The purpose of this study was to examine students’ perceptions of entrepreneurship at a historically black university in central Mississippi. The study examined five areas of students’ perceptions: entrepreneurship, an entrepreneur, entrepreneurial opportunities, entrepreneurship education, and entrepreneurship and technology, and demographic characteristics (i.e., age, sex, academic unit, work status, first generation to attend college, and first in immediate family to attend college). The research design for this study was cross-sectional and descriptive. A 50-item survey was used to collect the data. The research used descriptive statistics, frequencies, and percentages to describe the data. An independent t-test and the ANOVA were used to address the five research questions. When significant statistical differences were reported, a multiple comparison post hoc test (Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference test [HSD]) was computed to determine where the differences occurred between groups. All data analyses were performed at a .05 significance level. The population for this study was 425 students enrolled in classes in the College of Business and School of Engineering. A total of 351 student surveys were analyzed and used in the study. Findings in this study indicated that age and work status impact how students’ perceive entrepreneurship. Also, students’ academic unit impacts how they perceive an entrepreneur. Additionally, students’ generation first to attend college plays a role in their perceptions of entrepreneurial opportunities. Further findings revealed that students from different academic units have similar perceptions of entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurship and technology. Also, students’ work status plays a role in their perceptions of entrepreneurship education. Based on the findings in this study, it was recommended that future research should be conducted to address factors contributable to students’ perceptions of entrepreneurship based on age and work status. Further research should also address faculty perceptions of entrepreneurship and the educational process. Research should be undertaken to replicate this study in other academic units at the university.

The first part of this work describes the Netherlands as a whole -- generally informations, its economical and tourist characterizations. The second part deal with Dutch incoming tourism to the Czech republic -- its development, characterizations, main trends and determinations. Dutch travel customs and reasons for visiting Czech republic are mentioned there. The third part analyse tourist services in detail. In terms of each of tourist service is mentioned, what Netherlanders demand, what situation in the czech marketplace is and in respect of this are sketched possible entrepreneurial opportunities for czech tourist facilities. The last part concretize and point out the greatest uncovered entrepreneurial opportunities.

Background: The authors have observed that Olympic athletes of Team USA supplement their income, or finance themselves entirely, through entrepreneurial opportunities. This study focuses on Olympic Athletes from the United States - with a limitation to members of the US Olympic Rowing Team that competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.  Unbeknownst to many, athletes from Team USA, and Olympians globally, do not receive compensation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to compete at the Olympic Games. Instead, US Olympians receive a monthly stipend from the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) ranging between $1000 to $2000 US Dollars. Provided this information, the authors were interested in identifying whether their financial situation, or any other drivers, made them more likely to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. Purpose: The aim of this thesis is to identify and understand the drivers which led US Olympic athletes to improve their financial situation while on the US Olympic team.  Method: This thesis focuses primarily on qualitative data gathered from interviews with eight members of the United States Olympic Rowing Team who competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. To fulfill our purpose, the authors elected to utilize the explorative study framework, with a purposive sampling and following an inductive reasoning approach. Moreover, the primary data from our interview is collected through semi-structured interviews, which were conducted through (Zoom) virtual video conferencing calls. Findings: From our interviews with members of the US Olympic Rowing Team who competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, we have identified six (6) common factors shared amongst our interviewees – leading them to pursue one or more entrepreneurial opportunity/ies. Those common factors were: (1) The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s Stipend for athletes does not fully finance their monthly expenditure; (2) the athletes’ recognition of their rising brand value; (3) the unpredictability of their training and competition schedules; (4) the pressure on athletes for professional work experience; (5) an interest in Entrepreneurship; and (6) their requirements for flexible employment. Conclusion: After weighing our findings, the authors would agree that the most compelling driver to pursue entrepreneurship was the need for an additional income to supplement their USOPC Stipend. However, the authors must also add that these drivers cannot be individually held responsible for the pursuance of an entrepreneurial opportunity – to the contrary, the authors would propose that the most reasonable interpretation is that US Olympians are pursuing entrepreneurship as a result of a combination of the aforementioned drivers influencing their lives – as shown by all of our interviewees being affected by three or more of the identified drivers.

