https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/27589 2026-04-05T04:05:24Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/27833 Title: Future search as a thinking tool to empower, envision and act : AIESEC as a case study Abstract: Future Search as thinking-tool to empower, envision and act: AIESEC as a case study The purpose of the study is to acknowledge the effects that Future Search, designed by Weisbord and Janoff, has on a participant, in terms of the mind-set, within the context of an organisation. The research question perceives Future Search as a thinking tool that can empower an individual to become more visionary and increase the effectiveness of one’s actions within the context of an organisation. The research also captures the empowerment that a participant might experience towards the organisation. This dissertation explored possible links between organisational vision, innovation, entrepreneurial organisation, and how they interlink with Future Search while summarising and analysing previous research about it . AIESEC was selected as the Case study for this research, given that it executed Future Search in August 2015, while having executed it with a large delegation of over 700 people from 126 countries and territories. The research was carried out by using a mixed methods approach with triangulation as a base concept for the analysis. This research acknowledged there was a development of the participants in that they achieved certain clarity from the outputs of Future Search that guided their strategy designs and actions. Additionally it also provided a platform to learn and open their minds to further opportunities, create connections and redefine their understanding and connection to the organisation. Description: M.A.CREATIVITY&INNOVATION 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/27821 Title: Social entrepreneurship in Malta : an innovative water conservation project Abstract: The interest in the role of social entrepreneurs in tackling climate change is on the rise as an increasing number of social missions arise around the globe. To fully understand the role of these missions and their founders, it is necessary to observe them carefully. For the purpose of this study, the research focused on a practical example: AguaGente, in Malta. AguaGente is an innovative water conservation device designed by the author for the Maltese islands. A feasibility study on AguaGente formed the base for this research. Parallel to the feasibility study, the research aimed to uncover some of the challenges social entrepreneurs face when operating in Malta. The study featured a mixed methods approach, comprised of an online survey and semi-structured interviews, to fully explore the feasibility of AguaGente and the challenges social entrepreneurs face in Malta. The approach aided in uncovering several challenges for social entrepreneurs which also affected the feasibility study. The research concluded that AguaGente is a feasible water conservation device and found three major challenges: 1) monetary value is the main driver in sustainable choices, 2) there is a need for more awareness regarding environmental issues, and 3) government holds a decisive role. These challenges proved to have both a direct and indirect impact on the efforts of social entrepreneurs in Malta and contribute to the understanding of local social entrepreneurship. This study found that the main challenges are not unlikely country specific and that they divert from key findings in social entrepreneurial theories. Thus, AguaGente contributed to the application of social entrepreneurship in the Maltese context. Description: M.A.CREATIVITY&INNOVATION 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/27819 Title: Navigating the circular economy for entrepreneurial opportunities Abstract: The circular economy is “an economy that is restorative and regenerative by design” (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2015, p.5). The concept is gaining increasing attention and is being touted as an economic solution to the degradation of the earth’s natural systems and resource stocks. Policymakers and businesses are prioritising the circular economy due to the economic, environmental and social gains associated with its successful implementation. In this regard, entrepreneurs have been identified as key custodians in leading the transition to a circular economy. Despite this, there is still limited research in this important field, with no mention of concepts such as the ‘circular entrepreneur’ or ‘circular entrepreneurship’ in mainstream entrepreneurship journals. This dissertation aims to promote circular entrepreneurship and serve as a handle to stimulate research on this type of entrepreneurial activity. First, the research sets out to garner an initial understanding and develop theoretical foundations for this emerging phenomenon. Secondly, it seeks to shed light on how entrepreneurs identify opportunities in the circular economy. Finally, this study aims to gain insights into whether the circular economy is seen as a means towards achieving sustainable development, and whether the objectives of circular entrepreneurship are aligned with those of sustainable entrepreneurship. A qualitative approach was utilised to explore these issues, using an adaptation of Patzelt and Shepherd’s (2011) model of sustainable opportunity identification to guide the research process. Nine in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with circular entrepreneurs sampled across three EU Member States, namely the Netherlands, Ireland and Malta. The data was then studied by means of thematic analysis. The findings suggest that circular entrepreneurs are motivated by maximising the value of products and materials which in turn satisfies the triple bottom line. The interviews revealed that the circular entrepreneurs identify opportunities as a result of stocks of prior knowledge, motivational factors, entrepreneurial experience and social capital. The study concluded that the circular economy not only achieves sustainability but also appears to go beyond it as negative externalities are designed out of the economy. Description: M.A.CREATIVITY&INNOVATION 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/27818 Title: The role of intuition in exploiting entrepreneurial opportunities Abstract: Although ample research has been carried out on the opportunity identification stage, there is still little research available on “why”, “when” and “how” entrepreneurs decide to exploit a business opportunity. Gaining further insight into entrepreneurial behaviour in the opportunity exploitation stage is essential if one wishes to better understand successful entrepreneurship and organisational outcomes. Since entrepreneurs work in high risk and uncertain environments, one might assume that intuition plays an important role in the various stages of the entrepreneurial process. This study, guided by the sound theoretical principles of the Cognitive- Experiential Self theory, addresses the gap in the entrepreneurial exploitation literature with regards to the role of intuition during this stage of the entrepreneurial process. This study utilizes secondary unexamined data from Baldacchino’s (2013) work to address the question: What is the role of intuition in entrepreneurial opportunity exploitation? In her doctorate work, Baldacchino (2013) investigated the effects of intuition and cognitive versatility on opportunity identification, and how these constructs enable entrepreneurs to become more proficient at identifying opportunities as they gain experience in this field. The unexamined data from the verbal protocols were utilized in this study to examine the role intuition plays in the opportunity exploitation decisions of entrepreneurs. This study found that intuition plays a significant role in opportunity exploitation, and also reveals interesting findings with regards to the role of other variables used in study, including, analysis, innovativeness and business specific experience on the opportunity exploitation stage. Description: M.A.CREATIVITY&INNOVATION 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z