Social Innovation: Comparative Perspectives investigates socio-economic impact. Since it is hard to establish causality and to measure social properties when investigating impact, especially at the level of society, the book narrows down impact to one priority aspect: social innovation - understood as organizations' capacity to generate novel ideas, ways and means of doing things, of addressing public and social problems of many kinds. This volume's primary assertion is that the Third Sector, specifically through stimulating civic involvement, is best placed to produce social innovation, outperforming business firms and state agencies in this regard. By investigating actor contributions to social innovation across seven fields of activity, Social innovation: Comparative Perspectives develops our understanding of why and how the Third Sector is central to functioning, cohesive and viable societies. This volume is based on contributions of the project "ITSSOIN - Impact of the Third Sector as Social Innovation" funded by the European Commission under the 7th framework programme. It will be of insight across disciplines, in particular to the growing social innovation community, innovation researchers more generally and to non-profit scholars. The practical relevance of the book will be of interest to European and national policy makers and practitioners across different sectors.

Contents:
Introduction Part I - The Environment of Computing 1. The IT Industry and the Information Economy 2. Government and the Information Economy 3. Regulating Computing Part II - The Work Place and IT 4. IT and Organizations 5. IT and jobs Part III - IT and the Environment 6. IT and Society: the Need for Choice

More than one billion people still live below the poverty line - most of them in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Financial inclusion is a major issue, as more than three-quarters of the numbers of poor and disadvantaged women and men do not have access to financial products and services, such as bank accounts, affordable and suitable loans, and insurance. The key objective of this book is to provide practical case studies of financial inclusion, rather than focus on academic debates such as the ideological basis of promoting microfinance. Using the recently adopted Sustainable Development Goals as an overall framing of the issues, it shows how poor and disadvantaged women and men can be bankable if the right facilitation for maximizing opportunities and addressing constraints are in place. Case studies confirm that achieving inclusive and sustainable access to financial products and services goes beyond simply enabling poor and disadvantaged women and men to have access to credit, or the ability to open a bank account. Examples from Africa, Asia and Latin America demonstrate encouraging progress in making microcredit accessible to millions of poor people. The foremost challenge, however, has been to ensure that they have access to, and usage intensity of, suitable and affordable financial products and services that meet the needs of their livelihoods as well as risks and mitigation strategies. This requires understanding that poor and disadvantaged women and men do not exist in isolation from complex and interdependent functions in the financial system, which includes a number of actors, diversified services, constraints (not just symptoms) and capacities and incentives. Overall, the book provides a rich source of examples of how building inclusive financial systems can empower the world's poor - by increasing income and employment opportunities, securing livelihoods and reducing poverty.

Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction, Part One. The Environment of Computing, Chapter 2: The IT Industry and the Information Economy, Chapter 3: Government and the Information Economy, Chapter 4: Regulating Computing, Part Two. The Work Place and IT, Chapter 5: IT and Organizations, Chapter 6: IT and jobs, Part Three. IT and the Environment, Chapter 7: IT and Society the need for Choice

This book is an important intervention in the debate between economic and social development. It makes the case for understanding development in economic terms as well as in terms of well-being, empowerment and participation.

This book analyses the opportunities and barriers for youth entrepreneurship amid systemic change in Central and Eastern Europe. The authors cover different aspects of youth entrepreneurship and its contribution to the debate on youth unemployment in transition economies. The book discusses the wide-spread over-optimism regarding youth entrepreneurship, self-employment, and its impact on economic innovation and job creation, resulting from a disregard of critical contextual features and the characteristics of young entrepreneurs themselves. The authors give due acknowledgment of the importance of both factors and so fully understand the impediments to youth entrepreneurship, especially in a transition context. Furthermore, they seek to assess the opportunities and constraints of promotion policies in transition economies. Most importantly, the book provides the first empirical contribution to youth entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe by offering a representative number of case studies. The book will be invaluable reading for scholars and students of transition and developing countries, particularly those with an interest in entrepreneurship.

