Saeed Heshmati and Maysam Shafiee
This study was designed to detect the failures in Iranian accelerators. This paper attempts to identify these effects from the perspective of accelerator managers and founders of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study was designed to detect the failures in Iranian accelerators. This paper attempts to identify these effects from the perspective of accelerator managers and founders of startups. The main goals of this article are as follows: (1) What are the failures of Iran's acceleration programs from the perspective of accelerator managers? (2) What are the failures of Iran's acceleration programs from the perspective of startup teams? (3) What are some of failures of the acceleration programs that both groups agree on?
Design/methodology/approach
It has been attempted to conduct semi-structured interviews with managers of corporate accelerators on the one hand and startups accelerated in these accelerators on the other. The interviewees were selected using snowball method and consisted of 9 accelerator managers out of 7 accelerators and 15 startups based on 5 accelerators. The analysis of the information extracted from the interviews and coding of the failure identified in the accelerators was performed using the thematic analysis method. In order to assess the validity of this study, an entrepreneurial doctoral student was asked to codify the interviews individually to compare the extracted codes.
Findings
Finally, 34 problems have been identified that are divided into four main themes related to mentorship, acceleration program, acceleration structure and infrastructure and internal startup team problems. Overall, the greatest agreement among the failures identified as wrong orientation by untrained mentors, the lack of complementary in ability and skills of team members, the lack of knowledge of mentors, the lack of acceleration managers in entrepreneurship and the lack of a proper leader in startup teams.
Originality/value
This study aimed to investigate the failures of corporate accelerators in Iran as a developing country, which is the first survey in Iran. We have many researches about the pathology and identify failures of accelerators, but in corporate accelerators, little research has been done. The authors have a classification of failures in corporate accelerators by using thematic analysis. In this study, accelerators' managers and founders of startups were interviewed and 34 failures were identified.
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Navid Mohammadi and Saeed Heshmati
Entrepreneurship is the driving force of countries for sustainable economic development. The importance of this issue is to the extent that in recent years, countries have made…
Abstract
Purpose
Entrepreneurship is the driving force of countries for sustainable economic development. The importance of this issue is to the extent that in recent years, countries have made great efforts to develop their entrepreneurial ecosystem. But the starting point for entrepreneurship is when an opportunity is identified and the entrepreneur rises to use it. Accordingly, opportunity recognition will be the foundation of entrepreneurship and ultimately sustainable development. Given the importance of this topic, this paper attempts to provide a large picture of the studies conducted in this field.
Design/methodology/approach
Given the importance of this topic, this paper attempts to provide a large picture of the studies conducted in this field by reviewing 868 articles published on the Web of Science database in the field of opportunity recognition. Accordingly, using statistical descriptions of articles, analyzing the communication network among elements such as authors, countries, institutions, keyword analysis in articles and examining their trends over time, identifying the most important articles using co-citation analysis and finally this macroimage has been mapped, clustered and identified in leading articles in the last decade by co-citation clustering.
Findings
The results of the clustering show that the five main clusters of recent decades have included entrepreneurial characteristics and opportunity recognition, macroeconomic opportunity recognition cluster (community and impact on economic development of the country), opportunity recognition process cluster, opportunity recognition cluster in serial and intra-entrepreneurship and opportunity recognition cluster in new venture internationalization.
Originality/value
Using a bibliometric analysis and co-citation analysis in the field of opportunity recognition and making a big picture of studies in this field of study is a contribution that can be used for future studies and researchers and managers in this field.
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Navid Mohammadi, Nader Seyyedamiri and Saeed Heshmati
The purpose of this study/paper is conducting a Systematic mapping review, as a systematic literature review method for reviewing the literature of new product development by…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study/paper is conducting a Systematic mapping review, as a systematic literature review method for reviewing the literature of new product development by textmining and mapping the results of this review.
Design/methodology/approach
This research has been conducted with the aim of systematically reviewing the literature on the field of design and development of products based on textual data. This research wants to know, how text data and text mining methods, can use for the design and development of new products.
Findings
This review finds out what are the most popular algorithms in this field? What are the most popular areas in using these approaches? What types of data are used in this area? What software is used in this regard? And what are the research gaps in this area?
Originality/value
The contribution of this review is creating a macro and comprehensive map for research in this field of study from various aspects and identifying the pros and cons of this field of study by systematic mapping review.
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Nurul Hazwani Abdul Latif, Muhammad Taher, Juliana Md Jaffri, Mohamad Shahreen Amri, Muhammad Badri Abdul Kudos, Wan Mohd Azizi Wan Sulaiman and Deny Susanti
Various studies suggest that some of natural agents create a specific action of hypocholesterolemic effect. Considering this fact, the aim of this paper is to work on describing…
Abstract
Purpose
Various studies suggest that some of natural agents create a specific action of hypocholesterolemic effect. Considering this fact, the aim of this paper is to work on describing selected natural agents that may reduce cholesterol concentrations by different mechanism of actions.
