The general purpose of this thesis was to explore the different roles enacted by entrepreneurs when developing their firm in the market. In their daily attempts to develop their firm, entrepreneurs “wear many different hats” because they are involved in multiple situations which require their interaction with different networks of social relationships (i.e. customers, employees, suppliers, investors). Through this research, we attempt to make three related and distinct contributions: (1) identification and definition of different roles enacted by entrepreneurs within their firm; (2) development of a measurement scale for the different roles entrepreneurs enact within their firm; and (3) proposal of a model explaining the relationship between entrepreneurs’ roles, Entrepreneurial Orientation, and firm performance. The thesis is presented in the form of three related papers. Paper 1 focuses on the qualitative study of the self-reported perceptions, behaviors, and attitudes that entrepreneurs relate to their efforts of developing their firm in the market. Through in-depth interviews and following thematic analysis methodology, we identified and analyzed patterns within the qualitative data. Conceptualizing the entrepreneurial firm as a proximate social structure that represents a context in which the entrepreneur establishes close relationships and thus enacts role identities, we identify and define seven different sets of behaviors or roles. In addition, we propose a conceptual framework to explain the entrepreneurs’ agency within their firm. Based on the previously identified and defined roles, in Paper 2 we develop the measurement scale for the entrepreneurs’ roles. The items generated from the literature review and the in-depth interviews were evaluated for content validity by a group of serial entrepreneurs. A pilot test was then conducted with a network of international entrepreneurs (N=55), followed by a pre-test using an online panel of U.S. entrepreneurs (N=157) who were owners and managers of a running business that had paid salaries to the owner(s) for more than two years. Finally, the main study (N=202) was conducted utilizing the same sampling frame as the pre-test. After Confirmatory Factor Analysis and measure validation, we propose a seven-construct measurement model for the roles that entrepreneurs enact within their developing firm. In Paper 3, following the development of the measurement scale, we explore the links between the roles enacted by entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurial Orientation, and firm performance. Understanding Entrepreneurial Orientation as a way in which entrepreneurs behave when creating and developing their firm, we propose a model in which Entrepreneurial Orientation mediates the relationship between entrepreneurs’ enacted roles and the performance of their firm. Our findings suggest that Entrepreneurial Orientation mediates the relationship between at least five roles enacted by entrepreneurs and firm performance. The influence of several of the enacted roles of entrepreneurs on Entrepreneurial Orientation suggests that the entrepreneur’s agency, facilitated through the use of roles, needs to be taken into account as an antecedent in a model of entrepreneurial strategic orientation and firm performance.

This study examined a sample of entrepreneurs operating in South Africa. Motivation of entrepreneurs in shopping malls in Gauteng province was investigated. A survey of 50 entrepreneurs in South Africa was conducted face-to-face interviews. Principle component analysis (PCA) identified the most important motivation factors among entrepreneurs in South Africa. Results indicated that family security and extrinsic rewards are the most important motivation factors. “To be closer to my family”, “to maintain my personal freedom” were the highly rated motivation items which were used in the questionnaire. These results were compared with the results of previous studies which examined Nigerian, Ghanaian and Kenyan entrepreneurs as well as entrepreneurs in Turkey, Venezuela, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, and India. This findings of the current study suggested that motivation factors of entrepreneurs in South Africa are different than other African countries which were used in this study as comparison countries. Copyright / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

