Business Research Ethics

        One of the most renowned and respected academic institutions for the pursuit of business education is Wharton University with campuses in Pennsylvania and San Francisco. Founded in 1881 by an American entrepreneur and industrialist; their current curricular paradigm is innovative interdisciplinary learning that integrates multiple disciplines to develop real-world competencies. Research is action-based and directed towards solving authentic problems in the world of business and commerce. Particularly germane to the present global economy is the question of how a Social Entrepreneur; defined as a person who establishes an enterprise with the aim of solving social problems or effecting social change; might pursue social impact and financial goals simultaneously.

        Currently, more than half of Fortune Global 250 firms provide regular public statements exclusively discussing corporate social responsibility initiatives they undertake, and approximately 10 percent of S&P 100 companies report in detail on corporate social responsibility activities. Corporate social responsibility is a company’s authentic commitment to social, environmental and economic sustainability; verifiable through transparent practices (Wulfson, 2001). As corporations are naturally profit-driven it is evident that adoption of this comportment may pose a challenge. Thus, balancing these dual commitments requires forethought, planning, innovation and commitment.

One such project has been undertaken in Northern Zambia and centers on the production of livestock feed. The aim of this study is to discover how to increase access to higher quality protein in emerging economies at a reduced cost; while empowering the individual to acquire business acumen. Researchers proposed the adoption of advanced mathematical techniques incorporating linear programming to develop solutions that target optimal feed mix livestock. These tools are virtually un accessible in third world nations; but with the support of this study, simplified versions of sophisticated programming techniques were identified that could be used in the development of a feed manufacturing venture. Included was data about locally available feed components, which has been especially valuable to the subject of growth management and related considerations.

The project was limited to Northwest Zambia;  a region known for high unemployment and widespread malnutrition; and calculations are transferable to local chicken production as well. The project design is unique in that it begins as an intra-preneurial venture. In other words, only six men are included as the project’s launch; and their task is only to mix feed using shovels in a concrete-floored shed. But the emergent business model is aligned to the requirements of

local cash markets; building a distribution network for small producers and expanding outwards. This is the opposite of a model for high volume and large scale production. The success of this project to date cannot be denied; according to outtakes The Feed Company now employs more than 220 employees and supports approximately 1600 small-scale customers / farmers. These figures translate to 70 million daily protein servings per annum.