Dwight M. Hite, Ankur Nandedkar, Jenna Mercer and Warren Martin
All too often leadership programs are developed in relative isolation; that is, they tend to be either academic or practitioner in nature. Arguably, much more effective leadership…
Abstract
All too often leadership programs are developed in relative isolation; that is, they tend to be either academic or practitioner in nature. Arguably, much more effective leadership programs are possible through collaboration between academics and practitioners. This application brief describes one such successful collaboration to develop an inspirational leadership workshop based upon the leadership experiences of retired four-star U.S. Army General Tommy Franks. The result is an award winning leadership workshop designed for both students and professionals.
The aim of this chapter is to evidence the requirements for successfully facilitating female entrepreneurship in rural areas.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this chapter is to evidence the requirements for successfully facilitating female entrepreneurship in rural areas.
Methodology
Using a case study approach based on WiRE, the chapter outlines the practical support that has evolved from research into the complexities of supporting women’s rural business activity. It provides a brief history of the WiRE organisation and presents the findings of a UK West Midlands European Social Fund sponsored project.
Findings
Female rural entrepreneurs contribute to the regional economy; however, practical business support needs often become blurred with personal demands, such as caring roles, particularly with respect to farm-based enterprises.
Research limitations
Findings are concentrated around one regional case study. Further research could make comparisons across a range of similar projects.
Practical implications
The case study highlights the importance of location and circumstance in the development of FREs. It provides a clear research-based template for both rural policy makers and support agencies that should be used to inform the design of future supports for FREs.
Social implications
FREs are important to the rural economy and have a valuable contribution to make to economic development, both in terms of wealth creation and employment. However, the complexity of circumstantial, community and family factors affects the success of support offerings, highlighting the need for plaiting support.
Originality/value
WiRE is the only ongoing support organisation for FREs. There is a paucity of research around support to FREs, which this chapter aims to rectify.
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Barry Quinn, Adele Dunn, Rodney McAdam, Lynsey McKitterick and David Patterson
This study explores policy and practice in relation to a peripheral rural region food support programme for small (micro) food enterprises and the impact on business development…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores policy and practice in relation to a peripheral rural region food support programme for small (micro) food enterprises and the impact on business development and innovation.
Methodology/approach
An exploratory case study methodology is employed focusing on the effectiveness of a local support programme for micro business development in the food sector, in a European Union peripheral, rural location.
Findings
The effective integration of policy and practice in the design and implementation of a public/private partnership programme can enable micro businesses to benefit from Government aid in a collective manner that would not have been possible in a Government–micro enterprise dyadic relationship.
Research limitations/implications
The study focuses on one region and on one particular support programme. However, the research highlights the potential benefits that can accrue to micro food producers, and micro companies more generally from participation in such a programme, and identifies the types of support that are particularly effective for these types of organisations. The research identifies the possibilities and challenges of applying the South Eastern Economic Development type programme to other regions.
Practical implications
The success of such support programmes depends on identifying the needs of the participants at an early stage in the programme and in tailoring training and support accordingly. There are benefits from local government working closely with private consultants as brokers for micro enterprise business development and innovation.
Social implications
Micro enterprises play key economic, social and cultural roles within their local rural community. Collectively they offer opportunities for rural employment and tourism development.
Originality/value
The chapter addresses a major gap in knowledge around the role of policies and supports in assisting business development and innovation in relation to micro size enterprises, and more specifically food micro enterprises based in peripheral, rural regions.
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Lynn Martin, Izzy Warren-Smith, Collete Henry and Linda Scott
Examines the development of UK and European environmental law. TheTreaty of Rome has been amended to provide for assessment of new EC lawsin terms of environmental impact. The…
Abstract
Examines the development of UK and European environmental law. The Treaty of Rome has been amended to provide for assessment of new EC laws in terms of environmental impact. The draft Directive on Civil Liability for Waste threatens a strict liability approach for pollution. The inadequate state of UK common law is reviewed together with the proactive powers of waste regulation authorities and the establishment of contaminated land registers. The conclusion is that liability for pollution is widening and adverse publicity is more likely with greater public access to information.
