Showing papers by "Vanessa Ratten published in 2018"

Future research directions for sport education: toward an entrepreneurial learning approach

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to introduce an entrepreneurial learning approach to the study of sport education in order to inform future research directions.,Sport education needs to focus on how it can overcome existing barriers to bring a more interdisciplinary approach. This paper uses entrepreneurship education theory to explore the changes required in sport education provision to create a more relevant and conducive teaching environment.,The findings of this paper suggest that by bringing sport students into contact with entrepreneurship education, aids in the development of improved employability and social skills.,Introducing entrepreneurship education into sport will help the students develop learning initiatives that advance the scholarship of sport education within the university sector.,The benefits of including entrepreneurship education in sport studies could be of interest to the directors of education wanting to increase student enrollments and interest in their courses.,The study suggests ways to offer more interdisciplinary courses and activities linking entrepreneurship education to sport. This needs to be taken into consideration as it will enable the development of sport entrepreneurship education that improves links between academic research with policy and business initiatives.

Emerging themes in entrepreneurial behaviours, identities and contexts:

Abstract: This article introduces the Special Issue (SI) Emerging themes in Entrepreneurial Behaviours, Identities and Contexts. This SI focuses on advancing the entrepreneurship literature by enhancing unde...

Entrepreneurial intentions of surf tourists

Abstract: Purpose There has been an increase in surf tourism, as surfing has gained more international prominence and popularity. Many individuals travel to surf competitions as a form of leisure activity and enhance business connections. The purpose of this study is to examine the entrepreneurial intentions of tourists at a surf event by focusing on lifestyle entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach A case study methodology of the Bells Beach surf contest, Australia, was conducted via semi-structured, in-depth interviews of surf tourists to explore their entrepreneurial behaviour. Findings Results reveal that many surf tourists are interested in surfing as a leisure activity but others see the potential business opportunities of the sport. Originality/value This study fills a gap in the literature between lifestyle entrepreneurship and surf tourism by highlighting the role of entrepreneurial intentions for developing tourism business activities. Management implications for surf tourism entrepreneurs and tourism bodies are discussed along with suggestions for future research.

Women’s entrepreneurship and internationalization: patterns and trends

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on women’s entrepreneurship and internationalization in order to build an understanding about future trends. There is increasing interest in the role of women in entrepreneurship yet little research has been conducted about the link to internationalization patterns.,The literature is reviewed based on a systematic analysis of the words women, female, gender and internationalization.,Three main schools of thought around women’s entrepreneurship and internationalization (philosophy, management and motivations) are then discussed. The analysis of literature and classification into main theories enables the building of new research around women’s entrepreneurship and internationalization.,There is a pipeline of women intending to become entrepreneurs so this paper helps to understand how women entrepreneurs influence internationalization patterns and how to help support women in their business endeavors.

Bringing Africa into Entrepreneurship Research

Abstract: Africa is a region diverse in languages and cultures, which impacts the entrepreneurial spirit of people and companies operating in the area. Despite the various forms of entrepreneurship in Africa, only recently has academic interest been placed on Africa. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of entrepreneurship in Africa by focusing on the unique culture and heritage in the area. The differences between African entrepreneurship and other regional forms are discussed with reference to the historical and societal influences in the area. Policy implications and suggestions for future research are also stated.

Eco-innovation and competitiveness in the Barossa Valley wine region

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to explore the role of eco-innovation in the competitiveness of the Barossa Valley wine region, which is one of the premier wine areas in Australia. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach using qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews was utilised to gather data from respondents in the wine regional cluster. Findings The findings suggest that eco-innovation and regional wine clusters contribute to better international performance of wine firms. In addition, environmental issues are important for the wine industry because of the role they play in the global economy. Research limitations/implications This study highlights the growing importance of climate change and sustainability on the willingness of wine firms to be involved in eco-innovation. This is crucial for wine firms in the Barossa Valley being globally competitive leaders based on environmental innovations. Practical implications Due to the large amount of natural resources that wine firms use, clusters can be used to encourage eco-innovation, which can facilitate further expansion into new international markets. This is important because of consumers increasing emphasis on environmentally friendly food products and the government priority given to eco-innovations. Originality/value This paper provides insights into the eco-innovation process that can help wine firms, industry practitioners and regional planners develop better environmental strategies that lead to increased global competitiveness.

