Dissertation defence (International Business): MSc (Econ) Ephraim Daka
Time
24.10.2025 12.15 – 16.15
MSc (Econ) Ephraim Daka defends the dissertation in International Business titled “Institutional perspectives for tackling grand challenges: Studies on the agency of stakeholders and entrepreneurship in developing countries” at the University of Turku on 24 October 2025 at 12.15 (University of Turku, Turku School of Economics, LähiTapiola lecture hall, Rehtorinpellonkatu 3, Turku).
The audience can participate in the defence by remote access: https://utu.zoom.us/j/68027459279
Opponent: Professor Amon Chizema (Loughborough University, United Kingdom)
Custos: Associate Professor William Y. Degbey (Vaasa University)
Doctoral Dissertation at UTUPub: https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-02-0343-6
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Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:
This doctoral research examines how businesses, especially the smaller ones, can take an institutional perspective and contribute to solving the global grand challenges of hunger, health inequalities, and climate change. These challenges affect everyone, and no single government, organization, or business can address them alone. Big organizations like international agencies often lead, but they can be slow and uncoordinated. People often forget that regular businesses can make a big difference. In developing countries, small local businesses show they can make money and be socially responsible.
In my research on various businesses, ranging from big mining firms to small local shops, I have found that small businesses often excel at meeting the needs of their communities. My research concentrated on micro and small enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa, which are characterized by their innovation, resilience, and strong ties to the communities they serve. Many of these businesses are spearheaded by women who, despite encountering structural barriers, are making significant impacts in their communities. For example, agricultural entrepreneurs are addressing food insecurity through their dedicated efforts and purposeful leadership. These companies are doing more than just solving problems; they are trying to change the systems that are causing them. They build trust, collaboration and use their local knowledge to develop solutions that fit in with their environment.
My research shows that when businesses are closely connected to their communities and guided by a strong sense of purpose, they can become powerful agents of change. They can work with others to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.
The audience can participate in the defence by remote access: https://utu.zoom.us/j/68027459279
Opponent: Professor Amon Chizema (Loughborough University, United Kingdom)
Custos: Associate Professor William Y. Degbey (Vaasa University)
Doctoral Dissertation at UTUPub: https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-02-0343-6
***
Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:
This doctoral research examines how businesses, especially the smaller ones, can take an institutional perspective and contribute to solving the global grand challenges of hunger, health inequalities, and climate change. These challenges affect everyone, and no single government, organization, or business can address them alone. Big organizations like international agencies often lead, but they can be slow and uncoordinated. People often forget that regular businesses can make a big difference. In developing countries, small local businesses show they can make money and be socially responsible.
In my research on various businesses, ranging from big mining firms to small local shops, I have found that small businesses often excel at meeting the needs of their communities. My research concentrated on micro and small enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa, which are characterized by their innovation, resilience, and strong ties to the communities they serve. Many of these businesses are spearheaded by women who, despite encountering structural barriers, are making significant impacts in their communities. For example, agricultural entrepreneurs are addressing food insecurity through their dedicated efforts and purposeful leadership. These companies are doing more than just solving problems; they are trying to change the systems that are causing them. They build trust, collaboration and use their local knowledge to develop solutions that fit in with their environment.
My research shows that when businesses are closely connected to their communities and guided by a strong sense of purpose, they can become powerful agents of change. They can work with others to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.
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