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Lynn Martin, Tamara McNeill and Izzy Warren-Smith
The purpose of this paper is to explore eco innovation in rural small firms. It looks at the motivations of rural small business owners for eco innovation and the extent to which…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore eco innovation in rural small firms. It looks at the motivations of rural small business owners for eco innovation and the extent to which rurality is important. Owner-managers’ perceptions of how eco innovation had, or would, contributed to growth in the future are also explored.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a qualitative study involving micro-level exploration of eight growth-oriented rural small firms and their implementation of eco innovation. These case studies involved semi-structured interviews, observation of practices in the firm and review of documentation and web-based materials.
Findings
Within each of the case study businesses, eco innovation involved changing business processes to reduce waste and to reduce the amounts of raw materials consumed. Rurality was described as very important due to closeness to the impacts of climate change and firms’ visibility within their local communities. Although none of the businesses identified growth as a motivating factor, each enjoyed economic benefits as a result of their pro-environmental behaviour.
Research limitations/implications
As a small-scale study of eight atypical firms, the findings cannot be readily generalised. Rather, they provide insight to how eco innovation can address both the environmental and the economic.
Practical implications
The findings may be useful for those wishing to encourage pro-environmental behaviours and eco innovation among rural SMEs.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the currently limited literature on how and why SMEs are implementing pro-environmental practice, and also in relation to greener operational practice and business growth.
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Lynn M. Martin, Izzy Warren‐Smith, Jonathan M. Scott and Stephen Roper
This paper is an exploratory quantitative study aimed at providing the first overview of the incidence of female directors in UK companies, mapped against types of firms. It…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper is an exploratory quantitative study aimed at providing the first overview of the incidence of female directors in UK companies, mapped against types of firms. It provides a unique quantitative perspective on the types of companies with boards on which female directors serve.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative analysis of a newly constructed database based on data for all UK companies (using Companies House Financial Analysis Made Easy data) was carried out to explore overall data for board membership related to gender, resulting in a new typology to describe firms with female directors.
Findings
The data supports earlier partial studies suggesting male dominance continues at senior levels. Although female directors represented one in four directors in UK firms, most companies remain male dominated. Women directors are generally found in smaller firms and only one in 226 of larger firms have a majority of female directors. The service sector remains the main focus for female firms, both business services and other services.
Research limitations/implications
The study suggests that at the rate of progress achieved over the 2003‐2005 period, it will be the year 2225 before gender balance in company directorships is achieved in the UK. The study was based on Companies House data, where gender is a self‐reported variable; therefore, considerable work had to be done to identify the gender of directors in order to build the database. This is a limitation for others trying to assess female board membership. The study did not attempt to explain why these levels of female participation are observed – this is a necessary second step following this first analysis of the incidence of women on boards.
Originality/value
The data provides the first comprehensive picture of the senior positions of women across UK businesses as it relates to their positions on the boards of companies.
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David S. Martin, Zo Ramamonjiarivelo and Warren S. Martin
The purpose of this paper is to use a theoretical model to create a scale to predict medical tourism (MT) intentions.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use a theoretical model to create a scale to predict medical tourism (MT) intentions.
Design/methodology/approach
The theory of planned behavior (TPB) model was applied to MT by creating a 49‐item questionnaire and collecting data from a convenience sample of 453 undergraduate students enrolled in a university located in the USA. Factor analysis was used to evaluate the results, and yielded a MEDTOUR scale containing 29 items.
Findings
A regression of the three variables on an intentions scale of participation in MT had an R‐value of 0.587. The model was able to explain around 35 percent of the variance in intentions. Given the general nature of the model and the first attempt at predicting MT, the results are positive.
Research limitations/implications
This research is limited due to the use of a convenience sample of undergraduate students. Further research utilizing additional samples is needed to verify the MEDTOUR scale. In addition, future research can focus on demographic or other areas of interest in relation to the intention to participate in MT.
Originality/value
The creation of the MEDTOUR scale represents a new application of the TPB to the area of MT. This theory‐based scale is offered as a new tool for future research.