In 2010, the University of Ottawa (hereafter, UO) banned the sale of single-use water bottles. UO decided that the sale of this product ran contrary to their commitments to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. This ban has been adopted by several institutions, locally and globally. However, there is still demand for portable water that operates within the boundaries of sustainability. I developed H2Ottawa at UO, through my internship with the Office of Campus Sustainability (hereafter, OCS). The goal of H2Ottawa is to bring portable water to the UO community without compromising the institution's allegiance to sustainability. To do this, we are selling multi-use, metal water bottles in vending machines and select cafés on campus, for the same price one would expect to pay for single-use bottles ($3.00) . I have used a Living Action Research approach, as defined by Mc Niff and Whitehead (2011) to document and analyze the planning, conceptualization, and implementation of this project. For the purpose of this research, I consider that the UO adopts the mentality outlined through Ecological Modernization Theory (hereafter, EM). In short, EM argues that sustainability can be achieved within a capitalist society. I will use a green-Marxist lens to position the critical analysis of this project. Here, it is argued that we cannot ‘buy our way out of trouble’, meaning that a revolution is necessary to achieve a sustainable society. I will argue that as an institution, the UO makes its goals towards sustainability compatible with a corporate understanding of environmental responsibility. This thesis aims to answer: how does the UO implement sustainability initiatives in a way that complies with the value-set of the university, while also satisfying community expectations? I have found that the UO implemented H2Ottawa to provide students with access to potable water, and to augment their reputation. Considering that this project is the first of its kind, its adoption reinforces UO’s commitments to sustainability and innovation. Research findings will be of use for future students, as I present challenges involved in the conceptualization and implementation of sustainability-motivated initiatives within the Canadian university context.

A abertura de uma nova empresa é um grande desafio. Diversos fatores influenciam no sucesso ou no fracasso de um novo empreendimento. Aspectos internos (finanças internas, recursos humanos, produtos, etc.) e externos (políticos, econômicos, tendências de mercado, novas oportunidades, etc.) são fundamentais no desenvolvimento de um novo negócio. Alguns são mais controláveis e previsíveis enquanto outros necessitam de uma análise mais detalhada, para isso o planejamento é essencial. Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo descrever os primeiros 24 meses de uma empresa e fazer um comparativo com as indicações sugeridas pelo Sebrae. A metodologia utilizada é um estudo de caso de uma empresa de distribuição de chocolates localizada na cidade de São Paulo, durante o período de 24 meses, compreendido entre janeiro de 2015 até dezembro de 2016. Como resultado dessa pesquisa, pretende-se identificar pontos convergentes e divergentes entre as ações tomadas pelo empreendedor e as instruções do Sebrae e seus respectivos impactos no negócio / Opening a new business is a big challenge. Several factors influence the success or failure of a new venture. Internal aspects (internal finance, human resources, products, etc.) and external (political, economic, market trends, new opportunities, etc.) are fundamental in the development of a new business. Some are more controllable and predictable while others require more detailed analysis, so planning is essential. This research aims to describe the first 24 months of a company and make a comparison with the indications suggested by Sebrae. The methodology used is a case study of a chocolate distribution company located in the city of São Paulo, during the period of 24 months, between January 2015 and December 2016. As a result of this research, it is intended to identify convergent points And divergent between the actions taken by the entrepreneur and the instructions of Sebrae and their respective impacts on the business