Digitalization has changed the business environment for all businesses, whether large or small. As the multitude of digital solutions for the business world continuously develop and evolve, investigating how companies can better take advantage of digitalization is crucial for gaining and retaining competitive advantage. The current research field regarding digitalization is rather novel and has been heavily focusing on how digitalization can improve businesses, and which technical solutions may work best for companies. Thus, switching the focus and studying how companies can improve their digitalization presents an alternative perspective for the current research. As the research field has stressed the importance of studying digitalization within SMEs due to the lack of knowledge and know-how in smaller companies, we examine digitalization in the context of SMEs. In order to examine aspects that may be beneficial for digitalization, we chose to use entrepreneurial orientation as a lense. Entrepreneurial orientation considers a set of characteristics resulting in a level of entrepreneurship in all sizes of companies, and it is found to improve business performance. In order to develop a comprehensive theoretical framework regarding entrepreneurial orientation and digitalization, the following research question was formed: How is the digitalization of Swedish SMEs facilitated by Entrepreneurial Orientation? For gaining a comprehensive understanding on how digitalization is implemented to the business models of SMEs in Sweden, and how entrepreneurial orientation facilitates the implementation of digitalization, our theoretical framework is built upon three theories: entrepreneurial opportunities; digitalization; and entrepreneurial orientation. The construct used for observing entrepreneurial orientation consists of five elements: proactiveness, risk taking, innovativeness, autonomy and competitive aggressiveness. The study was conducted in Sweden through semi-structured interviews. The data was collected from small- to medium sized companies that all had implemented digitalization in their business models and were mature. The interviewees were all in managerial positions in the firms, either as CEOs or COOs. The semi-structured interviews resulted in rich data that provided us with insights in terms of digitalization, how digitalization is implemented to the business models of SMEs, and how the elements of entrepreneurial orientation play a role in this implementation. The results indicated that digitalization begins by making smaller changes to business models (e.g. adopting business systems). Gradually, the existing systems are completely replaced by digitalization, and the companies move on to exploring digitalization in terms of new products and services. In this process, entrepreneurial orientation has a facilitating effect through i.a. higher levels of risk taking, emphasis on being early in adopting new solutions, improved productivity and efficiency through innovativeness, and increased trust for employees to make decisions and to perform projects autonomously. The only element that did not show any clear indications in terms of digitalization was competitive aggressiveness, as SMEs do not use digitalization directly as a source of competitive advantage, but rather as a way to improve other aspects in their business models and thereby gain competitive advantage.

Syften: Syftet med studiet är dels att redogöra för huvudorsaken som har gett upphov till uppkomsten av snabblånebranschen. Dels att framställa väsentliga faktorer som har föranlett att branschen kan stanna kvar på snabblånemarknaden. Metod: Med avseende på studiets två frågeställningar har vi använt oss dels av kvalitativ ansats för att kunna beskriva noggrant anledningen till uppkomsten av snabblånebranschen via en tolkning av en del intervjufrågor. Dels tillämpades en kvantitativ ansats för att komma till viktiga faktorer som resulterat i att företagen inom denna bransch stannat kvar på kreditmarknaden. Teoretisk referensram: Studiens teoretiska referensram utgörs av vetenskapliga artiklar och  böcker som handlat om informationens asymmetriska påverkan, finansiella gap och  entreprenöriska möjligheter. Vidare har relevant material från Finansinspektionen,  Kronofogden och Konsumentverket använts som grund till den kvalitativa undersökningen  för det empiriska studien. Empiriska studier: Den empiriska studien utförts på åtta av branschens fyrtiofyra företag snabblåneföretag, som tillhör branschorganisationen S.K.E.F. Slutsats: Till följd av asymmetrisk information mellan parter (kreditgivare & kredittagare) avstår stora och traditionella kreditinstitutioner från att förmedla krediter till vissa kredittagare som har låg kredittrovärdighet. Därigenom skapas en marknad som utmärks av obalans mellan utbud av kapital och efterfrågan på kapital vilket leder till uppkomsten av ett finansiellt gap. Entreprenörer upptäcker affärsmöjligheter genom att skapa nya tjänster som efterfrågas av marknaden. På så vis fyller snabblåneföretagen det finansiella gapet på kreditmarknaden som inte fylls av andra kreditinstitutioner. Studiens resultat visar att snabblåneföretag erhåller låga vinster. Men om företagen motverkar kreditrisker genom regelrätta och noggranna kreditbedömningar leder detta troligtvis till högre vinst. / Purposes: The purpose of the study is partly to account for the main reason that has given rise to the emergence of instant loans industry. Secondly to produce significant factors have led the sector to remain on the instant lending market.  Methods: With respect to the study's two issues, we have used both a qualitative approach to describe accurately the reason for the emergence of instant lending industry through the interpretation of some interview questions. We have partly applied a qualitative approach to understand the important factors that constitute the fact that the sector manage to remain in the credit market. Theoretical framework: The study's theoretical framework is made up of scientific articles and books that dealt with media information’s asymmetric impact, financial gaps and entrepreneur opportunities. Furthermore, the relevant material from the Financial Supervisory Authority, The Swedish Enforcement Authority and Swedish Consumer Agency has been used in order to obtain a qualitative survey of the empirical study.   Empirical studies: Our empirical study consists of eight out of the industry's forty-four instant loan companies that belong to the trade organization S.K.E.F. Conclusion: As a result of asymmetric information between the parties refrain large and traditional credit institutions from providing loans to borrowers by low of credibility. A market characterized by imbalance between supply of capital and demand for capital lead to an emergence of a financial gap within the market. Entrepreneurs find business opportunities by creating new services demanded by the market. Thus fills the instant loans companies the financial gap on the credit market that is not filled by other credit institutions. The result of this study concludes that firms obtain low profits. But if companies counteracts credit risk this will likely lead to a higher profit by making regular and thorough credit checks on the borrower.

