Os parques tecnológicos são habitats de inovação que estão espalhados por quase todos os países do mundo. Assim como qualquer empreendimento, os parques demandam o estabelecimento de uma organização que realize a gestão executiva do empreendimento, que, no caso dos parques, contempla tanto aspectos imobiliários quanto os relacionados a ciência, tecnologia e inovação. Desta forma, o modelo de negócio da organização gestora, ou seja, a forma pela qual tal organização estrutura seus serviços e infraestruturas visando resultados que permitam a continuidade de suas atividades e a geração de retorno ao investimento recebido, precisa estar adequado ao contexto financeiro. Neste sentido, emerge a pergunta de pesquisa: Qual o modelo de negócio de organizações gestoras de Parques Tecnológicos que leva à sustentabilidade econômico-financeira das mesmas no contexto brasileiro? Esta pesquisa tem como foco o entendimento do modelo de negócio de tais organizações visando propor um modelo no contexto brasileiro, que se adeque às características do empreendimento \"parque tecnológico\" e que permita uma menor dependência de recursos públicos para a sua operacionalização. A partir de abordagem qualitativa e exploratória, fortemente enraizada nos dados, foram elaborados os casos de organizações gestoras de parques de diferentes naturezas, quais sejam: a) Núcleo de Gestão do Porto Digital (Porto Digital/Recife/ Brasil), COPPETEC (Parque Tecnológico do Rio/ Rio de Janeiro/ Brasil), departamento da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (Tecnopuc/ Porto Alegre/ Brasil), Bidwells (Cambridge Science Park/Cambridge/ Inglaterra); departamento da University of Surrey (Surrey Research Park/Surrey/Inglaterra), e Birmingham Science Park Aston Ltd (Birmingham Science Park Aston/ Birmingham/ Inglaterra). A proposição dos elementos do modelo de negócios levou em consideração a revisão bibliográfica e as práticas observadas nos estudos de caso. O modelo passou por avaliação crítica de especialistas e, a partir dos parâmetros do mesmo, foi realizado um ensaio de viabilidade financeira. Dos ajustes promovidos pela análise crítica e pelo ensaio de viabilidade, foi realizada a proposição final do modelo, que contempla os componentes do modelo de negócio para uma gestora de parque tecnológico instituída como organização privada sem fins lucrativos. Em relação à literatura relacionada a ambientes de inovação, esta tese contribui de forma original na medida em que trata de assunto ainda pouco estudado, ainda mais considerando o nível de detalhamento apresentado. Apesar de já ser utilizado como ferramenta na avaliação de negócios inovadores, a utilização de forma exploratória do modelo de negócio vinculado à operação de organizações gestoras de parques é algo ainda não utilizado em publicações acadêmicas e, portanto, uma aproximação diferenciada do tema. Ainda, a tese apresenta, de forma detalhada, os principais componentes de receitas e custos deste tipo de empreendimento e suas possibilidades jurídicas de operação no contexto brasileiro, ao mesmo tempo que lança críticas sobre tal contexto. Esta pesquisa sistematizou elementos que antes haviam sido estudados de forma individualizada e os coloca na perspectiva de um outro conjunto de elementos (modelo de negócio) que necessitam ser complementares e ajustados a um contexto para que a operação do parque possa acontecer com a menor dependência de recursos públicos. Nesta perspectiva, esta tese pode contribuir, na prática, para a estruturação das organizações gestoras dos parques e lança a sugestão do estudo de novos modelos que contemplem características diferentes e que estariam dentro de um contexto institucional também diferente, que não era escopo desta pesquisa. / Technology parks are innovation habitats spread over almost all the countries around the world. As any other business, the parks require the establishment of an organization that performs the executive management of the enterprise which, in the case of parks, covers both aspects of real estate as those related to science, technology and innovation. Thus, the business model of the management organization - i.e. the way such organization settles its services and physical infrastructure in order to enable the continuity of its activities and generates return on investment - must fit the financial context. In this sense, emerges the research question: What is the business model of technology parks management organizations that contributes to their economic and financial sustainability in the Brazilian context? This research focuses on understanding the business model of such organizations aiming to propose a model in the Brazilian context that fits the characteristics of the enterprise \"technology park\" and allows less dependency on public funds to its operation. The research has a qualitative and exploratory approach, and is strongly rooted in the data drawn from management organizations cases of different parks, which are: a) Núcleo do Porto Digital (Porto Digital / Recife / Brazil), COPPETEC (Rio Technology Park/ Rio de Janeiro/Brazil), Department of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (Tecnopuc/Porto Alegre/Brazil), Bidwells (Cambridge Science Park /Cambridge/England); Department of the University of Surrey (Surrey Research Park/Surrey/England), and Birmingham Science Park Aston Ltd (Birmingham Science Park Aston/ Birmingham/England). The proposition of the business model took into account the literature review and practices observed in the case studies. The model was submitted to critical evaluation by experts. From the parameters of the model, it was performed a financial feasibility essay. After the adjustments that emerged from the evaluation of experts in parks and from the financial feasibility essay, it was presented the final proposition of the model that comprises the business model components for a technology park management organization established as a non for profit private organization. Regarding the literature on innovation habitats, this thesis contributes in an original way, as it deals with poorly studied subject so far, especially considering the level of detail presented. Despite being used as a tool in the evaluation of innovative businesses, the exploratory use of the business model tool linked to the operation of management organizations of parks is not yet applied in academic publications and, therefore, it is a differentiated approach to the theme. The thesis presents in detail the major components of revenues and costs of this type of enterprise and its legal scope of operation in the Brazilian context, while launches criticism on such context. This research systematized elements that had previously been studied individually and put them in the perspective of another set of elements that need to be complementary and fit a context for the operation of the park in a way it can happen with less dependence on public resources. In this perspective, this thesis can contribute in practice to the structuring of management organizations of parks and suggest the development of a research about new models that include different features and also would be in a different institutional context, as it was not the scope of this research.

Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019 / Financial sustainability of water and sewerage provision is undermined by consumers’ inability and reluctance to pay service fees. Consequently, the escalation of operational and maintenance costs of water and sewerage provision is a major challenge facing South African municipalities. This study examines the provision of water and sewerage services and presents a strategic framework to manage revenue collection to achieve water and sewerage provision financial sustainability. The study applied interpretive epistemology research method. Content analysis was used to collect and analyse data for an improved understanding of service provision and revenue collection mantra. Unlike the other method such as the exploratory research method that provides a description of the observed phenomenon, an interpretive epistemology methodology provides deeper insights into management strategies that are required in order to achieve sustainable water and sewerage provision. The main objective of this study was to investigate factors affecting financial sustainability of water and sewerage provision in Cape Town. The qualitative data were analysed using content method of analysis to gain better meaning of the phenomenon being studied. The results show that although the water and sanitation department of the participating organisation is making efforts to generate revenue through implementing water and sanitation services payments, there are some residents who refuse to pay for services, resulting in revenue loss. The other reason for loss of revenue is unaccounted water which is the focus of the water and sewerage, demand management and strategy section; this is as a result of leaks, illegal connections, unregistered car wash bays, unmetered connections and informal settlement areas which do not get enough subsidies. The reasons advanced for unwillingness to pay for water and sanitation services by consumers were unemployment, poverty, unequal distribution of services and general ignorance. This study has found evidence of a reluctance toward service payment by participating consumers – requiring strategies to encourage rates payments.

This study strives to examine how microfinance activities can be successfully applied in the developed world. This is done through a field study in New York City. Throughout interviews and observations with three of the largest actors in New York: Acción USA, Grameen America and Project Enterprise, as well as interviews with their clients, the lending processes and key characteristics of the organizations have been mapped. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has been interviewed on the general opinion of microfinance in the US. Previous theory elaborates on some of the major challenges with implementing microfinance activities in the developed world, such as lack of funding and cultural differences hindering the lending processes to be carried out as they are in the developing world. Henceforth, problems regarding regulation, awareness and outreach are discussed. Throughout the observation of the institutions we can confirm that some of the challenges brought up in theory actually are apparent. We do, however, question the criticism towards the use of group-based lending programs in the developed world. Our study does, in contrast to previous research, imply that the concept does work as well in the US as it does in developing countries. Since this is a case study based on the observations of only a few organizations, it is precarious to draw any general conclusions based upon the findings. Indications of key success factors are, though, group-based lending programs, non-financial services, creating awareness, financial sustainability, savings as funding, standardized regulations and increased transparency. Finally we advocate focus on job creation to obtain acknowledgement.

