Muhammad Sohaib Roomi - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Muhammad Sohaib Roomi

Research paper thumbnail of Promising Compounds for Treatment of Covid-19

The study spans over-identification of phytochemicals suited for the treatment of COVID-19. The s... more The study spans over-identification of phytochemicals suited for the treatment of COVID-19. The study focuses on the chemical that has a tendency to bind with Human ACE2 protein and two of the main Sars-Cov-2 proteins which are the Spike protein and the RNA-directed RNA polymerase (RdRp) protein. After screening a large list of phytochemicals two of the compound i.e. Kansuinine B and Digitoxin were found to have promising traits for the treatment of COVID-19. Both the compounds have been in use for centuries. Digitoxin was extracted from Foxglove seeds in the 18th century for heart-related illnesses. Kansuinine B originates from a Chinese herb Euphorbia Kansui (E. Kansui) E. Kansui has been widely used in herbal medicine for a multitude of illnesses including lungs related diseases. Studies also show that it has the ability to suppress cytokine response through the expression of the SOCS3 gene. In-silico simulations show that both these compounds have a better affinity and binding p...

Research paper thumbnail of Identifying Therapeutic Compounds Targeting RNA-Dependent-RNA-Polymerase of Sars-Cov-2

COVID-19 emerged as the biggest threat of this century for mankind and later it spread across the... more COVID-19 emerged as the biggest threat of this century for mankind and later it spread across the globe through human to human transmission. Scientists rushed to understand the structure and mechanism of the virus so that antiviral drugs or vaccines to control this disease can be developed. A key to stop the progression of the disease is to inhibit the replication mechanism of Sars-Cov-2. RNA-dependent-RNA polymerase protein also called RdRp protein is the engine of Sars-Cov-2 that replicates the virus using viral RNA when it gains entry into the human cell. Numerous drugs proposed for the treatment of COVID-19 such as Camostat Mesylate, Remdesivir, Famotidine, Hesperidin, etc. are under trial to analyze the aftermath of their medicinal use. Nature is enriched with compounds that have antiviral activities and can potentially play a pivotal role to inhibit this virus. This study focuses on the phytochemicals that have the potential to exhibit antiviral activities. A large number of c...

Research paper thumbnail of Commercialisation of Business Development Services through NGOs – A Case Study of AKRSP-Pakistan

Research paper thumbnail of Bankruptcy Prediction for Non-Financial Firms of Pakistan

International Journal of Accounting and Financial Reporting, 2015

In this study we use two models for the measuring of financial status of the non-financial firms ... more In this study we use two models for the measuring of financial status of the non-financial firms which are listed in the Karachi Stock Exchange. The Non-financial companies represent the biggest slice at the Karachi Stock Exchange. The non-financial companies of Pakistan are the total population and sample size is 25 higher and 25 lower capital companies. The technique which used in this study was Convenience sampling technique and all 50 non-financial listed companies at KSE were included to gain deeper insights into this study. The State Bank of Pakistan shows balance sheet analyses of companies, for compiling of data financial reports were used for the years 2007 to 2012. The results of the study showed that Abbas model and Altman’s Z-Score model was a effective tool for checking the financial health of non-financial companies listed at Karachi stock exchange. This study further explores that lower capital firm have more financially distressed companies as compare to high capital...

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparative Study on Performance of Open and Close-ended Mutual Funds in Pakistan

International Journal of Accounting and Financial Reporting, 2015

This paper is based on the comparison of Pakistani open-ended and close-ended mutual funds perfor... more This paper is based on the comparison of Pakistani open-ended and close-ended mutual funds performance. That study focus on income, balance and equity schemes of open-ended and close-ended mutual funds. The performance of these funds evaluates using Sortino measure, Shrape measure, Treynor measure, Jenssen differtial measure and Inforamtion measure. The sample for the study consists of 73 funds from 2007 to 2012. Results show open-ended mutual funds performance is better than close-ended mutual funds. KSE (market portfolio) performance is grater over the all sample base mutual funds. Most risk adjusted funds returns are negative, which probably due to mutual fund industry set back by financial crisis during sample period.

