents a synthesis of the conditions and assumptions of programs and institutions to reach transformative and sustainable change in local territories. Such a change is intended to drive the LDCs towards a sound development trajectory. The topic of the thesis is placed within the framework of the strategic options of local development and the choice of societies in the Least Developed Countries.The research, based on a case study of local development financing, is carried out with four qualitative data sources collected from 2014 to 2017 in the field of a less advanced economy. The epistemological posture starts by the nature of the problems identified and the specificities of the Least Developed Countries. The pragmatic constructivist approach made it possible to answer and explain observable phenomena related to the problem of identifying processes leading to local economic development following appropriate funding mechanism.The results of this doctoral research have highlighted an empirical framework for local development in LDCs.The contributions of this doctoral thesis numerous. First, they are of a theoretical nature, through an understanding of the local governance system in the least developed countries. The theoretical framework specific to the LDCs is thus analysed and allows to develop a set of preconditions for local development in the LDCs. Secondly, the contributions of this work deal with development policies and public policies.Indeed, we propose financing strategies adapted to the specificities of LDCs based on the two pillars of local development in the least developed economies: local governance and entrepreneurs, on the so-called "mixed" financing mechanisms. The theoretical model and LED preconditions provide an overview of strategies to implement the virtuous circle of LED in these economies.

Aim: Innovation gets to be the pivotal factor for surviving and sustaining a business in the long term. The scenario of innovation management could be performed in a very particular way among developed, developing, and under-developed countries. We have found a gap, that no comparative research has been done among different geographical areas, especially in hotel industry innovation sectors yet. The main aim of this thesis is to identify how two different countries from different regions are practicing their innovation management process. Method: An explanatory sequential mixed method had been used to develop our study where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through surveys and interviews. To analyse the data a deductive technique was approached by using an established innovation management process framework; named ‘SPOTS' model, developed by Tidd (2001).  Results & Conclusions: There exist noticeable differences between Sweden and Bangladesh in terms of time management, budget, strategy, communication and others which also showcase why Sweden is the leading country in the matter of innovation. In the meantime, in spite of having enough human resources and materials Bangladesh is fighting to implement successful innovations due to the lack of guidance, strategy, and budget. Contribution of the thesis: We have conducted comparative research in the hotel industry in Bangladesh and Sweden, which represents the innovation management scenario in developed and developing countries. It also addresses the point of improvements for the respective countries. Our thesis will be helpful for future researchers who will conduct further studies in the hospitality industry of different economical background nations. Suggestions for future research: This thesis is limited to two countries, two hotels, and managerial views of the organization in innovation management. The future researcher could utilize the scope to work with a large sample size in different hotels in different nations. Moreover, further studies could be done to discuss and test all the five elements of the SPOTS model, developed by (Tidd, 2001) in the hotel industry.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第18965号 / 工博第4007号 / 新制||工||1617(附属図書館) / 31916 / 京都大学大学院工学研究科都市社会工学専攻 / (主査)教授 藤井 聡, 准教授 SCHMOECKER,JAN-DirK, 准教授 神田 佑亮 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) / Kyoto University / DFAM

There are thousands of religions around the world. Religious communities are often involved in developmental spheres and for many places are the main actors, especially in developing countries, this is why their work is important. However, it is not only important in developing countries, but also in developed countries as development is vital for all people. Christianity is one of these religions. It has been the predominant religion in Sweden during the last hundreds of years. This is also the case in Växjö, where most religious communities are Christian. Using a qualitative case study mostly done through interviews, five organizations have been analysed with a focus on their work with social development. I have done a qualitative case study on the Christian communities using a “development as substantive freedom,” theory developed by Amartya Sen. The five organisations that were interviewed (Ulriksbergikyrkan, Equmeniakyrkan, Mariakyrkan, Domkyrkan and St. Michaels Catholic Church) showed how they work with the freedoms that the theory speaks about. Even though all the participants expressed actions that can be viewed as social development, none of them view it as such. In this essay I argue that this viewpoint both show an implicit social development work and internalization of a secular discourse where religion is something distinct from the public. I also argue that religion is a crucial aspect in these freedoms as it has an important role in creating a social and individual identity, which is a building block for spiritual and social development.

This study is to investigate the problem of connectivity between nationally produced science and national needs. It is a collective case study of two academic departments within Saudi academia, the departments of petroleum engineering at Alpha and Beta Universities. The rationale for using these departments is that Saudi Arabia has an advanced petroleum industry, making petroleum engineering a good case for investigating the connectivity of nationally produced science with national needs. The main tool of the study was in-depth tape-recorded interviews. Twenty-two interviews were conducted, sixteen with current and retired faculty members at the petroleum engineering departments of Alpha and Beta and six with administrators at both universities. In addition, documents and observation were used as tools. The two departments differ in their levels of connectivity with national industry. One is increasingly connected with national industry, while the other is completely isolated from national industry. Historical and regulatory factors play a role in this difference. Four themes were generated from the data: institutional arrangements, positive attitude and self confidence, social construction of the university, and rentier mentality. The data gathered show that the issue of connectivity is beyond the will and abilities of individual scientists; it is a result of organizational efforts of the scientific institutions reinforced by the willingness of the productive sectors to change their behavior toward national scientists. / Ph. D.