Thierry Volery

Critical success factors in online education

The Internet is a major technological advancement reshaping not only our society but also that of universities worldwide. In light of this, universities have to capitalise on the Internet for teaching, and one progressive development of this is the use of online delivery methods. This paper draws upon the results of a survey conducted amongst students enrolled in one online management course at an Australian university. Three critical success factors in online delivery are identified: technology, the instructor and the previous use of the technology from a student’s perspective. We also argue that the lecturer will continue to play a central role in online education, albeit his or her role will become one of a learning catalyst and knowledge navigator.

Factors influencing small business start‐ups

Sheds light on the process leading to new enterprise formation and identifies the impact of some selected demographic variables on business start‐ups. In contrast to traditional research methodologies, this study used a new and more comprehensive approach to survey entrepreneurial intention. It studied both those who actually set up a new business and those “nascent entrepreneurs” who abandoned their idea prior to trading. The findings of an empirical analysis of 93 such entrepreneurs are presented. Using multivariate techniques to analyse the data, the importance of three demographic variables ‐ gender, previous government employment and recent redundancy ‐ was identified as having potential negative influences on small business formation, and comparisons are made with past studies.

Ethnic entrepreneurship: A theoretical framework

(from the introduction:) With the recent growth of new ethnic populations in Western societies, ethnic business is no longer a matter of strictly historical interest; neither is it parochial American concern. Because new ethnic populations have grown at a time when Western economies are in a phase of slow growth and massive technological challenge, ethnic adaptation and mobility are central issues to economic research (Waldinger et al., 1990a: 13). In Europe, businesses run by persons from minority ethnic groups have always been present, but three changing historical circumstances have increased their salience and visibility over the past decades. Firstly, massive immigration from former colonies, southern Europe and North Africa has led to a considerable migration flows. Secondly, three decades of economic restructuring have led to a fundamental transformation of the labour market and a general shift away from employment in large firms to self-employment in small ones. This trend has hit certain immigrant groups much harder than indigenous populations, which is reflected by the higher unemployment rates among immigrants (Barret et al., 1996). Thirdly, the opportunity structure for ethnic business has become more favourable as Europes changing industrial structure has led to a resurgence of small and medium-sized enterprises (Blaschke et al., 1990). The main objective of this chapter is to develop a framework for understanding the dimensions in ethnic entrepreneurship. Factors influencing the establishment of an ethnic enterprise are multifaceted and include education, generation, the local population, the economic situation, job opportunities, location, cultural and religious ifferences, and the origin. The result, viewed from a macroeconomic perspective, presents a very complex and dynamic mosaic, which usually moves too fast for statistics to keep up.

The role of trust in creating effective alliances: A managerial perspective

The popularity of alliances in business has exploded over the past few years along with an increasing interest in the role of trust in economic transactions. This paper details the nature of alliances and the crucial role played by trust in creating and managing alliances. Evidence of the emergence of trust are further given within the context of alliances established by small and medium-sized Swiss enterprises where both planning and mutual trust constitute essential ingredients.

What Do Entrepreneurs Actually Do? An Observational Study of Entrepreneurs' Everyday Behavior in the Start‐Up and Growth Stages

In this study, we used the sociological method of structured observation to investigate the everyday behavior of six entrepreneurs in the start–up stage and six entrepreneurs in the growth stage. Our results suggest the existence of both commonalities and differences between these two stages with regard to activities, functions, exploration vs. exploitation, and communication. Building on these detailed observations, we develop a taxonomy specifying the constitutive elements of entrepreneurs’ behavior on a continuum that spans from single, discrete actions of entrepreneurs to actions concerning the broader organization.

Online business development services for entrepreneurs: an exploratory study

This paper addresses the use of the Internet to provide business development services such as training, consulting, counselling and networking. Using a Delphi study of experts from around the world, the possible uses of the Internet as well as criteria for successful implementation are presented. Three critical success factors for providing online services are identified. First, an effective use of online resources requires that the inherent strengths of the Internet be exploited. Using online tools when they are perceived to be a ‘second-best’ mode of communication is inefficient and can be counterproductive. Second, personal contact is still very important and can complement online services. Third, successful online services require an effective Internet site and program management. The study also shows that the specific nature of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs must be carefully considered when developing online services. The entrepreneur is more concerned about his/her problems and is less concerned with the problems of others. However, he or she is willing to participate in a small learning network if the benefits go beyond that of just learning together. Similarly, online training for entrepreneurs should be complemented by a face-to-face component. An efficient/effective pure online training program for entrepreneurs would be very difficult if not impossible to develop and implement.

The Impact of Entrepreneurship Education on Human Capital at Upper‐Secondary Level

In this study we evaluate the impact of entrepreneurship education on human capital at the upper‐secondary level using a quasi‐experimental design. Data were collected from 494 students attending entrepreneurship education programs and from 238 in a control group. Our results indicate that some personality traits such as need for autonomy and risk propensity, as well as beliefs, can have a significant positive influence on entrepreneurial intention. Entrepreneurship education has a positive, albeit limited impact on human‐capital assets. The programs we assessed had a statistically significant impact on beliefs, on the capacity to exploit an opportunity, and on entrepreneurial knowledge. However, we did not observe any significant impact on entrepreneurial intention.

Entrepreneurship Education: A Systematic Review Of The Methods In Impact Studies

The majority of studies that analyze the impact of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial attitudes, intentions, and venture activities report positive influences. However, several scholars have recently cast doubts about research methods and the generalizability of entrepreneurship education impact studies. In this study, we conducted a systematic literature review of the methods used in entrepreneurship education impact studies. Our results uncover significant methodological deficiencies and question the overwhelmingly positive impact of entrepreneurship education. Based on this evidence, we propose a series of recommendations to improve the reliability and validity of entrepreneurship education impact studies and we outline promising topics which are currently under-researched.

Entrepreneur ambidexterity: a study of entrepreneur behaviours and competencies in growth-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises

This article uses the sociological method of structured observation to explore the every day behaviour of entrepreneurs from an exploration-exploitation perspective. Six entrepreneurs leading successful growth-oriented businesses were observed for a four-day period and 2305 ‘units of action’ performed by the entrepreneurs were recorded. Six behavioural patterns that allowed them, their management team or the organisation as a whole to pursue ambidexterity were identified. In contrast with the existing high-level approaches of ambidexterity, this study provides a synthesis of entrepreneur behaviours and competencies to achieve ambidexterity at the operating level.

The influence of size, age and growth on innovation management in small firms

This study examines the innovation management practices of small firms in Australia, France and Switzerland. The focus was on how firm size, age and growth influence the commercialisation process. A sample of 143 firms was surveyed across the three countries. Findings from the study suggest that the size of the firm, its age and pace of growth are important determinants in influencing how firms behave. Consistent with the findings from earlier studies the need for greater formalisation and external assistance as firms grow, and the need for customer research and independent testing when innovations are in their early stages were found.