Abstract: This study as part of a postdoctoral research takes a first look on evolving University Business Incubators’(UBIs) emerging business models based on business model transformation, adaptation and innovation. The study utilizes philosophical (essentialism and empiricism), psychological (cognitive schemas with analog and conceptual combination) and entrepreneurship perspectives in classifying emerging UBI models using case studies. The classified UBI business models via essentialism(typology) include: Core Business and Entrepreneurship BMs, Core R &D commercialization, regionally initiated BM, Industry focused BM and Opportunity Based UBI BMs. Cognitive Generation based on analogue reasoning and conceptual recombination of schemas are further applied to see new UBI BMs that can also emerge due to endogenous (cognitive reasons) evolving from cognitive strategic decisions. In addition to this, a conceptual combination of modeling UBIs as a ‘corporate business incubator located in a University with the host University as the parent company or Corporate Enterprise with attributes of corporate innovation, strategic renewal and venturing, while the UBI is involved in both Corporate(University) venturing and innovation is proposed. This study will take a look at the entities of each of these UBI business model (and also across different industries) and later map them with typical CBIs (Corporate Business Incubators) for value creation in further studies. The study is intended to give an insight into the different business models UBIs can adopt due to endogenous, exogenous and life-cycle transformation overtime.

Abstract: Total Quality Management (TQM) is increasingly adopted by higher education institutions (HEIs) to enhance institutional effectiveness under growing performance and accountability pressures. However, empirical evidence remains limited regarding the mechanisms through which TQM practices influence non-financial and financial performance outcomes. This study examines the mediating roles of Hard Quality Management practices and Non-Financial Performance in the relationship between Soft Quality Management practices and Financial Performance in higher education institutions. A quantitative research design was employed using survey data collected from academic and administrative staff across public and private HEIs. The hypothesised direct and indirect relationships were tested using mediation analysis implemented through Hayes’ PROCESS macro, enabling a robust examination of multiple mediation pathways. The results indicate that Soft Quality Management practices significantly enhance both Hard Quality Management practices and Non-Financial Performance. Hard Quality Management practices partially mediate the relationships between Soft Quality Management practices and both Non-Financial and Financial Performance, while Non-Financial Performance also serves as a significant mediator linking Soft Quality Management practices to Financial Performance. The persistence of significant direct effects suggests partial mediation, indicating that Soft Quality Management practices operate through both formalised systems and complementary behavioural and cultural mechanisms. Overall, the findings position TQM as a governance-oriented framework that strengthens institutional performance through interconnected quality pathways in higher education institutions.

Abstract: The concept of sustainability has evolved far beyond its initial environmental foundations, expanding into a multidimensional framework that integrates multinational policies, multicultural values, and multigenerational knowledge, but there is a paucity of bottom up or grass roots research. This paper is a narrative of oral history intersects supported by rigorous documentation including military records, census data, genealogical records, and scholarship extending over four centuries . By synthesizing individual lived experiences with systemic goals, such as those outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [1], a more nuanced understanding of resilience and adaptation emerges. The analysis of recent scholarship indicates that sustainability is a dynamic, narrative - driven process that requires an in- depth understanding of the spatial and temporal consequences of global shifts, ranging from climate catastrophes to the translocal flows of capital and people [2] . This paper uses oral history to show the adaptation of a multigeneration, multicultural “ordinary” family in North America to the social, political, economic, and technological challenges faced over 400 years with a focus on sustainability.