Design/methodology/approach
The advantages, phytochemical components and the mechanisms of the agents were reviewed and supported from the findings of the in vitro, double-blind and clinical studies from published journals, books and articles. The journals used in this review were published between 1987 and 2016, and are available from PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar.
Findings
Plant stanols and sterols, turmeric, fenugreek, avocado, tomato, artichoke, red yeast rice and garlic showed a positive effect in maintaining cholesterol levels by specific mechanisms or actions. These agents each had a specific action in creating a hypocholesterolemic effect either by inhibition of the enzyme significant to the synthesis process, disturbing the absorption of cholesterol, conversion of cholesterol to other related forms and through the reduction of the oxidative stress.
Research limitations/implications
However, this field still needs more studies as, currently, there is not any detailed information regarding the main active ingredients responsible for the mechanism to reduce cholesterol levels in humans.
Originality/value
This paper enlightens the authors’ understanding of some natural agents that have the potential to be used in controlling cholesterol.
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Navid Mohammadi and Maysam Shafiee
To avoid wastage of resources of a startup accelerator, this paper aims to present a model for accelerator managers’ decision-making to enter startups into acceleration and…
Abstract
Purpose
To avoid wastage of resources of a startup accelerator, this paper aims to present a model for accelerator managers’ decision-making to enter startups into acceleration and initial capitalization using a fuzzy Delphi approach and an affinity diagram is one of the design thinking tools.
Design/methodology/approach
The high failure rate of startups has led to a waste of resources and a lot of capital. This failure rate is much higher in the early stages of startups and subsequently higher risk. This is where startup accelerators play a role in supporting startups and provide startups with the capital needed to accelerate. The point to note at this point is that choosing the team with the lowest success potential by the accelerators will eliminate their capital and energy. The purpose of this research is to avoid this wastage.
Findings
In this research, using the Fuzzy Delphi method and aggregation of opinions of 5 experts and managers of the acceleration field, additional criteria were eliminated and 35 criteria were considered as final criteria of the evaluation model. In the final stage, a 10-member committee of managers, specialists and faculty members was formed and the criteria were grouped using the affinity diagram method. Finally, the final model was presented considering the components of a business plan.
Originality/value
Using design thinking methods and a combination of that with a fuzzy and quantitative method is one of the contributions of this research. Also, making a model for selection startups in the acceleration stage of fundraising is another value of this research.
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Ankita Nayak, Ipseeta Satpathy, B. C. M. Patnaik, Sukanta Kumar Baral and Durga Prasad Samontaray
Efforts and initiatives aimed at poverty reduction are motivated by the ultimate objective of reducing the prevalence of people living in poverty. The primary goal of such efforts…
Abstract
Efforts and initiatives aimed at poverty reduction are motivated by the ultimate objective of reducing the prevalence of people living in poverty. The primary goal of such efforts is to ensure that individuals and families living in low-income households have fair access to basic essentials such as food, vital resources and critical services. According to the World Economic Forum, poverty is a significant loss of well-being that can appear in a variety of ways. Two instances of this are low wages and the difficulty of accessing the necessities for daily living in the form of goods and services. Poor physical and mental health, insufficient access to sanitary services, lack of a voice and a lack of resources to improve one's situation are all characteristics of poverty. The goal of this study is to provide insight into the various poverty eradication programmes undertaken in India and the Middle East, i.e. Yemen. This exploratory study aims to give an overview comprising an analysis of more than 52 published research articles on this topic. The evaluation covers papers from prominent publications as well as general management journals with significant links to the topic. This chapter makes a significant contribution to theory by understanding different challenges leading to poverty, giving insights into the various programmes taken to eradicate poverty and suggesting measures to mitigate poverty through various literature reviews; this study is a general review in the context of the paper type. This study will give discernment for academicians and executives of different organisations.
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Masato Abe, Michael Troilo and Orgil Batsaikhan
The purpose of this paper is to propose policy suggestions for the financing of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Asia-Pacific region. Recent literature suggests that…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose policy suggestions for the financing of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Asia-Pacific region. Recent literature suggests that lack of capital is the most severe constraint for SME survival and growth. Enabling policymakers to assist SMEs in their search for financing will boost economic growth.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology includes both quantitative and qualitative components. Current World Bank data on the strength of various financial institutions in the countries of interest is analyzed to discover areas of improvement. Additionally, 32 experts from East and South Asia were interviewed several times to determine areas of concern in financing SMEs. Their responses and the evidence from the World Bank data form the basis of the policy prescriptions in the paper.
Findings
Financing is a critical constraint for SMEs for several reasons. Many SME owners do not manage working capital effectively, information asymmetry between banks and SMEs retards the loan application and approval process, and underdeveloped equity markets deny SMEs future growth opportunities. Policymakers can ameliorate conditions by serving as facilitators and communicators; governments should not provide financing directly if possible.
Practical implications
It is hoped and expected that the policy prescriptions offered herein will enhance the growth and survival prospects of SMES, thereby creating more employment, innovation, and economic growth.
Originality/value
The main contribution of this work is its scope. While the financing of SMEs is a familiar topic, the review of issues and policies in East and South Asia, and their distillation into practical advice for officialdom, is what makes this manuscript unique.