Research paper thumbnail of About Gender Differences and the Social Environment in the Development of Entrepreneurial Intentions

Journal of Small Business Management, 2014

This study analyzes the interplay between gender differences and the social environment in the fo... more This study analyzes the interplay between gender differences and the social environment in the formation of entrepreneurial intentions. Data were obtained from two different European regions. The results show that the formation of entrepreneurial intentions is similar for men and women. At the same time, men consistently exhibit more favorable intentions than women do. Nevertheless, the perception of the social legitimation of entrepreneurship only serves to reinforce male entrepreneurial intentions, and not those of women. This holds for both regions and probably is a consequence of women feeling entrepreneurship to not be an acceptable career option for them. The implications of these results are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Training Needs of Women-owned SMEs in England

Research paper thumbnail of Gender and work‐life balance: a phenomenological study of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 2012

PurposeIncreased participation of women in the labor force creates challenges for them to balance... more PurposeIncreased participation of women in the labor force creates challenges for them to balance work and family obligations. The situation becomes more complicated in patriarchal societies such as Pakistan due to women's stereotypical domestic roles, religious prescriptions as well as cultural norms and values. This study aims to explore different influencing factors on women's work and family roles in the unique Pakistani socio‐economic and cultural environment.Design/methodology/approachBased on the interpretive phenomenological approach (IPA), this study explores different influencing factors on women's work and family roles in the unique Pakistani socio‐economic and cultural environment. The methodology helped to analyse data about challenges faced by women entrepreneurs to achieve work‐life balance as well as to have an insight about some of the techniques and effective strategies they use to balance work and family obligation.FindingsThe results show that among o...

Research paper thumbnail of Women‐owned small and medium enterprises in England

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 2009

PurposeThis study attempts to understand the nature and activities of growth‐oriented women‐owned... more PurposeThis study attempts to understand the nature and activities of growth‐oriented women‐owned businesses in the East of England by highlighting the problems faced by women entrepreneurs during the growth process.Design/methodology/approachThe approach analysed the main growth factors and their influence on the adoption of different growth strategies. An online questionnaire was designed using Snap survey software™, with results exported to SPSS™ for analysis. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected via a variety of scaled, open‐ended, rank order, dichotomous, multiple choice and open questions.FindingsThe research indicates that most do not opt to develop growth‐oriented businesses, choosing instead small, non‐scalable, locally focused businesses providing services or operating in low‐tech industries. Women who are growth‐oriented appear to be inhibited due to a lack of access to, and control over such resources as, capital, business premises, information and techn...

Research paper thumbnail of An analysis of marketing programmes adopted by regional small and medium‐sized enterprises

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to create an understanding of the true nature of contemporary... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to create an understanding of the true nature of contemporary SME marketing activities. While acknowledging operational constraints, the paper aims to hypothesize that, if effective marketing planning was employed, this would improve the long‐term growth of small to medium‐sized enterprises. The paper seeks to assess the implications current practices may have on the long‐term survival of enterprises and to identify significant SME marketing development and training needs.Design/methodology/approachA marketing audit approach yielded data from the collation of 125 completed online questionnaires within the East of England region. Statistical analysis using SPSS was applied to produce an in‐depth quantitative analysis of these data. In addition, qualitative data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews of some 20 owner‐managers. These responses were further inductively analysed and interpreted.FindingsData analysis demonstrated a significant d...

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Social Capital Development and Use in the Growth Process of Women-Owned Firms

Journal of Enterprising Culture, 2009

Drawing upon the Churchill and Lewis stage growth model of enterprises, this study explains the r... more Drawing upon the Churchill and Lewis stage growth model of enterprises, this study explains the role of social capital possessed by women entrepreneurs in different stages of growth within their firms. Friends and family as well as women-only networks in the start-up stage; customers, staff, and suppliers in the survival stage; mixed networks as well as business and professional advisers in the success and take-off stages; and suppliers and/or distributors in the maturity stage have been found to be the main sources of women entrepreneurs' social capital. In particular, the study highlights industry differences as well as norms of behavior based on trust and obligation through which they successfully transform their contacts into useful resources. The availability of these resources as well as access to information, advice, and ideas act as a catalyst in developing and growing their businesses.

