Abstract: Introduction: Obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality world-wide. The behavioural nature of the condition has been highlighted by the fact that it is largely the result of an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. In that respect, obesity related morbidity and mortality can be reduced through preventive behaviours. As behavioural scientists, economists have done little to date to explain and understand why the demand for obesity preventing activities is low. The aim of this paper is to develop an economic theory-based dynamic model to gain better understanding of people’s obesity preventive behaviours. Methods: A literature search using a PICO approach was developed to identify the relevant variables considered to influence the demand for obesity preventive goods. To inform the model, a framework was developed to group variables and help determine appropriate linkages between them. Results: Anchors, anxiety and anxiety driven variables are fundamental influences of people’s risk reduction actions. The anchors, which are environmental as well as personal in character, serve as references and stimulate anxieties. However, anxiety levels are driven by many other variables including stigma and perceived health outcomes. In response to one’s anxiety an individual will take actions which can be explained, at least in part, by conventional economic theories particularly in terms of costs and utilities. Conclusions: Conventional economic theories of consumer behaviour cannot fully explain the demand for obesity preventive goods. The model demonstrates that many factors have to be considered including health economic, psychological and behavioural economic theories. The model should be tested through a well designed questionnaire before using it in a general adult population.

Abstract: Literature on ‘self-employment’ have implied and focused on sole-proprietorship. What is missing from the extant literature is the relationship between entrepreneurship education and partnership venture formation. This study explored this gap. This study investigated the impact of entrepreneurship education on partnership venture intentions using entrepreneurship students at Kumasi Polytechnic, Ghana, as case study. The study employed cross-sectional data. Using the convenient sampling method, a sample size of 220 was used for the study. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out. A logistic regression model was employed to estimate the objectives of the study. The study found that entrepreneurship education positively impacts on the intentions to form partnership venture. Stakeholders, academic and training institutions should structure their entrepreneurship programmes to include partnership venture formation. At 5% error level, the study found large scale production, previous experience in running partnership venture, continuity of business as well as access to funds statistically significant to impact on the intentions to form a partnership venture after graduation. Prospective entrepreneurs should pay more attention to these variables to consider partnership venture in their entrepreneurial undertakings.

Abstract: A healthy and productive workforce is important for both industrial and economic growth. For without health labour cannot transform their stock of knowledge into production of goods and services. Improving the health status of labour has been of increasing interest to employers and stakeholders. However, this concern has received little attention from recent studies. This paper therefore sought to review theoretical literature on health investment, restricting attention to health as an investment commodity, to highlight factors having impact on health investment to enable the study to provide policy measures.