L’objectif de cette thèse est d’apporter de nouveaux éclairages théoriques et empiriques sur la formation des opportunités entrepreneuriales. Pour mieux comprendre ce phénomène, nous avons mobilisé deux principales approches, l’approche de la découverte et l’approche de la création des opportunités. Une étude quantitative basée sur un questionnaire a été menée auprès d’entrepreneurs tunisiens afin de déterminer les facteurs de formation de l’opportunité entrepreneuriale. Les résultats montrent que dans le contexte tunisien, la découverte des opportunités est dominante étant donné que l’écosystème entrepreneurial tunisien ne favorise pas l’innovation et la création des opportunités. Ce travail de recherche contribue à la connaissance des pratiques de l’entrepreneuriat et des modes d’accompagnement des entrepreneurs. / The purpose of this thesis is to bring new theoretical and empirical insights about the formation of entrepreneurial opportunities. For getting a better understanding of this phenomenon, we have followed two main approaches: the discovery approach and the creation-of- opportunities approach. A quantitative research based on a questionnaire was conducted among a number of Tunisian entrepreneurs in order to identify the factors that have influenced on the formation of entrepreneurial opportunities. The results of the research show that the discovery of opportunities is prevalent given that the Tunisian entrepreneurial ecosystem does not promote innovation, and creation of opportunities. This research work contributes to the knowledge of entrepreneurial practices and the modes of coaching entrepreneurs.