Research paper thumbnail of Entrepreneurial capital, social values and Islamic traditions: Exploring the growth of women-owned enterprises in Pakistan

International Small Business Journal: Researching Entrepreneurship, 2011

This study seeks to explore the variables contributing to the growth of women-owned enterprises i... more This study seeks to explore the variables contributing to the growth of women-owned enterprises in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Based on a previously established multivariate model, it uses two econometric approaches: first classifying variables into predetermined blocks; and second, using the general to specific approach. Statistical analyses and in-depth interviews confirm that women entrepreneurs’ personal resources and social capital have a significant role in their business growth. Further, it reveals that the moral support of immediate family, independent mobility and being allowed to meet with men play a decisive role in the sales and employment growth of women-owned enterprises in an Islamic country such as Pakistan.

Research paper thumbnail of Behind the veil: women‐only entrepreneurship training in Pakistan

International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the gender‐related challenges of Pakistani wome... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the gender‐related challenges of Pakistani women entrepreneurs, to explore these women's particular capacity‐building needs, and to assess the impact of capacity‐building programs on the establishment and performance of the women's enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins with a review of various theoretical contexts through which to understand women's entrepreneurship in an Islamic socio‐cultural context. From this, the paper derived two working propositions: women in Islamic Pakistan face particular barriers to becoming entrepreneurs; these barriers can be reduced by women‐only training in entrepreneurial competences. These propositions are examined in a three‐part longitudinal process: a field survey to gather information about the training needs of current and potential women entrepreneurs, the design and delivery of a women‐only training module, a follow‐up survey with participants, 18 months later. Su...

Research paper thumbnail of Training needs for women‐owned SMEs in England

Education + Training, 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the needs and preferences for training amon... more PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the needs and preferences for training among growth‐oriented women‐owned SMEs in the East of England.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative data were collected through 108 on‐line questionnaires, and the means analysed using SPSS. Qualitative data collected in response to open‐ended questions were inductively analysed and interpreted.FindingsOnly one fourth of respondents received growth‐oriented training in the previous two years, with an average duration of 3‐5 days per year. Programmes most in demand concerned innovation and opportunity recognition, business evaluation and growth considerations, developing strategic customers and customers care, customer relationship management, as well as selling, networking and negotiation skills. High demand for these programmes corresponds to others results identifying contributory factors to higher enterprise performance and growth: product/service quality, new product/service developmen...

Research paper thumbnail of Transforming Contacts Into Resources: Women Entrepreneurs Building, Maintaining, and Utilising Social Capital (Summary)

Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research, 2008

Among the myriad of factors contributing to the development of women-owned businesses, the issue ... more Among the myriad of factors contributing to the development of women-owned businesses, the issue of social capital has received attention from scholars and researchers such as Brush et al.(2004); Carter et al.(2001); and Ibarra (1998). The literature strongly argues that women do not have equal access to social capital, in comparison to their male counterparts, as either they are excluded, or may exclude themselves, from the social networks which are one of the most significant components of successful resource and ...

Research paper thumbnail of Social Capital, Human Capital, and the Growth of Women-Owned Entrepreneurial Firms (Summary)

Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research, Jun 6, 2009

Women's entrepreneurship is characterized by a number of constraints including family respon... more Women's entrepreneurship is characterized by a number of constraints including family responsibility as well as lack of relevant resources. Literature illustrates that as compared to men, female entrepreneurs often enter self-employment under resourced in terms of financial, human and social capital (Schmidt & Parker, 2003). Neergaard et al.(2005) mention that women's social structure and the way they socialize have a major influence on the social capital endowments which they use in starting up their businesses, ...