This study strives to examine how microfinance activities can be successfully applied in the developed world. This is done through a field study in New York City. Throughout interviews and observations with three of the largest actors in New York: Acción USA, Grameen America and Project Enterprise, as well as interviews with their clients, the lending processes and key characteristics of the organizations have been mapped. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has been interviewed on the general opinion of microfinance in the US. Previous theory elaborates on some of the major challenges with implementing microfinance activities in the developed world, such as lack of funding and cultural differences hindering the lending processes to be carried out as they are in the developing world. Henceforth, problems regarding regulation, awareness and outreach are discussed. Throughout the observation of the institutions we can confirm that some of the challenges brought up in theory actually are apparent. We do, however, question the criticism towards the use of group-based lending programs in the developed world. Our study does, in contrast to previous research, imply that the concept does work as well in the US as it does in developing countries. Since this is a case study based on the observations of only a few organizations, it is precarious to draw any general conclusions based upon the findings. Indications of key success factors are, though, group-based lending programs, non-financial services, creating awareness, financial sustainability, savings as funding, standardized regulations and increased transparency. Finally we advocate focus on job creation to obtain acknowledgement.

Bc. Pavla Svobodová: Financial resources of social enterprises - vision and reality (2012) Abstract The theme of my thesis is looking into problems with social enterprise financing. Well set up concept of social enterprise financing is equally maintained with it's importance in foreign countries as well as the Czech republic. Based on research, my aim was to find the ideal concept of social enterprise financing and to test it on a chosen sample of Czech social enterprises. In the section "Social enterprise in the third sector and its funding" I explain the overview of financial definitions of foreign social enterprise and their focus on the funding. In here I am also deciding on my own perception of this issue - well mainly the ideal funding resources for social enterprise. This section also covers a "lighter" version of the ideal concept of social enterprise financing from a Czech point of view and explains various studies focusing on social enterprise financing currently available. The empirical section focuses on analysis of financing of chosen social enterprises and verifies the ideal concept in the Czech republic. The escalation of my thesis is a devised proposal which could seriously support the financial stability for Czech social enterprise.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) contribute to China's economic growth and help maintain social stability. However, SME business leaders have cited access to finance as an obstacle of SMEs' survival and success. The purpose of this multiple case study was to identify main strategies SME entrepreneurs and business leaders used to attract venture capital (VC) investments to achieve financial sustainability and business expansion. Data were collected from a purposive sample of 23 entrepreneurs and leaders from 4 SMEs in China and an analysis of organizational artifacts. The resource-based view theory served as the primary conceptual framework. The data analysis process entailed using coding techniques to identify keywords, narrative segments, and concepts. Member checking ensured the credibility and trustworthiness of the data interpretation and analysis. The process led to 4 themes including developing a unique and pioneering business model, assembling a management team with industry experience, indicating use of raised capital in investing in technology, and engaging with superior principal endorsements during the fund-raising efforts. The implication for positive social change included the potential to enhance the capability of SME entrepreneurs and business leaders to obtain VC funding to support their businesses, which can increase economic development and improve the social stability of local communities in China. The findings from the study may contribute to the development of the SME sector in China and benefit their owners, business leaders, employees, future entrepreneurs, the local community, as well as economy of China.

Existing research has focused on the financial challenges affecting public libraries and how to improve library efficiency and funding. However, it is unknown how financial diversification could improve the economic fortunes of public libraries. The purpose of this study was to illuminate the unique structural, legal, and operational dynamics associated with adopting a financial diversification strategy in the Clayton County Library System (CCLS), Georgia, and to explore what would support or hinder the implementation of such a strategy. Using modern portfolio theory, the research explored how the CCLS could diversify its funding sources. A qualitative single-case study was conducted to gather information from a sample of library personnel: 2 library directors, 7 assistant directors, 6 branch managers, and 3 grant writers. Budget documents and meeting minutes over a 3-year period were also reviewed. The data were analyzed using a content analysis method, and were coded inductively. Interview data were triangulated with the results of a review of budget documents, meeting minutes, and related literature. Study findings revealed that financial diversification was an effective strategy for the participants in this study, but such diversification would be complex for the broader CCLS because of stakeholders' concerns about CCLS's organizational characteristics, legal frameworks, and management attitudes. The study findings may be used as a basis for further empirical investigations on adoption of financial diversification plans in public libraries. Positive social change is expected to result from this study because it provides useful data to policymakers, library administrators, and other stakeholders seeking ways to sustain public library funding.