Social entrepreneurship through digital communication in farming

Abstract: Purpose Despite the interest in non-profit and sustainable ways of connecting farms to society, less is known about how to conduct this through digital technology and communication. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to discuss how to connect farms to society through digital technology and communication. Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews of 15 Australian farmers were conducted in order to understand their perceptions of how to engage in digital forms of social entrepreneurship and thematic analysis techniques were utilized to understand the content from the interview transcripts. Findings The findings suggest that digital social farm entrepreneurship can be categorized into social bricoleurs, social constructionists and social engineers. Research limitations/implications This typology helps to understand the contextual role farm entrepreneurs play in rural economies and their place in global societies. Practical implications Many Australian farms are in remote locations far from urban centers, which makes digital forms of social entrepreneurship an important way that farmers can promote social entrepreneurial ventures. Originality/value This paper highlights how there has been a growing interest in developing social entrepreneurship in Australian farms due to their connection with rural communities and environments.

Evaluation of the impact of an entrepreneurship training program in Recife, Brazil

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to understand in a qualitative context, the importance of the EMPRETEC entrepreneurship training in an emerging country context of Brazil. This helps to understand the capacity of entrepreneurship education to improve the ability of individuals to generate new business opportunities.,The data were collected through three semi-structured interview scripts and analyzed with the support of the NVIVO qualitative analysis software using Bardin content analysis.,The findings support the assertion that in emerging economies, entrepreneurship education is increasingly important in transforming society through enabling individuals to progress in their careers and life.,It was concluded that the EMPRETEC course fulfilled the objective of encouraging entrepreneurial behavior and stimulating the trainees to contribute to the economic growth of the country. The implication was that participation in entrepreneurship education is strictly interconnected to the success of the trainees.,The study found that there are positive practical outcomes for the trainees’, teachers’ and managers’ perceptions involved in the Entrepreneurship Training Program – EMPRETEC.,The paper helps understand the role of the trainees’ (EMPRETECos), teachers’ and managers’ perceptions of the Program at SEBRAE/Recife about the impact of the Entrepreneurship Training Program – EMPRETEC.

Introduction to African Entrepreneurship

Abstract: Africa contains some of the world’s fastest growing economies and is of immense interest to the global economic community. Recently there has been more emphasis on entrepreneurship in Africa as it provides a way to engage in new business activity and develop market opportunities. The aim of this introduction chapter is to discuss the reasons for the growth of entrepreneurship in Africa by providing an overview of the chapters included in the book. This helps to highlight the relevance of the book to the existing literature on African entrepreneurship and how it contributes to extending the research on this area.

The formal-informal dilemma for women micro-entrepreneurs: evidence from Brazil

Abstract: Purpose The present study aims to identify women microentrepreneurs’ motivations that may influence the legalisation of their businesses and their capacity to reconcile the demands of family and work in a developing country (i.e. Brazil). Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data on women’s microentrepreneurial initiatives in three northern Brazil cities: Salvador da Bahia (Bahia), Fortaleza (Cear) and Belm (Par). Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse textual data from the 30 interviews. The content was standardised and subsequently analysed using NVivo and IBM’s Many Eyes data visualisation software. Findings The results suggest that these women opt for legalised individual entrepreneurship to access the benefits of formalising their businesses and to search for mechanisms that encourage a work–family balance. However, in the more rural city studied, women show greater resistance to, and more distrust of, the benefits of legalising their business, as opposed to women from the two more urban cities. Practical implications The results contribute to a better understanding of women’s motivations to legalise their microbusiness. In Brazil, the writing and passing of a law geared towards this type of entrepreneur (e.g. individual microentrepreneurs) has had a quite positive effect on the legalisation of businesses, in particular for women. However, this law has had a more positive effect in urban areas, which suggests that further dissemination is needed of the benefits of formalising microbusinesses in rural areas. Originality/value This study contributes to research that seeks to understand better entrepreneurial preferences (i.e. formal vs informal) and the role played by gender and legal, financial and family contexts.