Research paper thumbnail of From Rags to Riches

Case Study - Ref 810-058-1 + Teaching Note - Ref 810-058-8, 2010

This case is a story of an average Pakistani boy, growing up in poverty but who nurtured qualitie... more This case is a story of an average Pakistani boy, growing up in poverty but who nurtured qualities like courage to take independent initiatives, single mindedness, hard work, sheer focus on his goals and determination to cope with all circumstances. The decisions he made finally allowed him to carve out a very decent life for himself. The protagonist is Mr Abid, who through his observations and determinations has become a success. The case examines various events of his life that contributed towards his rise as an entrepreneur. The ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Way Forward: A Management Dilemma

Case Study - Ref 411-023-1 + Teaching Note - Ref 411-023-8, 2011

This case is centred on various Human Resource issues arising in a business endeavour setup by Af... more This case is centred on various Human Resource issues arising in a business endeavour setup by Aftab, an ambitious business man. The business under discussion was a restaurant opened in the Pakistani city of Lahore. The case was written with the intent of shedding light on the importance of HR for an establishment. The case explains that by ignoring HR issues the organization can suffer tremendously. The case is ideally suited for students who are taking an introductory module on Human resource management. The case can be best ...

Research paper thumbnail of Issues and challenges faced by the potential women entrepreneurs in Pakistan: a case study of Sind Province

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the issues and challenges faced by potential women entrep... more The purpose of this paper is to analyse the issues and challenges faced by potential women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. This study focuses on their motivating factors to start their own businesses and highlights their preferences for different aspects of training and development programs. Survey through questionnaire of 400 potential women entrepreneurs was conducted to analyse issues and challenges faced by and understand their preference related to different aspects of training program. The potential ...

Research paper thumbnail of Entrepreneurial leadership: what is it and how should it be taught?

We offer a comprehensive review of the literature relating to entrepreneurial leadership, noting ... more We offer a comprehensive review of the literature relating to entrepreneurial leadership, noting that there are diverse understandings of the concept and little exploration of how best to teach it. We next present empirical data from a survey of teaching practices at 51 HEIs in the UK that indicate little explicit teaching of entrepreneurial leadership. Drawing on this literature and data, we make recommendations for the design of teaching materials that emphasise the relevance of leadership in entrepreneurship education and of ...

Research paper thumbnail of Promising Compounds for Treatment of Covid-19

The study spans over-identification of phytochemicals suited for the treatment of COVID-19. The s... more The study spans over-identification of phytochemicals suited for the treatment of COVID-19. The study focuses on the chemical that has a tendency to bind with Human ACE2 protein and two of the main Sars-Cov-2 proteins which are the Spike protein and the RNA-directed RNA polymerase (RdRp) protein. After screening a large list of phytochemicals two of the compound i.e. Kansuinine B and Digitoxin were found to have promising traits for the treatment of COVID-19. Both the compounds have been in use for centuries. Digitoxin was extracted from Foxglove seeds in the 18th century for heart-related illnesses. Kansuinine B originates from a Chinese herb Euphorbia Kansui (E. Kansui) E. Kansui has been widely used in herbal medicine for a multitude of illnesses including lungs related diseases. Studies also show that it has the ability to suppress cytokine response through the expression of the SOCS3 gene. In-silico simulations show that both these compounds have a better affinity and binding p...

Research paper thumbnail of Identifying Therapeutic Compounds Targeting RNA-Dependent-RNA-Polymerase of Sars-Cov-2

COVID-19 emerged as the biggest threat of this century for mankind and later it spread across the... more COVID-19 emerged as the biggest threat of this century for mankind and later it spread across the globe through human to human transmission. Scientists rushed to understand the structure and mechanism of the virus so that antiviral drugs or vaccines to control this disease can be developed. A key to stop the progression of the disease is to inhibit the replication mechanism of Sars-Cov-2. RNA-dependent-RNA polymerase protein also called RdRp protein is the engine of Sars-Cov-2 that replicates the virus using viral RNA when it gains entry into the human cell. Numerous drugs proposed for the treatment of COVID-19 such as Camostat Mesylate, Remdesivir, Famotidine, Hesperidin, etc. are under trial to analyze the aftermath of their medicinal use. Nature is enriched with compounds that have antiviral activities and can potentially play a pivotal role to inhibit this virus. This study focuses on the phytochemicals that have the potential to exhibit antiviral activities. A large number of c...

