https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105263 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:45:31 GMT 2026-04-30T14:45:31Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113233 Title: Small business on small islands : exploring entrepreneurial orientation in SMEs in Malta Abstract: This thesis aims to contribute to the fields of entrepreneurship and island studies by utilising the concept of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and its five dimensions – innovativeness, proactiveness, risk-taking, competitive aggressiveness, and autonomy – in order to identify the most effective strategies for the survival and success of small island-based businesses. This study sheds light on SMEs based on small islands through the EO theoretical framework. Existing research suggests that having light- or non-weight products or services, and producing niche or tailor-made products and services, are appropriate, export-focused strategies for small island-based businesses. However, how such businesses cope with external changes, and the role of company-level entrepreneurship, have been left largely unexplored. Much of the existing EO literature is based on quantitative studies using three EO dimensions; however, such an approach finds it hard to answer ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions. This thesis seeks to fill these gaps through qualitative research using all five EO dimensions. This thesis addresses two research questions: (1) How did Malta’s island-specific challenges and external shocks shape EO in its SMEs? and (2) How did EO enable these SMEs to identify and exploit opportunities? To answer these questions, in-depth case studies were carried out in four SMEs in Malta. Data was gathered through multiple sources, including semi-structured interviews with 12 key informants (such as MDs/CEOs/Founders and managers), observations and desk research. This study has uncovered effective strategies for the survival and success of small island based businesses. Results suggest that, firstly, proactiveness and innovativeness play a vital role in identifying and exploiting opportunities as well as demonstrating entrepreneurship. Secondly, some (but not all) companies made use of the benefits of doing business on an island by utilising a sense of place and islandness in their branding. Thirdly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, companies displayed ‘creative reactiveness’, which was enhanced by the threat to their survival at that time. Description: Ph.D.(Melit.) Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113233 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105404 Title: Redesigning images of sustainable fashion consumption through foresight : a causal layered analysis Abstract: Purpose: Several studies examined sustainability in the fashion industry, yet very few researched on consumer perspectives and foresight. This study is an original exploration of the use of foresight in supporting a transition towards sustainable fashion consumption. It explores the value of foresight for the deconstruction of major issues around sustainable fashion consumption behaviour and presents future perspectives on fashion consumption based on scenarios which critique the present. Research Design/ Methodology: Primary data consists of semi-structured interview (n=6) with professionals in fashion and sustainability, questionnaires (n=23) with Generation Y and concurrent in-depth desk research. Data sets are categorized and discussed with the foresight methodology Causal Layered Analysis (CLA). Findings: The findings indicate that CLA as a methodology supports the deconstruction of complex issues and problems around sustainable fashion consumption and facilitates the development of new ideas among participants. CLA enabled participants to share images of the future that represented radical changes from the present, looking towards the potential influence of consumers in achieving sustainable fashion futures. Thus, it is suggested that foresight, and in particular CLA can be deployed to bridge the intention-action gap in sustainable fashion consumption. Implications/ Recommendations: The findings show different future images with radical or pragmatic changes to achieve sustainable fashion futures. The two mega-trends of wellbeing and health should be leveraged in fashion to reach a majority of best-case-future scenarios and to support the perception of consumers’ positive influence. Furthermore, it is suggested to speak of creators and experiencers instead of consumers to reinvent the role of the consumer and support sustainability. Description: M. CI(Melit.) Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105404 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105389 Title: An exploratory study on the natural environment in Malta : its impact and influence on creative practitioners Abstract: Malta is a small island in the Mediterranean, with a very limited natural environment because of its size, and many natural areas are being lost due to overdevelopment to cater for its growing population. Malta is also increasingly becoming more urbanized. According to studies, individuals can benefit from exposure to natural environments such as large open spaces, forests, parks and green areas. This study aimed to explore if the natural environment on the Maltese islands is impacting and influencing the self-perceived creativity of creative practitioners. Therefore, the research addressed two research questions, how the natural environment influenced the self-perceived creativity of creative practitioners in Malta and if the natural environment impacted any phases of their creative thinking process. The literature defined natural environment, creativity, and individual creativity and explored how these are linked. Wallas's (1945) creative process was used to build a conceptual model. A qualitative research method was then used to delve into these topics. Thirteen creative practitioners who work in the creative industries, such as artists, writers, and graphic designers, were interviewed using semi-structured interview questions. They all resided in Malta and could provide insights into how the natural and urban environments impacted their creativity. Thematic analysis was then used to draw out different themes linked with individual creativity, the creative process, the impact and influence of the types of natural spaces, and the development of Malta’s natural spaces and creativity. This research showed that the natural environment may positively impact creative persons in different ways and that creatives may also be affected by the lack of natural spaces and urbanization. Therefore, the link between creativity and the natural environment continued to be explored in the context of the Maltese Islands. Description: M. CI(Melit.) Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105389 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105388 Title: Creative action and innovative artifacts in foreign language teaching Abstract: In the world of work, it is necessary to think and act critically to take the best decisions possible and express them to the community. Recent curricular adjustments have been introduced in the Maltese education system as a response to the changing demands of individuals and society. This study aims to identify how, within the local Foreign Language teaching context, teachers undertake creative action to generate new material. The novel Five A's theoretical framework, referring to actor, action, artifact, audience, and affordances, underlines this study. The framework offers a more comprehensive perspective on creativity and integrates social and cultural factors. Semi-structured interviews were held with 14 foreign language teachers from State, Church, and Independent Schools in Malta with the aim of researching their views on creativity, gain deeper understanding on creative teaching, and establish the link between environments and produced resources. The results indicate that foreign language teachers often face time constraints, utilise varied methodologies, consider character traits as an influencing factor, and that teaching creatively is conditioned by sociocultural contexts. The findings imply the need for changes in policy making to sustain improved practice. Further exploration in other subjects and domains can strengthen the validity of the 5A’s framework in creativity research. Description: M. CI(Melit.) Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105388 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z