Viability Study of a Bakery Business Model and Its Workforce Development Program in Lira, Uganda.
Overview
In the fall semester of 2017-2018 academic year, two student consultants from Cornell Institute for Public Affairs - Enknhzul Altangerel and Carolina Araya Chaves - worked on viability study of bakery business in Lira, Uganda, as part of an ongoing research project on reintegration of Former Child Soldiers (FCS) in Uganda. As phase IV of the research partnership between Cornell Institute for Public Affairs and Global Livingston Institute (GLI), the study continued the efforts of the previous studies, which focused on determining appropriate skills development and employment generation opportunities for the FCS. The viability study consists of primary and secondary research, which utilized various methodologies including qualitative analysis, literature and desk review. As a remote research conducted from Ithaca, New York, the study serves as a basis for further in-depth research with fieldwork, guided by the core principles of GLI, which emphasizes listening before acting.
The team first reviewed literature to contextualize the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda, to investigate the importance of Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs in promoting socio-economic development and how a social enterprise business model can further facilitate such process, distinct from business as usual. The literature we reviewed provided theoretical and empirical basis as to now SMEs function as a backbone to a country s economy, yet multiple barriers exist in their success, which, in the case of Uganda, we identified as lack of access to finance, skilled human resources and infrastructure. In addition, various studies pointed out to the importance of non-formal vocational training in enabling the marginalized students to gain skills and knowledge. In terms of the business model, studies have noted Capacity of social enterprise business models to create social impact, as the core principle of the business is guided by its emphasis, not necessarily on profit, but on the social values and benefits It strives to create.