This research was aimed at determining the role of entrepreneurial capital in the transition of entrepreneurial businesses from the start-up to the new firm status. New firms are important in any given economy because they create jobs, and the South African economy requires many of them because of the high endemic levels of unemployment. Even though the South African government has policies in place to support entrepreneurs, global entrepreneurship reports have indicated that the rate of formation of new firms has always been lower, sometimes by up to 50%, than the rate of formation of start-up firms, indicating the high mortality rate of start-up firms. We have taken the view that businesses fail because of the inability of the owners to address operational problems. The processes employed by entrepreneurs in South Africa in the early stages of the firm to solve these problems are not very well known. This project was exploratory and qualitative in nature and was aimed at documenting some of these processes. Entrepreneurial capital, a collection of the resources inherent in the business was used as the framework of analysis. We observe a strong effect of elements of the framework, especially work experience, in the solutions offered by the participants in this study. We provide suggestions to current and potential entrepreneurs on what problems to expect and how to solve them. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Ser dueño de un negocio puede ser por momentos agobiante. ASAC es una excelente opción que no sólo acompaña, sino que permite encontrar la solución a los problemas diarios desarrollando en nuestros clientes capacidades internas de gestión y ventajas competitivas fundamentadas en el conocimiento y el uso de la tecnología optimizando el tiempo dedicado a sus actividades. ASAC asesora a personas que trabajan desde casa permitiéndoles desarrollar estrategias que les permitirán reducir costos alcanzando la rentabilidad esperada, mejorando procesos y resultados, preparando a los emprendedores para ser dueños de su tiempo y no un empleado de su propia empresa; los ayudará a reencontrarse con los sueños que los llevaron a emprender y abrir su propio negocio. / Owning a business can be overwhelming at times. ASAC is an excellent option that not only accompanies, but also allows us to find the solution to daily problems by developing in our clients internal management skills and competitive advantages based on knowledge and the use of technology, optimizing the time dedicated to their activities. ASAC advises people who work from home, allowing them to develop strategies that will allow them to reduce costs, achieving the expected profitability, improving processes and results, preparing entrepreneurs to be owners of their time and not an employee of their own company; will help them to rediscover the dreams that led them to start and open their own business. / Trabajo de investigación

No description available.

This study obtained data on North Dakota women entrepreneurs engaged in home-based businesses in order to provide a profile of this population. The study also determined what demographic characteristics and workspace conditions are related to satisfaction with the workspace. The Women's Business Institute provided the database. The survey method was an opscan format mail questionnaire, which produced a 38% response rate. Chi-Square and Phi Coefficient analysis of 116 responses provided answers to the research questions. A telephone survey of non-respondents suggested that the responses were representative of the sample. Testing of the model showed the following major findings: (1) These North Dakota home-based businesses are small, part-time, developing businesses fulfilling personal as well as economic needs. (2) The women entrepreneurs are well educated, middle-aged, and have no children under five years of age. (3) Most of the businesses are not the major source of income for the household. Almost two-thirds of the entrpreneurs report that the business provides less than 20% of the total household income. (4) Almost three-fourths of the sample expressed satisfaction with all five workspace variables: space, privacy, security, personal safety, and accessibility. The women entrepreneurs are committed to having a business in the home, as suggested by their designation for workspace and storage, and time spent in the workspace. This sample showed that a business can be integrated into the home without decreasing satisfaction with housing. Also, this group of entrepreneurs may be an indicator of an emerging style of home-based business, "hobbypreneurs." They seek fulfillment of personal needs as well as economic needs, and spend most of the business time in the workspace versus away from home. / Ph. D.

Global socioeconomic trends are changing the nature of the American workplace. To address the challenges brought about by these changes, American engineering education must focus on developing students into future professionals, equipped to thrive in the fast-paced, technologically intense, globally competitive workplace of the future. One of the most effective ways to prepare students to face the future is by teaching them to innovate. This thesis presents the "Creative Entrepreneurs Organization: Developing Innovative Products and Businesses" (CEO) concept as a method by which Virginia Tech could help students learn innovation. The CEO concept is a student-involvement program intended to develop students into successful entrepreneurs as they work together in small teams to develop and market intellectual property. This Program is intended to produce revenue for the University by virtue of the successful commercialization of the intellectual properties it generates. Additionally, the CEO Program will allow faculty and students to share in the financial rewards associated with the intellectual properties they generate. The CEO Program concept is presented in light of current trends in the business and academic worlds. Various issues related to its implementation are addressed. The Program is evaluated for its expected value to students, to the University, to the State, and to the Nation. A survey is presented by which the success of the Program can be measured. For the CEO concept to be successfully realized, several challenges must be overcome. First, the University must embrace this somewhat unorthodox Program in which both educational and financial motives play significant roles. Second, there must be a Program Advocate who will be able to effectively communicate the value and feasibility of the Program. Third, fiscal and physical resources must be available to ensure the successful start-up and operation of the CEO Program. Finally, the Program must find ways to nurture creativity in its participants. I conclude that the effort required to implement the CEO Program is outweighed by its potential benefits to students, to the University, to the State of Virginia, and to the Nation. Therefore, I recommend that the Virginia Tech College of Engineering consider the CEO Program for implementation. / Master of Science