Research paper thumbnail of Commercialisation of Business Development Services through NGOs – A Case Study of AKRSP-Pakistan

Research paper thumbnail of Bankruptcy Prediction for Non-Financial Firms of Pakistan

International Journal of Accounting and Financial Reporting, 2015

In this study we use two models for the measuring of financial status of the non-financial firms ... more In this study we use two models for the measuring of financial status of the non-financial firms which are listed in the Karachi Stock Exchange. The Non-financial companies represent the biggest slice at the Karachi Stock Exchange. The non-financial companies of Pakistan are the total population and sample size is 25 higher and 25 lower capital companies. The technique which used in this study was Convenience sampling technique and all 50 non-financial listed companies at KSE were included to gain deeper insights into this study. The State Bank of Pakistan shows balance sheet analyses of companies, for compiling of data financial reports were used for the years 2007 to 2012. The results of the study showed that Abbas model and Altman’s Z-Score model was a effective tool for checking the financial health of non-financial companies listed at Karachi stock exchange. This study further explores that lower capital firm have more financially distressed companies as compare to high capital...

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparative Study on Performance of Open and Close-ended Mutual Funds in Pakistan

International Journal of Accounting and Financial Reporting, 2015

This paper is based on the comparison of Pakistani open-ended and close-ended mutual funds perfor... more This paper is based on the comparison of Pakistani open-ended and close-ended mutual funds performance. That study focus on income, balance and equity schemes of open-ended and close-ended mutual funds. The performance of these funds evaluates using Sortino measure, Shrape measure, Treynor measure, Jenssen differtial measure and Inforamtion measure. The sample for the study consists of 73 funds from 2007 to 2012. Results show open-ended mutual funds performance is better than close-ended mutual funds. KSE (market portfolio) performance is grater over the all sample base mutual funds. Most risk adjusted funds returns are negative, which probably due to mutual fund industry set back by financial crisis during sample period.

Research paper thumbnail of About Gender Differences and the Social Environment in the Development of Entrepreneurial Intentions

Journal of Small Business Management, 2014

This study analyzes the interplay between gender differences and the social environment in the fo... more This study analyzes the interplay between gender differences and the social environment in the formation of entrepreneurial intentions. Data were obtained from two different European regions. The results show that the formation of entrepreneurial intentions is similar for men and women. At the same time, men consistently exhibit more favorable intentions than women do. Nevertheless, the perception of the social legitimation of entrepreneurship only serves to reinforce male entrepreneurial intentions, and not those of women. This holds for both regions and probably is a consequence of women feeling entrepreneurship to not be an acceptable career option for them. The implications of these results are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Training Needs of Women-owned SMEs in England

Research paper thumbnail of Gender and work‐life balance: a phenomenological study of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 2012

PurposeIncreased participation of women in the labor force creates challenges for them to balance... more PurposeIncreased participation of women in the labor force creates challenges for them to balance work and family obligations. The situation becomes more complicated in patriarchal societies such as Pakistan due to women's stereotypical domestic roles, religious prescriptions as well as cultural norms and values. This study aims to explore different influencing factors on women's work and family roles in the unique Pakistani socio‐economic and cultural environment.Design/methodology/approachBased on the interpretive phenomenological approach (IPA), this study explores different influencing factors on women's work and family roles in the unique Pakistani socio‐economic and cultural environment. The methodology helped to analyse data about challenges faced by women entrepreneurs to achieve work‐life balance as well as to have an insight about some of the techniques and effective strategies they use to balance work and family obligation.FindingsThe results show that among o...

