ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION
aim | objectives | content | learning objectives | assignment | assessment | teaching | resources | equipment
MODULE 7 - RESEARCH TECHNIQUES FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Aim
The aims of this two week module are to expose students to some quantitative and qualitative methods and to ensure that they can demonstrate their uses in a concrete situation in a Caribbean setting.
For each of the 2 major topics covered specific assignments would be given for further discussion within the tutorial session. Students are admonished to take as specific entrepreneurial environment that would allow them develop a particular approach from the conceptual level to the applied level.
General Objectives
This module focuses on the used of research methods for entrepreneurial studies. Specifically it would focus on methodological theory and its cultural adaptation to the Caribbean setting and it would focus on the use of quantitative and qualitative approaches to gather and used data in an entrepreneurial environment.
Content
Successful entrepreneurial activities must of necessity incorporate information from the environment to make business decisions. The use of specific methodological techniques and their adaptation to the Caribbean situation is critical to inform such decisions. This three hour module comprises of two 1.5 hour lectures/workshop sessions where to basic research methods one quantitative and one qualitative are illustrated and adapted to suit Caribbean realities. Analyzing and using both types of data for decision making is incorporated into the sessions.
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Design Quantitative Surveys for use in an Entrepreneurial Environment
- Analyse Quantitative Data Analysis in an Entrepreneurial Environment
- Describe the use of Focus Groups and its Uses in an Entrepreneurial Environment:
- Analyse Focus Group Data in Entrepreneurial Environment
Assignment
Assignment One: Choose a particular business environment in the Caribbean and design a quantitative survey aimed at identifying the major knowledge the public has of the main products or services offered by your firm. Clearly specify what your measurable variables, how they are operationalized, who would be your target population and what kind of statistical analysis you would use to analyze your data.
Assignment Two: Design a focus group project for a business that wants to look at the possibility of introducing a new product into the market. What are some of the major issues you would focus on to ensure that your data and findings meet the validity criteria necessary for good decision making within the firm?
Assessment
The two assignments identified above would be the basis for each student or group assessment.
Evaluation
A written evaluation form will be administered at the end of the module. This will measure the perceived value, and quality of the learning content and teaching method. It will allow for suggestions to be made to the teacher for improvement which will be incorporated into future planning
Teaching/Learning Strategies
A combination of lectures and short active learning session will be used in each of the two-hour session for this class
Resources:
Readings
Quantitative
- Russell K Suhutt: “Investigating the Social World” 5th Edition
- Pine Forge: Chapters 8 & 14
Qualitative
- Russell K Suhutt: “Investigating the Social World” 5th Edition
- Pine Forge: Chapters 9 & 10
- Bruce L Berg: Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Science 3rd ed Allyn and Bacon Chapter 5
Other resources
Computer Lab
Software: SPSS, MS Excel
Equipment:
N/A