Fashion entrepreneurs with no formal fashion-related education or training are hereafter referred to by the acronym FEWFFET (fashion entrepreneurs without formal fashion-related education or training). Entrepreneurship provides a feasible means of employment in a country where national unemployment rates are alarmingly high. To succeed, entrepreneurs require business knowledge and skill to operate profitable and sustainable businesses. However, entrepreneurs who were previously disadvantaged often possess only low levels of education, limited qualifications and training. This applies to survivalist fashion entrepreneurs in the Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) who produce various items of apparel and clothing. Over a third of these entrepreneurs are not formally educated in business management and may not possess the adequate knowledge to operate their fashion business successfully. The research aim was to investigate the uses and challenges pertaining to business skills amongst FEWFFET to determine their business skills training needs. The sample population included 105 black fashion entrepreneurs, operating micro, survivalist enterprises within peri-urban, resource-poor communities in the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) of Sedibeng, Gauteng. A quantitative study using non-probability purposive sampling and snowball sampling was performed. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were conducted with respondents at fabric and haberdashery stores or within their home-business environments. The results indicated that respondents lacked business plan development skills and showed only moderate skills in finance and marketing. Respondents indicated business skills training needs for developing a business plan, conducting basic bookkeeping, determining correct product pricing, drafting quotations and invoices, developing a budget, conducting basic market research and advertising their products and services / National Research Foundation (NRF)

ABCTRACT The world is undertaking a period of agitation on business venture. In United States, Britain, Taiwan or other developed countries, no matter the government, academia or even the enterprises, it is obvious to see that they all pay attention to the topic on research of entrepreneurship management. Starting business is not difficult but it is not easy to run it successfully. You have to face countless crisis and uncertainty. While the success story of Mr. Wang Yongqing wins universal praise, more people ask curiously "Where is the next Wang Yongqing?¡¨. In order to implement the localization of research, we will concentrate on the model of entrepreneurial youth in Taiwan. This fills in the breach on the research of the factors for successful which includes the background and the course of starting an enterprise of the local entrepreneur. We have taken thorough interview with them. Based on the result, we suggest the following as the direction to research: background, characteristic of the personality, motivation, course, and style of the leadership. After the analysis, we conclude the necessary factors of a successful entrepreneur and assign the following topics: 1. To compare with authoritative discipline, it is easier to cultivate the necessary spirit and personality of a successful entrepreneur with democratic and permissive disciplines. 2. If the member of the family has experience on business venture, it is easier to cultivate a successful entrepreneur. 3. If the entrepreneur has stronger society support system, it is easier for him to be success. 4. Out of the five characteristics of the personality, a successful entrepreneur is always agreeable and conscientious. 5. If the entrepreneur continues to study, it is easier for him to be success. 6. If the entrepreneur is highly self-fulfilling and self-disciplined, it is easier for him to be success. 7. If the entrepreneur has a clear objective and executes toward it precisely, it is easier for him to be success. 8. If the entrepreneur is high-pressure resistance, well prepared oneself to changes and highly relievable from pressure, it is easier for him to be success. 9. If the entrepreneur has both Transformational and Transactional leadership styles, it is easier for him to be success. 10. If the entrepreneur has strong social conscience, it is easier for him to be success.

Cette thèse porte sur les créateurs d’entreprise, jeunes et seniors, qui à un moment donné de leur carrière professionnelle, ont effectué un changement de parcours au cours duquel ils ont décidé de construire et de développer leur entreprise. Cette étude nous apprend que "monter sa boite" ne relève pas du coup de tête, mais fait l’objet d’un processus réfléchi et réaliste, processus risqué qui est analysé ici comme une action autant sociale qu’individuelle, et comme le fruit d’un cheminement personnel, cheminement allant jusqu’à la transformation et au repositionnement identitaire. Nous montrons que, contrairement à ce que l’on pourrait penser, il ne s’agit pas d’une activité individuelle. Si elle est pour une part solitaire, l’action des entrepreneurs se construit en lien et souvent en coopération tant avec des institutionnels qu’avec des réseaux plus informels. Des entretiens avec les institutionnels, une observation participante dans une formation ont permis de mettre en évidence le contenu des accompagnements sociaux institutionnalisés. Les entretiens avec les créateurs montrent l’apport différencié des réseaux sociaux, ceux des liens forts et ceux des liens faibles. Dans cette thèse, nous analysons le cheminement de l’idée originelle de l’individu jusqu'à l’élaboration du projet puis sa mise en place. De l’idée initiale, au projet abouti, il existe un certain nombre d’étapes qui sont nécessaires et importantes, demandant au porteur du projet une adaptabilité et une capacité de changement. Le porteur de projet en passant par ces différentes étapes sera confronté à des phases de doutes générant des remises en question. Il s’agit de comprendre comment les futurs entrepreneurs se projettent dans leur nouveau statut, évaluent ce "challenge" professionnel. Habiter ce nouveau statut, passer du monde salarial au monde patronal, leur demande une véritable réflexion sur l’orientation de la carrière et une prise de conscience des risques familiaux, financiers et identitaires. La thèse explicite des configurations de trajectoires professionnelles, leur articulation à la vie familiale et sociale. Elle met en évidence les différences de parcours mais aussi de sens que la création d’entreprise revêt selon l’âge. Les séniors et les jeunes ne sont pas non plus armés de la même manière. Ainsi les savoirs d’expérience et de formation s’articulent différemment selon les parcours. Ce choix, cette mise en action constitue pour eux une "seconde carrière". Les manières de construire et de mener les projets révèlent également des différences selon le genre. / This doctoral thesis deals with young and over-fifties business creators who, at a time during their professionnal career have decided of a change so as to start and develop their own business.This research tells us that "starting up one's own place" is far from being a whim, but it is the result of a realistic and thoughtful project ; a risked process which is seen here both as a social and personal action and as the result of a personal development. This development is going up to a personal change and to an identity repositioning. We prove that, the process is not the result of an individual activity only. Of course, it's partly an individual action, but this action is also built in link and in cooperation with both institutions and more informal networks. Conversations with institutions as well as participating observations in a training period have revealed the contents of the institutionalized social supports. Conversations with the creators show the different contributions of the social networks, those with strong links and those with weak links. In this thesis, we analize the progress from the original idea in the individual's mind until the elaboration of the project and finally to its ' setting up'. From the initial idea to the accomplished project, there is a number of stages which are both necessary and important; as a consequence, the leader of the project must be able to adapt and to have a change capacity. Getting through these various stages, the leader of the project will have to face periods of doubt generating questionings.It's a question of understanding how the future entrepreneurs fall in the new statute and estimate this professional chalenge. Living this new statute and passing from the wage world to the employers' world, asks them a real thought on the orientation of their career as well as the awareness of the family, financial and identical risks. The thesis explains configurations of careers and their link with social and family life. It reveals the differences of careers and of sense that the new business involves according to the age. The over-fifties and the young people are differently equipped. Thus, the experience and training knowledge link differently according to the careers. This choice, the action constitute "a second career" for them. The way the projects are built and led also reveals differences according to the gender.