Empreendedorismo tecnológico refere-se ao uso de tecnologia para criar e explorar oportunidades de forma a gerar valor, baseado nos conceitos de empreendedorismo, e tecnologia que podem gerar inovação. Com base nessa definição, o CNPq demonstrou necessidade de entender as empresas empreendedoras tecnológicas, uma vez que estas podem ser solução para a crise econômica nacional. Por isso, esta dissertação objetivou explorar o processo empreendedor tecnológico nas empresas do SIMPLÁS. Portanto, a revisão da literatura abrangeu os temas empreendedorismo, inovação e empreendedorismo tecnológico, bem como seus processos. O método de pesquisa foi de natureza aplicada, abordagem qualitativa e objetivo exploratório, sendo que para tanto foram realizadas entrevistas em profundidade a partir de roteiro semiestruturado. Finalmente, as entrevistas foram analisadas por meio de análise de conteúdo, o que resultou em três modelos de processo, os quais foram separados de acordo com a rotina e a maturidade do processo empreendedor tecnológico. Os resultados mostram que o processo empreendedor tecnológico nas empresas embrionárias possui risco e incerteza como ameaças constantes, os quais podem forçar as empresas a encecrrar o processo, mesmo que elas estejam cientes da importância de perseguir oportunidades tecnológicas. Já as empresas baseadas em tecnologia preocupam-se constantemente em perseguir novas oportunidades, mesmo que nem sempre tenham procedimentos e estruturas adequadas. Finalmente, as empresas maduras possuem rotinas definidas para perseguir oportunidades tecnológicas, as quais resultam em inovações de produto e processo, dessa forma são consideradas pioneiras nos mercados em que atuam. Entretanto, a estratégia da empresa determina a necessidade de prospectar e buscar oportunidades tecnológicas independente do nível de maturidade do processo empreendedor tecnológico. / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, CAPES / Technology entrepreneurship refers to the use of technology to create and explore business opportunities in order to generate value, based on entrepreneurship and technology that may generate innovation. Based on this definition, CNPq indicated the need to understand technology-based firms, since they may be a solution to the national economic crisis. Thus, this master dissertation aimed to explore the technology entrepreneurial process in SIMPLÁS companies. Therefore, the literature review comprehended entrepreneurship, innovation, technology entrepreneurship as well as their processes. The research method was of applied nature, qualitative approach and exploratory objective, with in-depth interviews conducted based on a semi structured questionnaire. Finally, interviews were analyzed by content analysis, what resulted in three process models, which were arranged according to routines and technology entrepreneurial process maturity. Findings show that the technology entrepreneurial process in embryonic companies has risk and uncertainty as constant threats, what may force companies to stop the process, even though they are aware of the importance of pursuing technological opportunities. On the other hand, technology-based companies are constantly concerned in pursuing new opportunities, even though they may not always have infrastructure and procedures required. Finally, mature companies have defined routines to pursue technological opportunities, which result in product and process innovation, thus, they are considered pioneers in their markets. Nevertheless, the company’s strategy determines the need to prospect and pursue technological opportunities regardless of their technology entrepreneurial process maturity level

A concepção de carreira e a relação das pessoas com o trabalho foram modificadas em decorrência das transformações econômicas e sociais ocorridas ao longo das últimas décadas. A idéia de uma carreira estável e duradoura por meio do emprego em organizações deixou de existir, impulsionando as pessoas a procurarem alternativas para a construção de suas trajetórias profissionais. Muitos encontraram no empreendedorismo uma possibilidade para o desenvolvimento de suas carreiras. Os empreendedores, caracterizados pela disposição para correr riscos, por transformar idéias em realizações e pela capacidade de inovação, constroem suas trajetórias por meio da criação de um negócio. O modo como o empreendedor desenvolve essa trajetória é o foco desta pesquisa. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório de enfoque qualitativo, que teve por objetivo investigar como o empreendedor desenvolve sua carreira. Para tanto, foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas, em que os participantes foram convidados a narrar suas histórias de vida profissionais e a discorrer sobre aspectos relacionados ao desenvolvimento de suas carreiras. Participaram da pesquisa 16 empresários do estado de Goiás que revelaram possuir características empreendedoras. A análise do material gerado a partir da transcrição das entrevistas foi realizada por meio do método de análise de conteúdo. Foram realizadas a codificação e a categorização das mensagens contidas nas entrevistas e as informações resultantes desses procedimentos serviram como base para a interpretação dos resultados. Os empreendedores revelaram que o desenvolvimento de suas carreiras está baseado no aprendizado adquirido em suas experiências; em suas redes de relacionamento e no esforço e na dedicação que empregam no trabalho. Para construir sua carreira, o empreendedor precisa desenvolver as habilidades de gestão de pessoas, de visão de oportunidades e de realizar inovações. O desenvolvimento da carreira vincula-se ao desempenho do negócio e a maior parte dos objetivos profissionais do empreendedor é direcionada para a organização. A família ocupa um papel central na carreira do empreendedor, fornecendo ajuda financeira e psicológica e representando um ponto de apoio em suas vidas. Em decorrência dos resultados obtidos, foram formuladas algumas hipóteses, que podem servir como orientações a futuros estudos sobre este tema. As reflexões sobre os resultados converteram-se na proposição de um modelo que visa apresentar o desenvolvimento da carreira do empreendedor, por meio da perspectiva de estágios relacionados à variável tempo e ao crescimento do empreendimento. / The concept of career and relationship of people with their jobs had been modified due to the economic and social changes over recent decades. The idea of a stable and lasting career through the jobs in organizations ceased to exist, driving people to seek alternatives to the construction of their professional careers. Many find on entrepreneurship a chance to develop their careers. Entrepreneurs are characterized by the predisposition to take risks, the capability to convert ideas into accomplishments and the ability to innovate. They build their careers through the creation of an enterprise. The way that the entrepreneur develops his path, is the focus of this research. This is an exploratory study of qualitative approach, which aimed to investigate how the entrepreneur develops his career. To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted where participants were asked to do a narrative of their professional life stories and discourse about issues related to the development of their careers. The participants were 16 businessmen of the state of Goias that revealed entrepreneurial characteristics. The material generated from the interview transcript was analysed using the method of content analysis. Were executed the coding and the categorization of the messages contained in the interviews and the information proceeding from these procedures were the basis for the interpretation of results. Entrepreneurs revealed that the development of their careers is based on knowledge acquired from their experiences, on their networks and on the effort and the dedication that devote at work. To build his career, the entrepreneur must to develop the skills of people management, vision of opportunities and capability of innovation. Career development is tied to the performance of the business and most of the professional goals of the entrepreneur are directed to the organization. The family occupies a central role in the career of the entrepreneur, providing financial and psychological assistance and representing a foothold in their lives. Due to the results, some hypotheses were formulated, which can be used as guidelines for future studies about this topic. Reflections about the results have generated the proposition of a model that aims to present the development of the entrepreneur career, through the perspective of stages related to the variable time and the growth of the enterprise.

