Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The health and wellness industry is experiencing a growing demand for innovative business models that can address social needs while ensuring sustainable financial viability. This thesis focuses on the development of a Business Model Canvas (BMC) specifically tailored for social enterprises operating in the health and wellness sector. The aim is to provide a comprehensive framework that integrates both social impact and financial sustainability considerations into the business planning process. Chapter One introduces the research by providing an overview of the background of the study, the problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definitions of key terms. The chapter sets the stage for the research by highlighting the importance of developing a business model that can effectively balance social and financial goals within the health and wellness industry. Chapter Two presents a detailed literature review that explores existing literature on social entrepreneurship, business model innovation, and the health and wellness industry. The review identifies key factors influencing the success of social enterprises in the sector and examines different approaches to developing effective business models that integrate social impact and financial sustainability. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in this study. The chapter discusses the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis procedures, and ethical considerations. It also provides a rationale for the chosen methodology and justifies its appropriateness in addressing the research objectives. Chapter Four presents a comprehensive discussion of the findings derived from the development of the Business Model Canvas for social enterprises in the health and wellness industry. The chapter examines the key components of the BMC, including value proposition, customer segments, revenue streams, cost structure, key resources, key activities, key partnerships, channels, and customer relationships. Chapter Five concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, discussing their implications for theory and practice, and suggesting directions for future research. The chapter also reflects on the limitations of the study and offers recommendations for practitioners and policymakers seeking to enhance the sustainability and impact of social enterprises in the health and wellness industry. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on social entrepreneurship and business model innovation by providing a practical framework for developing effective business models for social enterprises in the health and wellness sector. The Business Model Canvas developed in this study can serve as a valuable tool for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers seeking to create sustainable social impact in the rapidly evolving health and wellness industry.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Developing a Business Model Canvas for a Social Enterprise in the Health and Wellness Industry" aims to explore and create a comprehensive business model canvas specifically tailored for social enterprises operating within the health and wellness sector. This research overview will delve into the significance of this project, the background of the study, the problem statement being addressed, the objectives set forth, the limitations encountered, the scope of the study, and the overall structure of the thesis. Social enterprises in the health and wellness industry play a crucial role in addressing various social issues while also pursuing financial sustainability. However, these organizations often face unique challenges related to balancing social impact and financial viability. By developing a customized business model canvas, tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of social enterprises in this sector, this project aims to provide a practical tool that can help such organizations better plan, strategize, and optimize their operations. The background of the study will provide a comprehensive review of existing literature on business model canvases, social enterprises, and the health and wellness industry. This will set the context for the research and highlight the gaps in knowledge that this project seeks to address. The problem statement revolves around the lack of specialized business model canvases for social enterprises in the health and wellness sector, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal performance in these organizations. The objectives of the study include developing a business model canvas framework specifically tailored for social enterprises in the health and wellness industry, testing and validating the effectiveness of this framework through case studies or simulations, and providing practical recommendations for implementing and utilizing the customized canvas in real-world settings. While the research aims to make a valuable contribution to the field, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of the study. These may include constraints related to time, resources, access to data, and the generalizability of findings. The scope of the study will focus on social enterprises within the health and wellness industry, with potential applications across different subsectors such as healthcare services, wellness products, and community health programs. The significance of this research lies in its potential to empower social enterprises in the health and wellness sector to enhance their impact, sustainability, and overall effectiveness. By providing a tailored business model canvas, this project seeks to enable these organizations to better articulate their value propositions, identify key stakeholders, design revenue streams, and optimize their operations for long-term success. The structure of the thesis will follow a logical progression, starting with an introduction that sets the stage for the research, followed by a literature review that establishes the theoretical foundations. The methodology section will outline the research approach, data collection methods, and analysis techniques employed. The discussion of findings will present the results of the study, followed by a conclusion and summary that encapsulates the key insights, implications, and recommendations derived from the research. In conclusion, the project "Developing a Business Model Canvas for a Social Enterprise in the Health and Wellness Industry" seeks to contribute to the growing field of social entrepreneurship by offering a practical tool that can help social enterprises in the health and wellness sector navigate the complexities of balancing social impact and financial sustainability. Through a systematic and rigorous research approach, this project aims to create a valuable resource that can empower organizations to thrive and create lasting positive change in their communities.