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Fabrizio Errico, Antonio Messeni Petruzzelli, Umberto Panniello and Angelo Scialpi
This paper aims to explore the effects of two drivers, namely, the received fundings and its interaction with the specialized competences owned by the managerial board, on the R&D…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the effects of two drivers, namely, the received fundings and its interaction with the specialized competences owned by the managerial board, on the R&D activities performed by start-ups.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper tests hypotheses on a sample of 405 innovative start-ups established in Italy and registered into the Chamber of Commerce official database. This study uses the R&D expenses as a measure of the innovative performance of start-up, and the authors also collected the number and total amount of grants received by them and the presence of high qualified team in their management board.
Findings
The analysis reveals that both the number and total amount of grants received by start-ups positively impact the innovative performance. The same is for the integration of the total amount of grants with the presence of high qualified team in the management board.
Research limitations/implications
This study did not distinguish between different types of grants adopted by start-ups, while it would be interesting to study whether any difference does exist among them in terms of their influence on innovative performance. Also, this paper considers the total number of specialized people in the team while it would certainly be interesting to analyze people’s background and competences in relation to the innovative performances.
Practical implications
This paper allows us to offer some provisional conclusions such as having funds in the preliminary phase of start-up life cycle, and investments mainly for R&D expenses. The start-up must also leverage its skills and therefore it is necessary to invest in human capital.
Social implications
Findings suggest that policymakers should introduce integrated measures to support start-ups throughout the entire life cycle, from the creation of the idea to incubation up to industrial consolidation.
Originality/value
This paper focuses on the determinants of start-up innovative performance because both external (such as political, economic, social and technological) and internal (such as organizational) influencing factors have to be considered as crucial for start-ups innovation and growth. Finally, this study is one of the few attempts exploring the phenomenon by using an empirical methodology based on real and certificated data.
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Parisa Sadighara, Mohadeseh Pirhadi, Melina Sadighara, Parisa Shavaly-Gilani, Mohammad Reza Zirak and Tayebeh Zeinali
Benzene contamination has been reported in some food groups. This study aims to identify high-risk foods groups to assess exposure to benzene.
Abstract
Purpose
Benzene contamination has been reported in some food groups. This study aims to identify high-risk foods groups to assess exposure to benzene.
Design/methodology/approach
Benzene is a hazardous volatile organic compound commonly used in the production of chemicals, detergents, paints and plastics. In addition, benzene is present in food and beverages.
Findings
Citrus juice-based beverages are usually more contaminated with benzene than other beverages. Benzene was also detected in carbonated beverages, fruit juices, pickles, lime juices, mayonnaise and salad dressing. Smoked and canned products have higher content of benzene. Aromas that are used in food contained benzene. Food packaging is one of the sources of benzene contamination of food. One of the reasons for its formation in food staff is due to the reaction of vitamin C (or similar acid) with benzoate, which is mainly used as a preservative in various foods.
Practical implications
Foods contaminated with benzene were determined. Moreover, mechanisms of its formation and some preventive measures were discussed.
Originality/value
This review determined the amount of benzene in foods, mechanism of formation and suggestion for prevention of benzene contamination in food.
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Hannan Amoozad Mahdiraji, Moein Beheshti, Seyed Hossein Razavi Hajiagha, Niloofar Ahmadzadeh Kandi and Hasan Boudlaie
Due to the political, economic and infrastructure barriers and risks that international entrepreneurs (IEs) face when researching an emerging economy's agrifood sector, this…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to the political, economic and infrastructure barriers and risks that international entrepreneurs (IEs) face when researching an emerging economy's agrifood sector, this research aims to identify the major barriers, analyse their relationships, quantify their importance, classify and rank them. Thus, the IEs will gain a better understanding and vision of their decision-making processes in this era.
Design/methodology/approach
To do this, the authors first created a list of barriers to entry for IEs into Iran's rising economy's agrifood industry. Following that, a multi-layer decision-making approach was developed and implemented to accomplish the research objectives. The first stage utilized a hybrid of interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) to depict the level-based conceptual model and classification of the IEs’ obstacles to entry into the agrifood sector. Following that, a hybrid decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), and analytic network process (ANP) called DANP was utilized to present a causal relationship between the barriers, identify their causes and effects, and also quantify the relevance of each barrier.
Findings
After employing the multi-layer decision-making approach, the results demonstrated that fundamental limitations, including infrastructure and technology limitations, are the most critical barriers alongside policy factors encompassing governmental support and access to global or regional economy/market. According to the results, innovation and economic sustainability of the agrifood supply chain also matter. All of these critical barriers are intertwined and should be planned and solved simultaneously. Furthermore, based on DANP results, the sustainability pillars (economy, environment, society), besides the low efficiency of the agrifood sector in Iran, should be investigated further for future policy makings.
Originality/value
A hybrid multi-layer decision-making approach has been used for analysing the barriers of investment in the agrifood sector of the emerging economy of Iran for the international entrepreneurs. Moreover, the authors provide implications and insights for IEs and officials for decision-making in the future.