From 2014 to 2015, deficiency fines cost Pennsylvania nursing homes more than $2.5 million. Costs associated with adhering to increased health care regulations can reduce profit and affect the financial sustainability of the nursing home industry. Some nursing home administrators (NHAs) lack successful strategies to improve state and federal regulation compliance and promote financial sustainability. Drucker's management by objectives theory was the conceptual framework for this study. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore successful strategies NHAs use to improve state and federal regulation compliance to mitigate deficiencies and derivative fines to promote financial sustainability of nursing homes. NHAs who manage 5-star rated nursing homes within a 100-mile radius of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania use effective management strategies to mitigate deficiencies and derivative fines to earn a 5-star rating which, helps promote financial sustainability. Data were collected from semistructured face-to-face and telephone interviews with 4 NHAs and from Medicare's Nursing Home Compare website. The data on the website provided information on the 3 domains of health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, that made up the overall star rating of nursing homes. Data were analyzed using Yin's 5-phase cycle. The findings revealed 3 major themes: develop knowledgeable staff, enhance communication with staff and residents, and promote innovation for continuous quality improvement. The implications for positive social change could include increased quality of patients' health care, creation of employment opportunities to promote prosperity in communities, and financial sustainability in the United States nursing home industry.

Background: Sustainability reporting has become increasingly important for firms that want to appease their stakeholders and the society, whilst possibly increasing the corporate financial performance (CFP) of the firm. This is because sustainability disclosures currently work as the main channel for firms to inform their stakeholders of the CSR practices and environmental management carried out by the company. However, there have been various previous studies that examine the relation between corporate social performance (CSP) or the reported CSP, and CFP but not a study that would focus on GRI’s adherence level and its effect on Firm value (FV). The adherence level in the context of a GRI Report refers to the extent to which the GRI Sustainability Reporting Framework and GRI Standards have been applied to a company’s sustainability report (Global Reporting Initiative, n.d.). This study intends to examine if stakeholders can be affected by a sustainability report’s adherence ranking made by GRI, although there necessarily would not be a clear connection to a company’s actual environmental performance.  Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find out if the adherence level affects a firm’s value and how, although this classification of reports would not say anything about a company’s level of sustainability or a company’s sustainability performance. In short, the study wants to examine if stakeholders or the society surrounding a company are affected by the adherence level of a company’s GRI reporting and if this then can affect the value of the organization in any way. Aim: The aim of this research is to encourage organizations to become more transparent or elaborate regarding their sustainability practices if any significance between the adherence level and the FV can be found.  Method: This study was conducted by examining 98 European manufacturing firms’ GRI adherence levels for the years 2017 to 2019 and comparing them to respective Firm Values (Tobin’s Q) by the usage of panel data regression analysis.  Conclusion: The results show that no significant relationship between the GRI adherence level and FV can be found in the European manufacturing industry for the period 2017 to 2019.

Many of the water sectors in developing countries are facing challenges and obstacles in providing potable water to their customers. These challenges resulted from many reasons such as; shortage of water, huge population, low water tariff, regulations, unplanned development, shortage of financing, absence of commercial orientation and others. Therefore, these sectors are requested to work innovatively to overcome these problems and find out proper solutions. One effective option to address these challenges is appropriate pricing of water. Setting up appropriate water price aims to recover service cost, reduce rate of subsidy and achieve financial sustainability. This research was carried out to determine how to achieve financial sustainability in the water sector in the Sultanate of Oman. The study is based on three main issues, improving the water tariff structure, the role of the customer and his expectation to increase the chance of financial sustainability. Two stages of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were adopted in order to answer the research question. 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted with PAEW key staff and other relevant parties outside PAEW. 610 quantitative surveys were returned from a total of 1600 PAEW customers to get their views about the role of the customer and his expectations of PAEW in order to increase the chance of financial sustainability. Findings from qualitative data showed the appropriate water tariff is the cost reflective tariff which increases the chance of financial sustainability and cost recovery. The quantitative findings present the willingness of customers' participation and his expectation. Customer participation is expressed in three main roles: leakage and defect reporting, payment and conservation. In all of these, the research outcomes prove the role of the customer and the importance of these roles to increase the chance of financial sustainability. Customer expectations are expressed in customer service, billing system and water service. The outcomes reflect the customer expectations in terms of satisfaction and identify the gap that should be filled by PAEW to make the customer satisfied and loyal.