One of the important assets that business organizations use and develop to achieve competitive advantage in the marketplace is social capital. At the organizational level, social capital refers to the strength of business networks that an organization develops with its stakeholders. The strength is determined by both depth (trust) and breadth (wide reach) of the network. Many Indian companies are active in discharging their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on the strength of their business networks. The benefits out of these activities include improved quality of life for stakeholders, creation of entrepreneurial opportunities, cost advantage, and access to critical business information that result in identification and exploitation of business opportunities by the firm.

The first article, "Sustainable Entrepreneurial Support (in Supply Chain) as Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of Large Organizations: A Conceptual Framework" by Satyajit Majumdar and Rohit Nishant, focuses on how a firm can use its social capital to provide entrepreneurial opportunities in its supply chain activities. A conceptual framework is provided to bring out the organizational and societal advantages that result along the supply chain. The authors also suggest propositions on how CSR activities can be channeled to support entrepreneurial activities in a society.

The second article, "The Effectiveness of Women Entrepreneurship Training Program: A Case Study" by P Nagesh and M S Narasimha Murthy, empirically analyzes the effectiveness of women entrepreneurship training programs conducted in management development institutes such as Rudset Institute, Myrada Institute, Mysore District Industrial Center, NGO's, Sthree Deepa Sangha, Mysore. Survey research method was used to examine trainees' immediate reaction to their training programs. Results indicate that although these programs were perceived to be appropriate, they lacked effective delivery. The authors further suggest suitable ways to improve the effectiveness of women training programs.

The third article, "Women's Enterprise Development in Eritrea Through Microfinance" by Ravinder Rena, examines how microcredit programs were effective in improving the quality of lives of women in abject poverty conditions. The article explains economic and social conditions that hinder women entrepreneurship in Eritrea. In this article, the author analyzes the impact of the largest Microfinance Institute (MFI) in Eritrea—The Savings and Microcredit Program—on the improvement of quality of life among women entrepreneurs. The study uses qualitative research method and secondary data to assess the impact of microcredit programs. The results indicate that there was a positive effect on the lives of women entrepreneurs due to MFI initiatives.

Finally, we present a case study, "Vijay Mallya, The Indian Business Baron: A `Bon Vivant' Entrepreneur?", by Lekha K C Ravi. This case delineates the entrepreneurial style of Mr. Vijay Mallya. He personifies entrepreneurial spirit and inspiring leadership. He possesses all the key characteristics of entrepreneurship: innovativeness, risk-taking ability, and ability to see the big-picture. Today, his business group—United Breweries (UB)—is a well-diversified multinational conglomerate. The case study provides insights into entrepreneurship by tracking the growth history of UB group and its future.

- S Senthil Kumar
Consulting Editor