Business, Enterprise & Management

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23 The Impact of Entrepreneurial Capital on Preferences for External Financing: An Empirical Study of Ethnic Minority Business Owners in the UK
(De Gruyter, 2023-11-06) Bhusal, Ramchandra; Dabić, Marina; Kraus, Sascha
This chapter examines the impact of entrepreneurial capital (a pool of social, cultural and human capital) on preferences for external financing among ethnic minority business owners in the UK. The findings show that entrepreneurial capital has an impact on ethnic entrepreneurs’ finance seeking behaviours. More specifically, entrepreneurs who choose to embrace extended social networks prefer bank financing and ethnic entrepreneurs who embrace multiculturalism and have a propensity for acculturation prefer alternative sources of financing. Similarly, business owners with postgraduate education have aa positive preference for alternative financing and a high level of education has a positive impact on shaping preferences for asset financing. The empirical study is based on 114 responses obtained through three different survey approaches. Multiple regression models are used to analyze data. This study provides a number of recommendations for policymakers, finance providers and practitioners. © 2023 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
A deep learning pipeline for age prediction from vocalisations of the domestic feline
(Nature Research, 2025-10-03) van Toor, Astrid; Qazi, Nadeem; Paladini, Stefania
Accurate age estimation is essential for advancing interspecies communication but remains a challenge across non-human species. This study presents the first dataset of domestic feline vocalisations specifically designed for age prediction and introduces a novel deep learning pipeline for this purpose. By applying transfer learning with models like VGGish, YAMNet, and Perch, we demonstrate the potential for automated age classification, with VGGish achieving the best results. Our findings hold significant potential for applications in veterinary care and wildlife conservation, building on existing research and pushing forward the boundaries of automated age classification within digital bioacoustics. Future work could explore improving model generalisability and robustness, potentially expanding its application across species.
A Dispute System Design Perspective on the Future Development of Consumer Dispute Resolution
(Oxford University Press, 2016-12-01) Williams, Jane; Gill, Chris; Cortes, Pablo
This chapter explores the concept of dispute system design in the context of consumer dispute resolution (CDR). While there is a growing literature on dispute system design (DSD) in North America, practitioners and scholars in the UK and Europe have failed to give significant attention to DSD as a discrete activity. As the role of CDR within civil justice systems across Europe continues to grow, the activity of ‘designing justice’ in this area should increasingly be seen as a matter of constitutional as well as practical significance. A failure to address this issue risks undermining the continued legitimacy of state-sanctioned dispute resolution for consumer-to-business disputes. In this chapter, we present a new dispute design model for CDR mechanisms and, drawing on several case studies, demonstrate how it may be applied in practice.
A Sequential Mixed Method Study of Employee Job Satisfaction in Upscale Restaurants, Malaysia
(Informa UK Limited, 2023-09-06) Chaichi, Kamelia; Stephenson, Marcus L; Fouad Salem, Suha; Leong, Mei Kei
The study determines the main factors affecting job satisfaction in upscale restaurants and their degree of comparative influence. The research initially involves qualitative data analysis of 20 interviews with restaurant employees representing five upscale restaurants in Kuala Lumpur (KL), followed by structural equation modeling of data retrieved from 368 questionnaires from 16 KL restaurants. The impact variance of four main determinants of job satisfaction are revealed, where the “working environment” has the highest impact, followed by “payment and compensation,” “promotion”, and finally, “workplace fairness”. Crucially, “workplace relationships” have a moderating effect on the relationship between the “work environment” and job satisfaction, implicating industry-applied recommendations to strengthen job satisfaction levels.
Accessibility, diversity and inclusion in events
(Routledge, 2020-05-26) Finkel, Rebecca; Dashper, Katherine; Page, Stephen J.; Connell, Joanne
This chapter explores the importance of issues concerning accessibility, diversity and inclusion in events discourses and praxis. These are broad terms encompassing a multitude of facets related to social, cultural, economic and political approaches and interactions. We recognise that individual events have distinct issues to explore; however, we intend to provide a general discussion about these three interlacing topics in order to provide a platform for further debates and improved applications in events landscapes.
An exploration of mixed research methods in planned event studies
(Taylor & Francis, 2016-03-30) Sweeney, Majella; Goldblatt, Joe J.
The Fife Council in Scotland facilitated the development of 400 events in 2010. Six different and complementary research methodologies were utilized to evaluate these events. The research required the use of a range of quantitative and qualitative methods to establish the motives, feelings and well-being that impacted these events. Crowd counts, ethnography, semi-structured interviews, ethno-photography, focus panels, and electronic surveys were combined. The research demonstrates the potential for using mixed research methods to evaluate different planned events and depicts innovative methods for measuring the overall effectiveness of planned events from the organizational, as well as an individual, participant perspective.