Knowledge Creation and Relationship Marketing in Family Businesses: A Case-Study Approach

Abstract: In Bosnia and Herzegovina, family businesses operate successfully as the backbone of the countries’ economies. We also know that even successful firms differ widely in use of best management practice. Smaller, newer firms in less developed countries should benefit from exposure to best practice. To this end we offer provide and present the advantages of using one of the newest and most successful approaches in marketing, that of relationship marketing. This chapter presents the theoretical aspects of relationship marketing, the advantages of using it and its specifics. Furthermore, in this chapter we discuss how relationship marketing affects the business development on two family businesses from two disparate industries in Bosnia and Herzegovina. AS Group is a group, including food, trade and textile, whereas Pharmamed Ltd. operates in the pharmaceutical industry. Relationship marketing concepts and specifics explained in this chapter will not help only the owners of family businesses, but also, the non-family businesses, policy-makers and researchers who want to know more about advancing use of proven managerial practices in a transition economy.

Sport events at the community level: A pedagogical tool to improve skills for students and teachers

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to identify motives that lead students and teachers of sports science to participate voluntarily in the organization of sport events at a community level.,A questionnaire composed of five dimensions, expression of values, concern for the community, interpersonal contacts, vocational guidance and personal growth/development, was given to a sample of students and teachers. Then a confirmatory factorial analysis was applied to the five dimensions and descriptive statistics was used to identify the ranking in terms of the reasons why teachers and students decide to engage in extracurricular activities. The Mann-Whitney U-Test was used to identify significant differences between the two groups.,Teachers and students consider that the main reasons for their involvement are related to expression of values, concern for the community and vocational guidance. Significant differences were found indicating that for students, gaining experience for future jobs is one of their priorities but for the teachers they consider that helping others and contributing to the good of society are the main reasons.,The implications for organizers of community sport events are that different rationale for contributing need to be taken into account.,This study contributes to the pedagogical strategies that can be used to improve the training of the sports science students. It is important to note that the involvement of students and teachers in extracurricular activities can benefit from their integration into the labor market.

The Future for Sport Entrepreneurship

Abstract: Sport entrepreneurship is a rapidly emerging new research field that combines sport management with entrepreneurship and innovation research The aim of this chapter is to discuss the reasons for interest in sport entrepreneurship by explaining its definition and application in the business management area The objectives of the book in terms of theory development and practical implication for those interested in sport as an entrepreneurial endeavor are discussed This includes an overview of the future for sports entrepreneurship in terms of how to include more innovation and competitiveness The chapter concludes by suggesting future research paths in terms of interesting ways to approve this interdisciplinary field by engaging in creative studies that have a practical implication

Knowledge, Learning and Innovation: Research into Cross-Sector Collaboration

Abstract: This introductory chapter discusses the role of knowledge, learning and innovation in terms of research into cross-sector collaboration. An essential part of this collaboration is entrepreneurship, which links knowledge, learning and innovation. An overview of the main trends within the innovation field is examined that highlights the interdisciplinary perspective of studies around the learning organization and knowledge management. This helps to stress how firms and individuals need to be entrepreneurial when engaging in cross-sector collaboration. The chapter concludes with an overview of the chapters in this book and suggestions about the practical importance of knowledge, learning and innovation is cross-sector collaboration.

Regional innovation systems and entrepreneurial embeddedness

Abstract: There has been an increased interest in understanding entrepreneurship practices in a regional development context, which has led to the concept of entrepreneurial regional innovation systems being...

TQM techniques as an innovative approach in sport organisations management: toward a conceptual framework

Abstract: One of the most important aspects that sport organisations need to pay attention when it comes to being competitive is the use of total quality management (TQM) techniques. The aim of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework of the use and influence of TQM techniques in the sports organisations' performance by providing the relationship between these techniques and overall performance. Our conceptual framework is based on the influence of these techniques: quality circles, benchmarking, continuous improvement (kaizen), empowerment and outsourcing. These techniques contribute to increase the overall quality, increase innovations, increase the employees' involvement and loyalty and increase the financial stability of sport organisations.

Introduction: the role of entrepreneurial universities in society

Abstract: Universities are increasingly becoming more entrepreneurial in their outlook and the way they integrate into society. This comes from the competitive pressures universities are facing in the global economy. More emphasis is being placed on the knowledge and service economies, which is impacting upon how universities are seen in communities. In the past universities were viewed more as teaching institutions, but this has changed, with research and development also being emphasized in terms of regional competitiveness. Therefore, the role of universities has adapted to be more entrepreneurial, as there are multiple stakeholder considerations. Local, state and federal governments are interested in universities because of the role they play in economic growth and social cohesion. However, the different levels of government are interested in universities in different ways depending on their goals and objectives. Local governments, particularly those around the geographical area of a university, are interested in how the university contributes to the living conditions of citizens in an area. This means that housing, recreational and tourism considerations are important for local governments which gain monetary and reputational benefits from universities. At the state level there are similar considerations but there is a more group mentality on how universities are managed. Thus, there is competition amongst universities at the state level in terms of rankings and student income. At the federal or country level universities offer an indicator of the educational levels or capabilities within the global economy. Formica (2002: 167) states that entrepreneurial universities ‘embed entrepreneurship in academic culture in order to achieve economic returns from the knowledge generated through research projects, empowered

Entrepreneurship in Macedonia

Abstract: This chapter provides a resourceful information about the development of entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises in the Republic of Macedonia. Mainly, the current state of entrepreneurship, business environment, and problems of entrepreneurs and small business owners are discussed. The chapter ends with suggestions for further development of entrepreneurship in the future.

Environmental-related patent technology transfer effectiveness

Abstract: Environmental-related technology transfer is increasingly being viewed as a policy issue and a business goal to be pursued by countries in order to increase their global competitiveness. Despite this policy importance, the research analysing environmental-related technology transfer comparing international rates of participation is limited. The paper aims to discuss this issue.,The authors analyse the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data using econometric analysis to compare environmental-related technology patents between Portugal and Australia in terms of environmental management, water-related adaptation, and climate change mitigation.,The results suggest that environmental-related patents, in turn, are always registered in greater numbers by Australia than by Portugal but with both countries outpaced by the OECD average.,The research implications are that Australia has more international cooperation around the development of environmental-related technology patents than Portugal.,The authors find that overall these patents do not have any statistically significant effect on predicting gross domestic product growth but there has been a higher number of patents for Australia focusing on water-related adaptation technology than for Portugal, which may be a result of policies aimed at increasing effective use of water in Australia.,The results of the analysis suggest that the OECD member state cooperation increases the number of environmental-related technology patents and serves as a mechanism to facilitate internationalisation.

Entrepreneurial Universities: Collaboration, Education and Policies

Abstract: With an increasing focus on the knowledge and service economies, it is important to understand the role that entrepreneurial universities play through collaboration in policy and, in turn, the impact they have on policy The authors evaluate how universities engage with communities while also balancing stakeholder considerations, and explore how universities should be managed in the future to integrate into global society effectively The book reflects the internationalization of entrepreneurial universities with examples from Australia, Brazil, France, Italy, Malaysia, India, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the UK Each chapter identifies the differing cultural influences and how changes in policy approaches mean that universities are constantly evolving The authors also look into how culture influences entrepreneurship education and, in turn, how culture affects the initiatives of policy makers With a focus on enhancing entrepreneurial opportunities, universities are shown to respond by creating effective initiatives that benefit the wider community through successful collaboration with institutions The book identifies the close working relationship between new government policies and developing entrepreneurial universities Researchers, policy analysts and students of entrepreneurship education, education management and policy will find this book a useful supplementary read for understanding the future role of universities

The study of competitiveness of tourism in Cape Verde: the case of clusters of St. Anthony/São Vicente and Sal/Boavista

Abstract: The study of competitiveness has been the centre of attention of many tourism researchers in recent decades. However, studies focused on empirical validation competitiveness models in the world in general, and in Cape Verde in particular, are still shortfall. In this sense, this research aims to analyse the determinants of competitive advantage of tourism clusters formed by four islands in this country. To this end, it was adopted a methodology that required the use of a semi-structured questionnaire, based on Porter's competitiveness diamond model and data processing was operationalised by Mann Whitney test. The results from the application of this model indicate the tourist competitive performance of tourist destinations in study, allowing to complete theoretical and empirical implications, as well as resulting implications for its management.

Game Changes in Sport: The Role of Innovation and Creativity

Abstract: In order to gain insights into sport entrepreneurship it is important to trace the historical background of how it has developed. This provides a useful way to include examples of how entrepreneurial projects are started and their trajectory in a sport context. In this chapter it is argued that game changes in sport are based on environmental trends that enable creativity to develop and link with business practice. This is important in enabling sport entrepreneurship to be enacted but also helps in providing feedback about innovative practices.

Contemporary approaches to performance evaluation of international hotel groups in Portugal

Abstract: Competition between hotel groups has become fierce over recent years because of the rise in the mobility of tourists and the rise in the number of hotel groups. One of the most important tools for measuring the competitiveness of hotel groups is their efficiency. This paper seeks to evaluate the efficiency of international hotel groups in Portugal by applying appropriate data envelopment analysis (DEA) panel data approaches (contemporaneous and intertemporal). The results of the panel data suggest that the efficiency of hotel groups differs significantly from group to group and within each group over time. These results have implications for hotel managers wanting to increase their global competitiveness and efficiency and are discussed in terms of factors affecting managerial decision-making abilities. Future research directions are also stated in the paper, as this is important for hotel marketers particularly those in international hotel groups.

Sport Business and Entrepreneurship

Abstract: Sport has become increasingly popular in society due to its role in community development and participation This chapter highlights how entrepreneurship is evident in sport as there is more attention about the role of business The role of sport networks are a way entrepreneurs utilize social capital to build business ventures is discussed This can occur through entrepreneurial ecosystems that encourage the dynamic interaction of multiple stakeholders in sport The chapter also examines how opportunities need to recognized in sport by recognizing how innovation can be co-created in the marketplace This is discussed in terms of the role of sport business as a way to link sport to entrepreneurship

Sport Entrepreneurship Education and Policy

Abstract: Sport is taught at a range of educational levels from primary and high school to post-graduate university level Most of the existing educational programs about sport focus on the fitness or physical activity component rather than the business perspective There has been a tendency to stay with the established curriculum rather than try new and innovation sport management subjects Due to the increased interest in sport business there needs to be a change in sport education to include more emphasis on entrepreneurship education In addition, there has been an increase in the number of students who will be self-employed in the sport sector These students are entering different kinds of careers than in the past that require entrepreneurial thinking The goal of this chapter is to discuss why there needs to be a new field of sport entrepreneurship education taught in educational institutions This will help teach students about business principles that are needed for their future careers This chapter addresses the concept of sports entrepreneurship education as well as some aspects related to the role of education in sport The chapter concludes by discussing how the view of entrepreneurship education has changed in the last decade with the realization that more practical experience is necessary in sport