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment for the Masters in Technology: Entrepreneurship, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003. / The Department of Education has, since 1998, introduced entrepreneurship education in government schools, for the first time. One of the overall developmental outcomes of the curriculum, of which there are five, is to develop entrepreneurial capacities. Economic and Management Sciences, one of the eight learning areas, encourages learners to develop basic skills and knowledge needed to manage their lives and their environments effectively; to understand the basics of the economy and how it works, and develop basic entrepreneurship, financial management and planning skills to operate effectively in the economy / M

<p> Small business enterprises are important to the economic growth of Nigeria because they make up 97% of the economy and contribute 70% of the country&rsquo;s job opportunity. Notwithstanding the importance of small businesses in the Nigerian economy, 80% fail within the first five years. Based on system theory developed by Ludwig von Bertalanffy, the purpose of this multi-unit qualitative case study was to investigate the strategies owners and managers used to sustain operations longer than first five years. Twelve senior managers of small businesses in Dutse Nigeria participated in an interview. Methodological triangulation of interview questions was used to collect the data. Review of transcribed data and member checking were used to affirm the validity, credibility, and reliability of the study. Ten dominant themes emerged as findings: managers with educational and professional qualifications, skills, and experience; written business and strategic planning; additional financing; commitment of owners; and improved working conditions and good employees manager rapport. Other findings include the use of word of mouth and maintaining a close relationship with top 20% and high spending customers; use of local FM radio stations, social media, and face-to-face contacts marketing; and the use of e-commerce and e-payment platforms. The findings also include the use of support services; and knowledge of seasonality, cutting cost, and financial discipline. Findings might be utilized by small business owners and managers to develop success strategies to sustain operations longer than first five years which might mitigate small business failure. Mitigating small business failure might contribute to the growth of Nigerian economy.</p><p>

This thesis argues that since the current global economic system contributes to the degradation of local economies and communities, alternative economic models based on multiple self-reliant economies led by community-based entrepreneurs could create a basis for a more sustainable global society. The research questions work to clarify how this vision of an alternate economic structure could become reality, and identify a gap in the skills base of current progressive entrepreneurs. Employing the method of backcasting and using an iterative research dynamic between the current reality of progressive entrepreneurs, as understood through case study interviews in four countries, and a vision of entrepreneurs as community-based change leaders, a new concept of entrepreneurship emerges in community sustainability entrepreneurship. The results point to four interactive skills for entrepreneurs, specifically that entrepreneurs a) hold and realize a vision of sustainable enterprise within sustainable community, b) support community needs through an ability to capitalize on community assets, c) develop competency in sustainable development and d) participate effectively in networks. Conclusions detail specific steps that can be taken by entrepreneurs, community development professionals and academics to realize the vision of entrepreneurs as community-based change leaders.