Artisan food production, small family business and the Scottish food paradox
(Emerald, 2019-05-13) Quinn, Bernie; Seaman, Claire
Purpose This paper draws together three strands of work currently being carried out at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh to take an overview of food in Scotland and on-going local interventions. The provision of ‘artisan’ food, defined here as food that forms part of the established tradition of its local area, usually produced on a relatively small scale, has become prominent in Scotland in recent years and is seen by many as part of a developing food culture that begins to address the Scottish Food Paradox. Design/Methodology/Approach A review of current research that considers artisanal food production and work that researches small and family enterprises was undertaken Findings Small business support within the UK and indeed tailored support for businesses owned and managed by families is in a developmental phase at present. While there are numerous sources from which businesses can seek support, there are also acknowledged challenges for businesses in identifying the most appropriate sources of support and the opportunity cost of engaging with business support agencies remains a serious concern for many. Further, much business support prioritizes high growth businesses effectively de-prioritizing artisanal food producers. Research Limitations/Implications The development and promotion of appropriate business support systems tailored to artisanal food production is an area that would merit further development Originality/Value The value of this piece lies in its blending of two distinct areas of work, considering both the challenges faced by artisanal food producers and recent research in family and smaller enterprises.
Barriers to access: Investigation of plus-size women consumer experiences at fashion events
(Routledge, 2019-01-08) Elliott, Amanda; Finkel, Rebecca; Walters, Trudie; Jepson, Allan Stewart
Recent cross-disciplinary literature in the social sciences has shown that fat women experience weight bias and marginalisation in nearly all aspects of life, including within the fashion industry. This stigmatisation results in exclusion from brand and designer collections, runway shows, and other fashion events. As research in this area and in particular within an event context is very scarce, this chapter draws upon accessibility research, fat studies, and critical events studies to investigate the physical and psychological barriers to access for plus-size women at fashion events along with consumer attitudes with regard to fashion events. Research methods adopt quantitative approaches and include a survey of plus-size women who have attended a fashion event in 2017, which allowed for analysis of their experiences with regard to accessibility obstacles as well as their attitudes regarding fashion events and fashion event managers. Findings reveal plus-size consumers are more likely to attend fashion events if they see their body types represented in promotional event materials. They are also more likely to attend if they believe their needs will be met by the event facilities. Consumer attitudes toward fashion events and fashion event managers were generally negative, but provided several opportunities for growth and improvement.
Broadcasting cookery: BBC radio programmes in the 1920s and 1930s
(Wiley, 2016-01-22) Lyon, Phil; Ross, Liz
The development of British radio broadcasting technology in the 1920s and 1930s and, equally importantly, the progressively widespread purchase and use of radio sets established a new platform from which to engage and influence the population on a number of matters. The British Broadcasting Corporation's public service principles of programmes to inform, educate and entertain gave rise to various content experiments at a time when there were very few precedents. One such innovation was the cookery talk. This was broadcast live, accomplished without the possibility of practical demonstration, and constituted a new, and abstract, form of communication primarily designed for women in their own homes. In this, women were the earliest and most frequent contributors, and their broadcast content differed from that provided by men. By reference to archive material, this article examines the social context and the thinking behind those early years of radio cookery talks and documents the contributors who were to establish this now-familiar genre of broadcasting. 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Business internet use in small, family owned and managed hotels in Scotland
(Inderscience, 2020-02-05) Fyfe, Jo; Seaman, Claire; Bent, Richard
Tourism and thus hospitality is a key strategic priority for the Scottish Government which in many communities is still highly dependent on small, family owned and managed hotels. This exploratory study is designed to initiate dialogue and to explore the complexity of the operating environment and perceived business support needs in the ever-more complex and dynamic e-environment. The development of the internet has altered the manner in which the hospitality industry operates; offering global marketing opportunities, open-source review sites and perhaps crucially the opportunity to interact with and sell directly to the consumer. Results indicate that the positive aspects of the internet were perceived to outweigh the disadvantages; however, the learning challenges identified were primarily around the effective management of on-line resources and global reputation. The vital role of small family owned and managed hotels in the development of a coherent tourism offering for Scotland is acknowledged here and can be additionally allied to geography. There are areas in Scotland, and indeed much of the world, that draw tourists yet are not sufficiently populous to host hotel chains or even specialist boutique hotels. In part, the reason tourists are drawn to those areas is precisely their relatively undeveloped nature, yet this creates a challenge for business learning within small independent hotels.