This book explores the lived experience of cultural entrepreneurship examining the challenges associated with cultural labour including the insecurities of managing precarious working conditions. Drawing on interviews conducted with cultural workers, Cultural Entrepreneurship focuses on how individuals articulate their experience of entrepreneurship in the cultural and creative industries. Noting the importance of place, the local cultural milieu is examined as a means of situating entrepreneurial practices through cultural and enterprise policies, local networks, and significant relationships. Within this framework, the cultural entrepreneurs' stories reveal means of subverting or re-interpreting identities and the possibility for 'rethinking cultural entrepreneurship.' Aimed at researchers, academics and students investigating cultural entrepreneurship, cultural policy and cultural labour, Cultural Entrepreneurship will additionally be of value to creative industry consultants, cultural policymakers, and those setting up creative enterprises. Researchers from fields such as geography, investigating different aspects of the cultural industries in relation to cultural policy and place, will also find this book to be a useful contribution.

This title was first published in 2002. The concept of embeddedness refers to the social construction of inter-firm relationships and the enmeshing of economic relationships within broader social structures and relationships in particular places. Previous research has suggested embedding is the best way to generate local growth and social capital and has focused on SMEs in Europe and North America, although the existing model is being more widely adopted now. This volume is the first to examine the complex processes of embedding in this wider context. Bringing together a broad range of case studies from the developed and developing world which address the nature of embeddedness from various perspectives, it not only questions the universality of the current model and the policy initiatives it has spawned but also provides a much wider understanding of embeddedness . It does so by discussing the social dimensions more fully and by throwing light on the spatial and temporal ambiguity of the concept and its inadequate treatment of power.

This book offers the first exploration into the development of social enterprises in the Greater China region, consisting of Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Mainland China. By drawing on the research and experience of over a dozen scholars and practitioners from across the area, it offers a picture of how a strong State can play an important role as a catalyst in developing the social entrepreneurship sector, particularly by legitimizing it. It delves into the role and impact of institutions and policy on the development of social enterprises, and explains how micro and macro factors might interact in influencing social entrepreneurship. Structured in two parts - policy and cases - it reveals the historical development of the Social enterprises sector in the Chinese context and then illustrates this using cases studies. Providing an alternative view of social entrepreneurship by highlighting the importance of context in this new sector, the book questions whether or not social entrepreneurship is preferable to more conventional models of development. Sparking new interest and offering fresh insight into social entrepreneurship in the Greater China region, this book will be useful to students and scholars of Chinese Studies, Business Studies and Sociology.

Business practices in emerging markets are constantly challenged by the dynamic environments that involve stakeholders. This increases the interconnectedness and collaboration as well as spillover effect among business agents, that may increase or hold back economic stability. This phenomenon is captured in this proceedings volume, a collection of selected papers of the 10th ICBMR 2016 Conference, held October 25-27, 2016 in Lombok, Indonesia. This ICBMR's theme was Enhancing Business Stability through Collaboration, and the contributions discuss theories, conceptual frameworks and empirical evidence of current issues in the areas of Business, Management, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Islamic Economics, and competitiveness. All topics include aspects of multidisciplinarity and complexity of safety in research and education.

In the aftermath of the global recession, job creation is a policy priority. While it is a well-accepted fact that the majority of jobs are created by small and medium-sized enterprises, not all SMEs are rapidly growing, or even intend to expand. With limited public budgets, business models within the SME population that do show high job creation potential become very attractive. One of the business types identified as major engines of job creation are 'born globals' characterised as firms which engage intensively in internationalisation activities shortly after start-up. They are high on the entrepreneurship research agenda but so far little attention has been devoted to their potential as job creators, the processes they apply when hiring and the barriers they face. Through a combination of secondary data analysis, literature reviews and international case studies, European Born Globals sheds new light on the motivations and processes of job creation in born global firms. It will contribute to understanding the 'why' and 'how' of job creation in born globals, essential not only for policy makers, but also for academic research and management education.

Entrepreneurs have led economies out of downturns in the last 100 years and evidence points to this trend continuing into the future. In fact, regardless of country or economic conditions, entrepreneurial enterprises are on the rise. High-tech start-ups, where innovation, dedication, collaboration, and pure genius align into a successful enterprise, will likely see good times if they start up right. However, many young researchers hesitate to set up their own company. Written by an electrical engineer with more than nineteen years of successful business experience, Entrepreneurship for Engineers covers every aspect you must master to become a savvy entrepreneur. The author provides coverage of the fundamentals of global economies, accounting, finance, and quantitative business analysis, because ordinary engineers usually lack these necessary survival skills. Outlining a systematic preparation process that will build a great reputation in the commercial marketplace, the author answers: How to start up a company How to create product lines How to collect venture capital How to write successful RandD proposals How to apply forward thinking How to keep cash flowing in a small firm Typical MBA courses include the following curricula: economics, accounting, finance/investment, marketing, and human resources, with courses like Managerial Communications and Quantitative Business Analysis (Applied Mathematics), and finally Strategic Management and Business Ethics. Engineering curricula seldom includes any of this. Supplying almost all the knowledge necessary for operating a corporation, above and beyond what you may find in an MBA program, this book uses an approach to business that is just as disciplined and rigorous as any approach to engineering.