Although a variety of definitions of sustainability and sustainable entrepreneurship can be found in literature, the concept of the pursuit of both social, environmental and economic goals while creating value is a widely accepted perspective on sustainability entrepreneurship. However, the implementation of this holistic approach turns out to be very complex and hard to realize for sustainable ventures. While literature only gives general and little concrete recommendations on how to implement the integration of sustainability goals in a business, a tendency can be observed that sustainable entrepreneurship is often considered synonym with more environmentally focused concepts like green or ecopreneurship. This paper aims to examine how entrepreneurs integrate sustainability in their business model, and how they manage to integrate the three dimensions. Another research focus is laid on the question of how sustainable entrepreneurs can foster and forward a transformation towards sustainable development. This study is investigated through multiple case study approach: Nine sustainability startups and institutions promoting sustainability entrepreneurship shall be investigated in order to get more insight on the goals and strivings of sustainability entrepreneurs, how they put them into practice, and how their actions can help to foster sustainable development in an economy.   It was found that the integration of diverse sustainability dimensions is very complex, and most easily solved with a step-wise integrational approach, as entrepreneurs are still facing many challenges mostly due to the current, not sustainably-focused market conditions. Some “green” tendencies can be observed among the startups and institutions observed, but this can rather be traced back to practical reasons, not to the fact that their perspective of sustainability explicitly focuses on environmental aspects. It was further found, that entrepreneurs can be essential drivers for the sustainability transformation, which can also be fostered and accelerated through political action, education, information and transparency, technology, simplicity and access, gamification, psychology and cooperation and networks. The study has scientific relevance as the struggle of reuniting the three, partly seeming exclusive, aspects of sustainability is a widely discussed topic in literature, which has only provided few practical answers, while at the same time, a tendency can be observed in literature, that researchers seem to especially focus on the environmental aspects of sustainability, while disregarding the importance of social aspects and social change.

Mineral resources are the most important asset of a mining company and form the basis of its economic value. The communication of mineral resource estimates is essential for investors to make informed decisions. International reporting standards have been developed to improve the governance of mineral resources and to ensure that the information is communicated in such a way that it could be understood by interested stakeholders. In spite of this, many users still do not fully understand its potential impact on shareholder value and investor confidence. The basis of this study was to explore the relationship between mineral resource reporting, shareholder value and investor confidence. This study was exploratory in nature and followed a quantitative research design. It was conducted on data from mining companies listed in Australia, Canada, England and South Africa. The time period selected was after the perceived end of the global financial crisis. Multiple linear regression and independent t-test analyses were employed to explore the relationship between mineral resource reporting, shareholder value and investor confidence. This study found a significant relationship between mineral resource reporting and shareholder value for gold, non-gold and small-cap companies. The results further revealed a significant relationship between mineral resource reporting and investor confidence for large-cap companies. It further confirmed that mineral resource reporting is value relevant and found that the information contained therein is not consistently interpreted when compared to published research. Several new interpretations of mineral resource reporting information were identified as being statistically significant. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / lmgibs2014 / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

Entrepreneurs have to constantly make decisions about the various opportunities available to them. Bad decisions can lead to the failure of a business while good decisions will enable the business to grow and make a positive contribution to society and the economy. Understanding how successful entrepreneurs make decisions about business opportunities will assist other entrepreneurs because this knowledge will equip them to run their own businesses more successfully. In this particular research study, twelve successful entrepreneurs were interviewed and asked about the way in which they make decisions about business opportunities. Through a process of thematic analysis, the data collected was woven into an innovative Grounded Theory that identified and explained the heuristics entrepreneurs use when making decisions about opportunities. Seven heuristics emerged from the data and were ordered according to the frequency of observation. The two most common heuristics included inputs required/outcomes desired and formal/emotional processes. The five less frequent heuristics were classified as influence, environmental factors, risk and control, commitment and balance. An additional insight that was gained through the research process was that the entrepreneurial idea itself contributes little to the overall success of the business and an “action-orientated” focus was a far better contributor to ultimate success / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / zkgibs2014 / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted