Journal of European Industrial Training

The role of social entrepreneurship in HIV/AIDS management across the education sector in Kenya : Table of Contents

Laban P. Ayiro — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The overall purpose of this study is to identify key entrepreneurial variables in the realm of social entrepreneurship that may contribute to enhancing impact mitigation of HIV/AIDS. In addition, the study seeks to establish which of the correlations between the entrepreneurial variables and management of response of impact mitigation of HIV/AIDS were significant at the 0.001 level. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. The analysis engaged a correlational qualitative research approach so as to enable the researcher determine whether the correlation between entrepreneurial management initiatives and the management of the response on the impact of HIV/AIDS in the education sector was statistically significant. Findings – The result of the correlation analysis showed that organizational boundaries, work discretion, rewards management support and time availability explain about 53 per cent of the aspects of management response to HIV/AIDS impact mitigation. The correlations were statistically significant at the 0.001 level. The implication is that introduction of entrepreneurship within institutions dealing with HIV/AIDS in the education sector would lead to improved mitigation of the impact of the scourge on the sector. Research limitations/implications – The study considers one thematic area in the HIV/AIDS mitigation process, that is management of the response, leaving three other thematic areas, namely: care and support, prevention as well as HIV/AIDS and the workplace. The generalization of the study's results will therefore be limited. Originality/value – The study established that administrative management practices are not effective in the management response to impact mitigation of HIV/AIDS in the education sector. It therefore proposes innovative, approaches to the mitigation effort. This in turn calls for a dramatic shift in management that entails the extension of market principles into social institutions, government and civil society and an inevitable blurring of the boundaries between these sectors.

Towards a search for the meaning of entrepreneurship : Table of Contents

Margaret Kobia, Damary Sikalieh — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The primary purpose of this literature review paper is to address the question why it is difficult to define entrepreneurship despite the amount of research that has taken place in the field. In addition, the paper also aims to demonstrate how the struggle to define entrepreneurship has impacted on entrepreneurial careers in Kenya. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviewed literature on different approaches used by researchers in the struggle to define entrepreneurship. It focused mainly on the trait, behavioral and opportunity identification approaches. It critically examined the extent to which each approach has attempted to explain what entrepreneurship is, and suggests research questions, methodologies and techniques that will do justice to the complexity of defining entrepreneurship. Findings – The findings of the literature review showed that none of the approaches used to define entrepreneurship gives a comprehensive picture of entrepreneurship. There is a lack of a common definition of entrepreneurship. Following the absence of this common definition, professionals in Kenya do not see themselves as entrepreneurs. The researchers and educators must define what they mean when attempting to define entrepreneurship. Rather than concentrate on one part – the entrepreneur; behavior or opportunity identification – they must focus on the whole entrepreneurial process. In addition, researchers and educators need to study the entrepreneur before, during and after the entrepreneurial process. Research limitations/implications – Further research should be conducted to relate entrepreneurship to other occupations. Each approach needs to expand in this direction. Originality/value – Research on the impact of the meaning of entrepreneurship on careers in Kenya and other contexts so far has not been conducted.

Entrepreneurship and socioeconomic development in Africa: a reality or myth? : Table of Contents

Fredrick M. Nafukho, Machuma A. Helen Muyia — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the development of entrepreneurship education and training in Kenya as a strategic approach to addressing the unemployment problem among the school and university graduates in Kenya and Africa in general. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a critical review of the literature method to achieve its purpose and to answer the key research question. The literature search included a computerized search of accessible and available material on entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial spirit, entrepreneurship education and training programs, history of entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurship models, Africa and entrepreneurship development. Findings – It is shown that the development of entrepreneurial spirit and competencies should be a lifelong process. Addressing Africa's socioeconomic development in an entrepreneurial way requires learning successful lessons from within and without Africa. Specific examples of successful use of entrepreneurship to develop micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Africa and other parts of the world, especially the USA, are cited in the paper. A case study of using technology to promote entrepreneurship in Africa is provided. Research limitations/implications – The paper is limited since it is based on a review of the literature. Quantitative and qualitative research studies focusing on entrepreneurship and socioeconomic development in Africa are recommended. Originality/value – There are limited studies that focus on the issue of entrepreneurship and socioeconomic development in Africa. This paper and the special issue in particular have laid down pioneering ground work for research on entrepreneurship and socioeconomic development in Africa.

Factors affecting the management of women groups' micro and small enterprises in Kakamega District, Kenya : Table of Contents

Nelson H.W. Wawire, Fredrick M. Nafukho — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to highlight the main factors that affect the management of the WGs' Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Kakamega District and Africa in general. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a descriptive research design. This is because the study was concerned about a univariate question in which the researchers asked about the size, form distribution and existence of factors affecting management of the Women Groups' (WGs) MSEs. The study created a profile on variables affecting WGs' MSEs through collection of data and the tabulation of the frequencies on the research variables and their interaction. Systematic random sampling was used to select the sample. This technique resulted in a sample size of 310 respondents distributed as follows: 95 WGs leaders; 143 group and community members; and 72 donor, government and non-governmental agents. Findings – The study found that the factors that affect management of WGs' MSEs could be categorised as financial, administrative, managerial, technical, political, traditional and cultural. The WGs lack skills in these areas, which adversely affects the MSEs. The study then calls for full support of WGs' MSEs by all those involved in one way or another, remembering that “for women, a common theme cuts across the struggles … whether at independence, liberation movement, the New International Economic Order, or development, women have learned that the change, reforms and revolutions were not intended for them”. Research limitations/implications – The study is limited to the data obtained through questionnaires and interviews which were descriptive and qualitative in nature. A study that uses both quantitative and qualitative data is recommended. Originality/value – The study is ground-breaking in terms of looking at the management of WGs' MSEs in Kenya.

The challenges of integrating entrepreneurship education in the vocational training system: An insight from Tanzania's Vocational Education Training Authority : Table of Contents

Severina P. Nkirina — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper seeks to discuss the challenges faced when trying to integrate entrepreneurship education in the training system, with a particular focus on vocational training. Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected through in-depth interviews, document reviews and focus group discussions. The respondents were drawn from VETA headquarters – training director, centre managers, entrepreneurship instructors in the centre, and a section of final year students who were purposively selected. Other stakeholders in vocational training in Tanzania were also consulted. Findings – The findings were organized around key themes of the research as per the set objectives. The emerging views showed some of the following issues as the major challenges facing the authority in its effort to integrate entrepreneurship training in the programme: time too limited to cover the core subjects; Form iv leavers and standard vii trainees have different understanding levels; financial/budgetary constraint; few instructors with relevant skills; lack of role models of successful former trainees who are practising entrepreneurs; course too theoretical, lacking the component of field studies; and the course too boring compared with other mainstream courses. Research limitations/implications – The sample size was too small to be wholly reliable for generalizing the findings to a similar problem. However, the insights gained are a crucial basis for further research and give some variables to be investigated on their significance in shaping entrepreneurship training, especially in a developing country like Tanzania. Originality/value – The research provides knowledge that was lacking as far as entrepreneurship training and vocational training are involved. Other studies, especially in Tanzania, focused on the quality of technical training and the infrastructural resources rather than business-related skills.