This title was first published in 2000. Illustrated by a wide range of international case studies, this volume elaborates, extends and critiques one of the key models of local growth, which emphasizes learning, networking and 'embeddedness' in relation to the role of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs). In doing so, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the changing role of SMEs in an era of globalization.

This title was first published in 2002. The interest in becoming globally competitive through network strategies, particularly networks between small and medium-sized firms in local business communities, is high among academic researchers, economic development agencies and growth orientated firms. Important contributions to our understanding of the strategic use of networks are coming from a number of disciplinary and theoretical perspectives. This volume provides a unique opportunity to both synthesize this diverse literature and report the results of original research. It is particularly relevant to scholars of business and management, geography and economics

The results are in. The evidence has been analyzed. Research shows that the lack of enterprise-wide training is the biggest reason for ERP implementation failures. It is the single most important precursor to achieving success.

Integrated Learning for ERP Success is the first resource to offer a specifically defined, comprehensive method for planning, delivering, and evaluating ERP training efforts. It even includes formulas for determining training return on investment. The Learning Requirements Planning (LRP) process presented involves a six-step enterprise-level instructional design model that when implemented correctly assures success.

If you would rather have a root canal than oversee an ERP implementation, you are not alone. But like avoiding a root canal, avoiding ERP implementation only causes more pain. This book eases the implementation pain. It shows you how a formal plan for learning will increase the productivity of the ERP implementation team, shorten overall implementation time, and substantially decrease implementation costs. It also provides a discussion on how an ERP implementation can be used as a catalyst for lifelong organizational learning.

Implementing an ERP system can cost three to ten times the actual software purchase price. You can't afford to waste money or time in the areas of ERP education. Integrated Learning for ERP Success shows you how to create learning-focused ERP implementations that provide substantial savings and the competitive advantage.

Enterprise, Entrepreneurship and Innovation provides readers with an accessible and readable introduction to the various dimensions of entrepreneurship and market innovation. It has a clear structure that is easy for the reader to follow and it focuses on enterprising behaviour. Helpful text features include case studies andpause and reflect situations for the entrepreneur to deliberate on the information they have available before making their decision. This helps to emphasise the point that there are few simple and straightforward decisions closely reflecting decisions inreal life. The authors also employ integrative personal development activities that provide a basis for readers to reflect on the learning of the chapters and develop a personal development strategy to increase their ability to become more entrepreneurial and improve their ability to manage market innovation. After completing the book, readers will understand how to acquire the entrepreneur's skills, attitudes and knowledge; the techniques needed to generate new business and create a new organisation.

Enterprise Clusters and Networks in Developing Countries analyses the functions and advantages of clusters and networks for small enterprises in developing countries.In the opening chapter the editors describe different types of clusters and networks and compare the diverse forms of external economies and co-operation effects derived from them. Taking a multidiscplinary approach, they point out it is trust that is the social basis for positive effects of clustering and networking, which are often sources of co-operation and technology diffusion for small enterprises in developing countries.

Principled Persuasion in Employee Communication highlights a new but significant dilemma for organisational leaders. Will they continue on the same track that, since the nineteenth century, has led them to exert increasing control over their employees? Or will they take another path, one that leads towards a new type of working environment where the culture encourages freedom of communication and movement? This book argues for an approach to employee communication that sets out to liberate employees from the stifling constraints that organisations continue to impose on them. Principled Persuasion is so-called because it uses persuasive techniques, based on clear principles, to create new, forward-looking organisational cultures. It sets out to increase employee happiness and minimise the harms done to employees at work. It grounds itself on a strong ethical base composed of fundamental, universal principles. It introduces a new approach to the use of language, not only calling for more clarity and meaning in organisational communication, but also for a more conscious use of rhetorical techniques to change vocabulary, metaphors and internal dialogue for the better. Make no mistake, most organisations have totally underrated the strategic importance of employee communication. Principled Persuaders understand that the key to dealing with the unpredictable events about to unfold in the twenty-first century will be a new way of communicating with the workforce. The flexibility, adaptability and innovation that will be needed to survive and prosper in coming decades can only be achieved by liberating employees, not imprisoning them further in established systems and processes.