Research paper thumbnail of Women‐owned small and medium enterprises in England

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 2009

PurposeThis study attempts to understand the nature and activities of growth‐oriented women‐owned... more PurposeThis study attempts to understand the nature and activities of growth‐oriented women‐owned businesses in the East of England by highlighting the problems faced by women entrepreneurs during the growth process.Design/methodology/approachThe approach analysed the main growth factors and their influence on the adoption of different growth strategies. An online questionnaire was designed using Snap survey software™, with results exported to SPSS™ for analysis. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected via a variety of scaled, open‐ended, rank order, dichotomous, multiple choice and open questions.FindingsThe research indicates that most do not opt to develop growth‐oriented businesses, choosing instead small, non‐scalable, locally focused businesses providing services or operating in low‐tech industries. Women who are growth‐oriented appear to be inhibited due to a lack of access to, and control over such resources as, capital, business premises, information and techn...

Research paper thumbnail of An analysis of marketing programmes adopted by regional small and medium‐sized enterprises

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to create an understanding of the true nature of contemporary... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to create an understanding of the true nature of contemporary SME marketing activities. While acknowledging operational constraints, the paper aims to hypothesize that, if effective marketing planning was employed, this would improve the long‐term growth of small to medium‐sized enterprises. The paper seeks to assess the implications current practices may have on the long‐term survival of enterprises and to identify significant SME marketing development and training needs.Design/methodology/approachA marketing audit approach yielded data from the collation of 125 completed online questionnaires within the East of England region. Statistical analysis using SPSS was applied to produce an in‐depth quantitative analysis of these data. In addition, qualitative data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews of some 20 owner‐managers. These responses were further inductively analysed and interpreted.FindingsData analysis demonstrated a significant d...

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Social Capital Development and Use in the Growth Process of Women-Owned Firms

Journal of Enterprising Culture, 2009

Drawing upon the Churchill and Lewis stage growth model of enterprises, this study explains the r... more Drawing upon the Churchill and Lewis stage growth model of enterprises, this study explains the role of social capital possessed by women entrepreneurs in different stages of growth within their firms. Friends and family as well as women-only networks in the start-up stage; customers, staff, and suppliers in the survival stage; mixed networks as well as business and professional advisers in the success and take-off stages; and suppliers and/or distributors in the maturity stage have been found to be the main sources of women entrepreneurs' social capital. In particular, the study highlights industry differences as well as norms of behavior based on trust and obligation through which they successfully transform their contacts into useful resources. The availability of these resources as well as access to information, advice, and ideas act as a catalyst in developing and growing their businesses.

Research paper thumbnail of Entrepreneurial capital, social values and Islamic traditions: Exploring the growth of women-owned enterprises in Pakistan

International Small Business Journal: Researching Entrepreneurship, 2011

This study seeks to explore the variables contributing to the growth of women-owned enterprises i... more This study seeks to explore the variables contributing to the growth of women-owned enterprises in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Based on a previously established multivariate model, it uses two econometric approaches: first classifying variables into predetermined blocks; and second, using the general to specific approach. Statistical analyses and in-depth interviews confirm that women entrepreneurs’ personal resources and social capital have a significant role in their business growth. Further, it reveals that the moral support of immediate family, independent mobility and being allowed to meet with men play a decisive role in the sales and employment growth of women-owned enterprises in an Islamic country such as Pakistan.

Research paper thumbnail of Behind the veil: women‐only entrepreneurship training in Pakistan

International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the gender‐related challenges of Pakistani wome... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the gender‐related challenges of Pakistani women entrepreneurs, to explore these women's particular capacity‐building needs, and to assess the impact of capacity‐building programs on the establishment and performance of the women's enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins with a review of various theoretical contexts through which to understand women's entrepreneurship in an Islamic socio‐cultural context. From this, the paper derived two working propositions: women in Islamic Pakistan face particular barriers to becoming entrepreneurs; these barriers can be reduced by women‐only training in entrepreneurial competences. These propositions are examined in a three‐part longitudinal process: a field survey to gather information about the training needs of current and potential women entrepreneurs, the design and delivery of a women‐only training module, a follow‐up survey with participants, 18 months later. Su...

