Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis focuses on the development of a Social Impact Measurement Tool specifically designed for startups. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the social impact created by businesses, particularly startups, beyond traditional financial metrics. The need for startups to demonstrate their social impact has become essential for attracting investors, customers, and other stakeholders. However, startups often face challenges in measuring and communicating their social impact effectively due to limited resources and expertise in this area. The primary objective of this research is to address this gap by developing a practical and user-friendly Social Impact Measurement Tool tailored to the unique needs and constraints of startups. The tool aims to provide startups with a systematic framework for assessing, tracking, and reporting their social impact in a way that is meaningful, credible, and transparent. By leveraging key principles of social impact measurement and best practices in the field, this tool seeks to empower startups to better understand and communicate their social value proposition. Chapter One of this thesis provides an introduction to the topic, presenting the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter Two offers a comprehensive literature review encompassing ten key topics related to social impact measurement, startups, and existing tools and frameworks. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology, including research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis procedures, and ethical considerations. Chapter Four presents the findings of the research, with an in-depth discussion of the development process and features of the Social Impact Measurement Tool. This chapter also includes case studies and practical examples to illustrate how the tool can be applied in real-world startup scenarios. Chapter Five provides a summary of the key findings, conclusions drawn from the research, implications for practice, recommendations for further research, and the overall contribution of the study to the field of entrepreneurship and social impact measurement. In conclusion, the development of a Social Impact Measurement Tool for startups has the potential to enhance the social impact assessment capabilities of startups and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible business ecosystem. This thesis aims to provide a valuable resource for startups, investors, policymakers, and other stakeholders interested in supporting and promoting social entrepreneurship.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Developing a Social Impact Measurement Tool for Startups" aims to address the growing need for startups to measure and communicate their social impact effectively. In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on social responsibility and sustainability in the business world. Startups, as innovative and dynamic ventures, play a crucial role in driving positive change in society. However, many startups struggle to quantify and communicate the social impact of their initiatives due to the lack of standardized tools and frameworks. This research project seeks to develop a comprehensive and user-friendly tool that enables startups to assess, track, and report their social impact accurately. By creating a customized measurement tool tailored to the specific needs and challenges of startups, this project aims to empower these ventures to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and sustainability more effectively. The research will begin with a thorough review of existing literature on social impact measurement, entrepreneurship, and startup challenges. The literature review will provide a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the key concepts and issues related to social impact assessment in the startup context. Following the literature review, the research methodology will be outlined, detailing the approach and methods used to develop the social impact measurement tool. This will include data collection methods, analysis techniques, and the criteria for evaluating the effectiveness and usability of the tool. The core of the project will focus on the development and testing of the social impact measurement tool. This will involve designing a framework that captures the key dimensions of social impact relevant to startups, such as community engagement, environmental sustainability, and ethical practices. The tool will be pilot-tested with a sample of startups to gather feedback and refine its usability and functionality. The findings from the pilot test will be discussed in detail, highlighting the strengths and limitations of the social impact measurement tool. Recommendations for further improvements and future research directions will be provided based on the results of the testing phase. In conclusion, this research project seeks to make a significant contribution to the field of social impact measurement by offering startups a practical and effective tool for assessing their social impact. By empowering startups to measure and communicate their social impact more transparently, this project aims to catalyze positive change and foster a culture of social responsibility within the startup ecosystem.