城邦出版集團執行長何飛鵬說：「創業就是一個人的變身過程，從貧窮到富有，從平凡到成功，從能力不足到能力完備。每一個階段創業者都在向前、向上推升自己的人生境界，不斷測試自己人生的極端值。」 許多創業者嚮往自由彈性的工作環境，於是結合熱情與專業所長，稟持著「人生有夢，逐夢踏實」的信念，開始選擇創業這條路，勇於實現夢想。「吳寶春麥方店」創辦人為吳寶春先生，他在2010年奪得世界麵包冠軍後，為了向自己不斷挑戰，隨後獨自創立「吳寶春麥方店」，對於未來充滿企圖心的他，想要把麵包店格局做大，當成企業來永續經營，因此自己不斷地延伸閱讀、學習吸收經營管理知識，並向各方前輩請益，朝著「國際企業家」的目標繼行。 經濟部中小企業處2013年9月26日發表「2013中小企業白皮書」，資料顯示2012年台灣中小企業家數比前一年成長2.11%，續創歷史新高，佔全體企業高達9成7，獨資經營佔比超過5成6。近年，在政府鼓勵「創業創造就業」的政策利多之下，許多創業家勇於開創新業，各中小企業零散分據市場各產業、各領域、各角落，各有專精、擁有其特色產品、客群與形象，主要特徵有二：小規模、低資產，皆面臨著「資本額小、體質弱、力量分散」困境。 多數中小企業因為規模不大，在面對變動快速的環境，能夠保有靈活應變能力；唯因資產不足之原因，讓多數中小企業往往面臨資源短缺，因資金周轉不靈，而走上失敗或倒閉之途。普遍說來，中小型企業因為規模、產值與創業背景的不同，創業者在充滿障礙的創業過程中，每一步皆是生死存亡的關鍵，亦沒有想像中容易。 在創業過程中，創業者面臨機會的決策過程，如何因應創業活動運用既有資源，或尋求所需資源，都是欲踏入中小型企業創業市場的創業者在乎的關鍵點。另，即便是小規模的企業，只要有能力辨識機會，依然有能力創造或發掘新市場，創造新價值。 「創業者」是創業過程中最重要的關鍵元素，由創業者所引發的創業活動最為重要，可能是「創業者與機會」、「創業者與資源」或「機會與資源」，因當時所處環境因素的改變，產生對創業活動不同程度的影響。本研究藉由創業精神、動機、機會、資源、能力等創業要素以及創業模式之文獻探討，用以分析「吳寶春麥方店」之成功創業要素與成功創業模式之關聯。 / Cite Media Holding Group CEO Mr Fei-Peng Ho once said: “Entrepreneurship is the transformation of an individual from poor to wealthy; from the average Joe to the extraordinary, and from the inexperienced amateur to full capable professional. The entrepreneur steps forward with every stage of their business, continuously challenging themselves to the vertical limits in life and pushing themselves into the realm of personal success” Entrepreneurs look forward to a career with freedoms and flexibilities, directed by a combination of motivating passion and the self-belief of “Live life to the fullest. Chase to dreams to reality”. To choose the road of entrepreneurship is to bravely chase the dream of self-created success. After winning the 2010 World Baker championship, Mr. Wu Pao Chun founded The “Wu Pao Chun Bakery Chain” with the ambitious plan to dominate the bakery industry. Mr. Wu was a motivated learner in business operation management. Mr. Wu built the foundations of his business knowledge from a variety of sources i.e. studying books on business management, adapting from real-life experiences and listening trusted mentors. Determined to become a successful entrepreneur, Mr. Wu transformed small stores into corporate level bakery chains through sustainable management. In September 26, 2013, the Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs publicized the“ 2013 Official White Paper on SMEs in Taiwan”. According to the document, SMEs in Taiwan grew by 2.11% from 2011-2012. It was a record high, accounting for up to 70% of all enterprises. Among the sample, 83% of these enterprises were privately owned and/or operated. In recent years, the Taiwan Government has encouraged a policy focus on “Entrepreneurships to create Jobs”. With government support, many entrepreneurs have started businesses across the nation, creating unique products, identifying new customers, and creating company images across diverse range of industries. Since the majority of these entrepreneurs are small-scale and low capital ventures, capital shortage and lack of competiveness was a common problem. Small scale operations allowed entrepreneurs to adapt quickly to changing business environments but the lack of capital funding and resources shortage caused many entrepreneurs to fail. Weak cash flow was the ultimate cause of closure in businesses. Even with a small scale operation, the ability to identify opportunities is critical in developing and sensing new markets and ultimately, generating value. The entrepreneur themselves are the key contribution to the success of their businesses. To becoming an entrepreneur is no easy task, in fact, very challenging. Entrepreneurs face challenging decisions throughout every stage of their business. Every entrepreneur has their own scale of operation, capital funding and knowledge background. Every decision the entrepreneur makes is critical for the survival of their business. Successful allocation of existing resources and/or finding new resources through business operations is the key to success which all entrepreneurs strive for in the SMEs sector. The most important factors influencing a successful start-up business are the combination of keen-eyed entrepreneur, new opportunities in businesses, and adequate resources. My study in entrepreneurship focuses on personal drive/motivation of the entrepreneur, identifying key business opportunities, allocation of resources and the compatibility of these three factors as the basic elements in a successful business model and analyst how these elements contributed to Wu Pao Chun Bakery’s entrepreneurial success and the overall success of Mr. Wu’s business model.

Les politiques publiques encouragent le développement de « Jeunes Entreprises Innovantes » (JEI). La littérature aborde en profondeur les motivations des entrepreneurs, ainsi que les enjeux des phases d’idéation et de création. En revanche, après la création, les enjeux liés à l’évaluation des opportunités entrepreneuriales, en vue de sélectionner celles les plus à même de développer une croissance forte, ont reçu une attention limitée.Pour répondre à cette problématique, nous proposons une extension du cadre intégrateur de Fayolle (2010) sur l’organisation entrepreneuriale, en définissant une typologie des opportunités et en précisant les conditions de leur sélection ou non par les entrepreneurs.Les résultats de cette thèse permettent d’élaborer des outils et des enseignements managériaux pour les entrepreneurs et leurs parties prenantes (financeurs, conseils). / Public policies encourage the development of technological startups. The literature deals in depth with the motivations of entrepreneurs, as well as the challenges related to startup ideation and creation. However, once created, limited attention was paid to the issues related to the evaluation of entrepreneurial opportunities in order to select those most likely to develop strong growth.To address this issue, we propose an extension of Fayolle's (2010) framework on entrepreneurial organization, by defining a typology of opportunities and specifying the conditions for their selection or not by entrepreneurs.The results of this thesis make it possible to develop tools and managerial teaching for entrepreneurs and related parties (funds, advisors).