Research paper thumbnail of Training needs for women‐owned SMEs in England

Education + Training, 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the needs and preferences for training amon... more PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the needs and preferences for training among growth‐oriented women‐owned SMEs in the East of England.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative data were collected through 108 on‐line questionnaires, and the means analysed using SPSS. Qualitative data collected in response to open‐ended questions were inductively analysed and interpreted.FindingsOnly one fourth of respondents received growth‐oriented training in the previous two years, with an average duration of 3‐5 days per year. Programmes most in demand concerned innovation and opportunity recognition, business evaluation and growth considerations, developing strategic customers and customers care, customer relationship management, as well as selling, networking and negotiation skills. High demand for these programmes corresponds to others results identifying contributory factors to higher enterprise performance and growth: product/service quality, new product/service developmen...

Research paper thumbnail of Transforming Contacts Into Resources: Women Entrepreneurs Building, Maintaining, and Utilising Social Capital (Summary)

Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research, 2008

Among the myriad of factors contributing to the development of women-owned businesses, the issue ... more Among the myriad of factors contributing to the development of women-owned businesses, the issue of social capital has received attention from scholars and researchers such as Brush et al.(2004); Carter et al.(2001); and Ibarra (1998). The literature strongly argues that women do not have equal access to social capital, in comparison to their male counterparts, as either they are excluded, or may exclude themselves, from the social networks which are one of the most significant components of successful resource and ...

Research paper thumbnail of Social Capital, Human Capital, and the Growth of Women-Owned Entrepreneurial Firms (Summary)

Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research, Jun 6, 2009

Women's entrepreneurship is characterized by a number of constraints including family respon... more Women's entrepreneurship is characterized by a number of constraints including family responsibility as well as lack of relevant resources. Literature illustrates that as compared to men, female entrepreneurs often enter self-employment under resourced in terms of financial, human and social capital (Schmidt & Parker, 2003). Neergaard et al.(2005) mention that women's social structure and the way they socialize have a major influence on the social capital endowments which they use in starting up their businesses, ...

Research paper thumbnail of From Rags to Riches

Case Study - Ref 810-058-1 + Teaching Note - Ref 810-058-8, 2010

This case is a story of an average Pakistani boy, growing up in poverty but who nurtured qualitie... more This case is a story of an average Pakistani boy, growing up in poverty but who nurtured qualities like courage to take independent initiatives, single mindedness, hard work, sheer focus on his goals and determination to cope with all circumstances. The decisions he made finally allowed him to carve out a very decent life for himself. The protagonist is Mr Abid, who through his observations and determinations has become a success. The case examines various events of his life that contributed towards his rise as an entrepreneur. The ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Way Forward: A Management Dilemma

Case Study - Ref 411-023-1 + Teaching Note - Ref 411-023-8, 2011

This case is centred on various Human Resource issues arising in a business endeavour setup by Af... more This case is centred on various Human Resource issues arising in a business endeavour setup by Aftab, an ambitious business man. The business under discussion was a restaurant opened in the Pakistani city of Lahore. The case was written with the intent of shedding light on the importance of HR for an establishment. The case explains that by ignoring HR issues the organization can suffer tremendously. The case is ideally suited for students who are taking an introductory module on Human resource management. The case can be best ...

Research paper thumbnail of Issues and challenges faced by the potential women entrepreneurs in Pakistan: a case study of Sind Province

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the issues and challenges faced by potential women entrep... more The purpose of this paper is to analyse the issues and challenges faced by potential women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. This study focuses on their motivating factors to start their own businesses and highlights their preferences for different aspects of training and development programs. Survey through questionnaire of 400 potential women entrepreneurs was conducted to analyse issues and challenges faced by and understand their preference related to different aspects of training program. The potential ...

Research paper thumbnail of Entrepreneurial leadership: what is it and how should it be taught?

We offer a comprehensive review of the literature relating to entrepreneurial leadership, noting ... more We offer a comprehensive review of the literature relating to entrepreneurial leadership, noting that there are diverse understandings of the concept and little exploration of how best to teach it. We next present empirical data from a survey of teaching practices at 51 HEIs in the UK that indicate little explicit teaching of entrepreneurial leadership. Drawing on this literature and data, we make recommendations for the design of teaching materials that emphasise the relevance of leadership in entrepreneurship education and of ...