This title was first published in 2001: Governments world-wide have developed policies to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and small firm growth, and to increase access to small firm finance. However, the effectiveness of small firms and entrepreneurs as innovators depends on their incentives and the effective governance of relations between entrepreneurs, investors, and employees. This book links these regulatory policies to the ethical and governance practices of small firms, in order to explain the impact and success these policies might be expected to enjoy. The book examines the empirical and theoretical nature of governance practices in small firms, as well as a range of regulatory policy areas, including intellectual property, insolvency law, taxation, securities regulation, and directors' duties in Australia, Europe, and North America.

Clinicians and managers are increasingly required to participate in or manage new initiatives which depend heavily on co-operation collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach where effective interpersonal and group skills are of vital importance. This practical guide encourages the reader to determine how their organisations work and the impact they have on their members. It draws on the experiences of primary care research and development projects and contains numerous case studies tips and techniques to manage change. It is an essential guide for healthcare professionals in primary care and will equip those working in practice and facilitators working with practices with a clear understanding of how to achieve successful acceptance and management of change.

Rejecting the idea that there are ready-made solutions to the challenges of constructing and managing knowledge in organizations, this book addresses the changing nature of knowledge construction and what can be achieved through innovative research practices. Key issues and debates include: working knowledge into the 21st century; the highly contextualized nature of research at work; post-modern perspectives on knowledge construction and practice and performance implications; the impact of globalization; the influences of new technology; language; power; and culture and gender upon the "construction" of knowledge. Leading experts from North America, Japan, Britain and Australia illustrate both practice and theory issues. This text should be of interest to researchers, teachers and students in the field of human resource management, policy-makers and all those concerned with continuing professional development.

This fascinating and controversial text makes sense of the complexities of research in the workplace and how 'working' knowledge is constructed. Featuring experts from Britain, Japan, North America and Australia, it is an outstanding contribution to the literature of Human Resource Management (HRM). It's interdisciplinary approach addresses key issues and debates such as:
* the influences of new technology, language, power, culture and gender upon the 'construction' of knowledge
* the impact of globalization
* working knowledge into the 21st century
* practice and performance implications.
It's outlook, geared towards the 21st century, makes it essential reading for researchers, teachers and students within HRM, policy-makers and all those concerned with professional development.

This clear and detailed analysis, first published in 1976, of recruitment methods, staff development techniques, staff motivation, and organisational structures will be valuable to data processing managers and personnel officers alike. Its practical flavour and real understanding will also be welcomed by general management. The guidelines and detailed checklists will help cut the direct costs of recruiting and the often astonishingly high indirect costs of rapid staff turnover.

For private business owners, managing a successful exit from their business is one of the most important events in their business lives. This book shows you how to do so with the minimum of fuss and maximum return. It is unique because the author writes from the owner's point of view, bringing together in one place all you need to know about planning this complex process. Exit Strategy Planning emphasises the need to place exit planning on a firm foundation, with taxation planning and business continuity planning providing the basis to ensure a smooth transition that will yield the maximum return. The first three parts of the book ('Laying the Foundations', 'Choosing your Exit Strategy' and 'Preparing and Implementing your Plans') present a best practice approach to this complex subject. Here the book highlights the importance of planning, often several years in advance, and explains the need to make the business 'investor ready' by identifying and removing impediments to sale. Part 3 culminates in a step-by-step guide to producing and implementing your Master Exit Strategy Plan. Following on from this the extensive appendices in Part 4 discuss in detail each of the exit options open to you (many of which you have probably never considered) and show how to choose the optimum exit route. Exit Strategy Planning is a book that will do more than save you time and money now and in the future; it will help you to maximise on what may well be a lifetime's investment.

Investors are firmly entrenched in two camps: those who believe that economic and financial fundamentals are the keys to investment success, and those who prefer some form or other of technical analysis. To serve those who use technical analysis, the authors have written a practical, useful, and comprehensive guide to all the major and minor technical analysis systems used by today's investors and financial professionals.
In this unique reference book, technical analysis systems are discussed in depth, with detailed attention to the pros and cons of each. In addition, the "Encyclopedia" offers a "mini-dictionary" of the terms, concepts, and market issues that are part of the discipline of technical analysis.