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In this paper, fuzzy linear regression models with fuzzy/crisp output, fuzzy/crisp input are considered. In this regard, we define risk-neutral, risk-averse and risk-seeking fuzzy linear regression models. In order to do that, two equality indices are applied to express the degree of equality between a pair of fuzzy numbers. We also develop three mathematical models to obtain the parameters of fuzzy linear regression models. Minimizing the difference between the total spread of the observed and estimated values is the objective of these models. The advantage of our proposed models is the simplicity in programming and computation.

To handle large variation data, an interval piecewise regression method with automatic change-point detection by quadratic programming is proposed as an alternative to Tanaka and Lee's method. Their unified quadratic programming approach can alleviate the phenomenon where some coefficients tend to become crisp in possibilistic regression by linear programming and also obtain the possibility and necessity models at one time. However, that method can not guarantee the existence of a necessity model if a proper regression model is not assumed especially with large variations in data. Using automatic change-point detection, the proposed method guarantees obtaining the necessity model with better measure of fitness by considering variability in data. Without piecewise terms in estimated model, the proposed method is the same as Tanaka and Lee's model. Therefore, the proposed method is an alternative method to handle data with the large variations, which not only reduces the number of crisp coefficients of the possibility model in linear programming, but also simultaneously obtains the fuzzy regression models, including possibility and necessity models with better fitness. Two examples are presented to demonstrate the proposed method.

The objective of this study is to explore entrepreneurial motivation in a least developed country (LDC), which can be divided into push factors and pull factors, without a priori separation between those which are necessity-driven and those which are opportunity-driven. This study shows that the premise "For people who start their own business in an LDC, push factors are more important than pull factors" can be rejected. In contrast to the findings from prior studies on entrepreneurship in LDCs, this study shows that push factors and pull factors are not mutually exclusive. In addition, this study shows that pull factors are even more important than push factors, and that therefore push factors only play a minor role for entrepreneurs. The overall implications are that motivation is a more combined, and nuanced construct, and that the Western concept of entrepreneurial motivation and method of measuring entrepreneurial motivation, are globally applicable.

In most developing economies, micro and small enterprises (MSE) and self-employment provide the majority of employment and the main source of income. However, MSE’s potentials often remain exploited and there are high rates of churning. To better understand the limited success of entrepreneurship in developing economies, this paper looks at how entrepreneurs have and use agency and how this relates to their entrepreneurial success. Empirically, we use life history interviews with micro-entrepreneurs in Kampala, Uganda. Conceptually, we draw on Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach, which in regard to agency, emphasizes people’s ambitions, reflected choices, and the various factors that influence how people derive options and agency from available resources. Our results suggest a stronger differentiation of entrepreneurs beyond the ‘necessity vs. opportunity’ dichotomy. This concerns entrepreneurs’ motivations and ambitions, their collective transformative potential and the question of which choices under which restrictions should be conceived of as entrepreneurial agency. Most of the entrepreneurs have and make choices beyond economic survival; self-employment is not just a last resort. It depends on business opportunities not as drivers but as occasions; it may rest on innovative means to access common businesses (rather than on innovative businesses); and it may be directed at sufficiency rather than growth.