Buying into the 'good worker' rhetoric or being as good as they need to be? The effort bargaining process of new migrant workers
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2016-07-27) Baxter-Reid, Hazel
A great deal of attention in the literature has focused upon employers' stereotypical perceptions of Central and Eastern European workers as 'good workers', and the impact such views have on hiring processes in low-skilled employment. Drawing on multiple case studies, this paper examines the good worker rhetoric through the lens of the effort bargaining process and hard HRM strategies that target marginalised workers in the labour market. In particular, the extent to which migrant workers buy into the rhetoric is explored. It is argued that migrant workers do not fully buy in to the good worker rhetoric because of issues such as high levels of education and personal aspirations and importantly, issues related to employers' strategies, bullying, discrimination, and the segmentation of migrant workers in each organisation. 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The Case for Space Sustainability: Crowded Orbits, Debris Crisis, and Global Space Governance
(Roma TrE-Press, 2024-10) Paladini, Stefania; Zolea, Sirio
Community events: Committees, challenges and co–operation
(Cognizant Communication Corporation, 2020-08-31) Brewster, Marjory
Despite the growing interest in community–led organisations there remains some events operated by not–for–profit organisations that have not been fully explored. Even when there is a significant socio–cultural contribution to the host communities. Although this study is set within Highland Games there are many similarities to many not–for–profit event organisations managing traditional community events or cultural celebrations such as Hogmanay or Common Ridings. The challenges facing volunteer organisations are considerable when attempting to maintain cultural traditions and committee stabilisation, for many not–for–profit event organisations. Furthermore, the organisers of community events may not be traditionally perceived as the protectors of a country’s culture, there is no doubt that many events play a significant role in promoting unique elements of tradition and culture. Adopting a qualitative methodology, the article highlights some of the challenges encountered to maintain a stable support system for dedicated groups of individuals. Findings highlight the community focus and need for synergetic support systems in communities to ensure longevity of significantly important events.
Confusion, gaps, and overlaps: A consumer perspective on the UK's alternative dispute resolutions (ADR) landscape.
(Citizens Advice, 2017-04) Gill, Chris; Creutzfeldt, Naomi; Williams, Jane; O'Neill, Sarah; Vivian, Nial; Citizens Advice
This report is about the help available to consumers who have experienced a problem with a business that they have been unable to resolve on their own. Some of these problems end up in the small claims courts, but increasingly consumers can turn to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) schemes. This report is about the UK's current approach to ADR. The report does 3 things. It provides an up-to-date map of ADR schemes available to consumers in the UK. It presents a detailed comparative assessment of a small selection of these schemes. And it sets out consumer insights drawn from interviews with consumers who have used ADR. The research presented in this report involved desk-based internet research, interviews with ADR schemes, and interviews with consumers. The report comes at a crucial time. There have been longstanding criticisms of ADR provision for consumers and there is wide consensus that the system is incoherent and confusing. The current government has an opportunity to address some of these criticisms in a forthcoming Consumer Green Paper. This is, therefore, an opportune time to be thinking about how to ensure that ADR meets consumers' needs and serves their interests.
Consciously contributing: Community engagement, philanthropy and family business
(Routledge, 2022-04-08) Seaman, Claire; Bent, Richard; Seaman, Claire
Corporate citizenship is an area of the current study that considers, amongst other things, how the values of a business translate into socially responsible behaviour. Conversely, corporate citizenship can also consider the values individuals bring into the business and the impact these values may have on business behaviour. This chapter focuses on family business, taking the perspective that where the values of one family are concentrated in the leadership of a business, those values will tend to exert more influence on business behaviour, for good or ill. Family businesses vary widely in size, in sector of operation and indeed in the values they hold but family businesses are also astonishingly numerous and of considerable economic importance. Whilst there is an ongoing definitional debate, a consensus has been reached within the literature that somewhere between 65% and 80% of businesses are owned, managed, or led by family. Family businesses form the economic bedrock of economies and communities worldwide and their impact on corporate citizenship is therefore substantial. In considering how a research agenda for this area might be developed, this chapter seeks to advance thinking and to provoke both debate and ongoing research.
Consumer education and empowerment in Europe: Recent developments in policy and practice
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2016-11-17) Brennan, Carol; Vlaev, Ivo; Blakemore, Michael; Smith, Nicola; Directorate General Health and Consumers
This article develops the findings of an evaluation of European Commission consumer education, information and capacity building actions conducted in 2011, with an examination of action taken by 2016 to address the recommendations. Based on empirical research of documents, in-depth interviews, focus groups and semi-structured surveys of Directorate General for Health and Consumers and Directorate General for Education and Culture policy networks, it discusses the journey taken to improve consumer education and empowerment throughout Europe. Implementation of the recommendations aims to transform consumer education and empowerment in Europe,with integrated and updated resources for the maximum number of teachers across the European Union, where teachers can focus the resources on consumer education activities relevant for their learners. A key focus of the new developments is to deliver higher European Union (pan-European) added-value, better coordination and synergies with national activities.
Contribution of tourism to economic development in selected European countries
(Toplica Academy of Applied Studies, Department of Business Studies Blace, 2024-12-24) Pantovic, Danijela; Chaichi, Kamelia; Pavlović, Sanja
The aim of the study is to explore the interplay between fundamental indicators related to tourism's contribution to economic development. These indicators encompass Total contribution to Employment, Direct contribution to Employment, Total contribution to GDP, Direct contribution to GDP, Capital Investment, and Visitor Exports - Foreign Spending. A cluster analysis of the 30 studied countries was formed based on the entropy results as a measure of equality. The research relies on data from the TTDI Index for the year 2019, as published by the World Economic Forum. The Kruskal-Wallis test highlighted the differences between the clusters. The entropy results support the the cluster analysis, as the coastal countries show the highest values of these indicators.The contribution of tourism to the European economy is imperative for countries to develop strategies for the exploitation of natural and cultural assets.The practical implications emphasize the need for greater investment and foreign spending.
Corporate Citizenship and Family Business
(Routledge, 2022-04-08) Seaman, Claire; Seaman, Claire
Current models of corporate citizenship largely consider business as one coherent entity. This view of business as a corporate force overlooks the growing evidence that most businesses are run by families. Family businesses are the most common form of business in existence – across countries, continents and geopolitical divides – and yet we know remarkably little about their approach to corporate citizenship. Where families run businesses, they create a concentration of family values that – for good or ill – influence the way business practices and behaviours develop. The role of the family in business has, therefore, an influence on the development of society that is partially mediated through corporate citizenship. This book pulls together current thinking from several diverse research fields that intersect with family business research to offer insight into current research and examples of practice for those studying and researching in the fields of family business, business values and corporate practice. The book will also explore the fact that family businesses tend to take a longer-term approach to business and that this is reflected in their behaviour towards the environment, community engagement, employee development and innovation. Bringing together contributions from researchers in the diverse fields of family business, philanthropy, community engagement, corporate social responsibility, innovation and policy, this book explores the many ways in which family businesses contribute to the corporate citizenship agenda.
Creating space for the business family
(Emerald, 2015) Seaman, Claire
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to consider one of the major, under-researched themes in rural studies - the business family. Acting as an economic bedrock and entrepreneurial business base, families may support one or more businesses over varying time frames (Rouvinez, 2001). Design/methodology/approach - By reviewing related literature, the paper aims to encapsulate some thoughts on this topic and to consider ways in which future work in this field might be directed. Findings - Standing at the divide between entrepreneurship research, business research and research which looks at the family in a social paradigm, business families remain one of the under-researched areas which provide a vital function within rural communities (Getz et al., 2004, p. 3). One distinction drawn out within this paper is of the manner whereby a family business - defined here as a business with one or more family members where the owners perceive it to be a family business - stands in parallel to the business family. Difficulties in definition of the term family business (Sharma, 1996) have further complicated this distinction, but the importance of family businesses in a worldwide context is acknowledged (Poutziouris, 2006) alongside the need for further research in a UK context (Fletcher, 2002; Getz et al., 2004, p. 72). If the term family business is difficult to define, simpler definitions of the business family do appear: families with a distinct track record in portfolio or serial entrepreneurship but where the expertise is embedded within more than one individual.
Cultural festivals and the city
(Wiley, 2020-03-23) Finkel, Rebecca; Platt, Louise
Cities have always been hubs for celebration and festivity, bringing people together to escape temporarily from the mundane nature of everyday routines. Festivals have often been bridges between people and places, linking personal geography with collective experiences and therefore increasingly of interest to cultural geographers. However, festivals also have social, economic and political aspects that are constructed by societal influences of the time and place. This article presents some of the key debates ongoing in academic literature across disciplines to demonstrate the contested role that cultural festivals play in urban settings and suggests that urban geography is critical to developing these debates. It is simply no longer possible to say that festivity is a simple rupture in the mundanity of everyday life of urban citizens; rather, contemporary cultural festivals now often exhibit complex and uneasy tensions between the socio‐economic strategies of commercialized neoliberal cities and the cultural needs of diverse communities to gather and celebrate. By reviewing the development of festivals as part of the urban cultural economy utilising a geographic lens, this article sets out how cultural festivals are now more often employed by cities for marketing, tourism and other socio‐economic benefits. We demonstrate that cultural festivals and cities have an ongoing relationship, which is now mainly commercialized and politicized, and this has diverse impacts on communities, urban spaces and cultural identities.