ENTREP 7049 - Entrepreneurship Research in Practice

North Terrace Campus - Trimester 1 - 2016

This course explores the world of entrepreneurship theory and focuses on the skills needed to read academic research papers and write within academic standards. We will examine how to construct and write academic arguments based upon the empirical, theoretical and conceptual research of others. The course will cover selecting a research topic, defining the research question(s), preparing and organising a thesis structure, ethical considerations, referencing styles and formatting and how specifically to prepare a literature review and a research proposal. At the end of this course, you will - Know how to select and prepare a research topic; - Be able to design a literature search strategy based upon key concepts; - Be able to cite and reference materials correctly; - Understand the structure of a research thesis; and - Produce an academic literature review paper.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ENTREP 7049
    Course Entrepreneurship Research in Practice
    Coordinating Unit Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation & Innov Centre
    Term Trimester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Intensive: 36-40 hours
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange
    Course Description This course explores the world of entrepreneurship theory and focuses on the skills needed to read academic research papers and write within academic standards. We will examine how to construct and write academic arguments based upon the empirical, theoretical and conceptual research of others. The course will cover selecting a research topic, defining the research question(s), preparing and organising a thesis structure, ethical considerations, referencing styles and formatting and how specifically to prepare a literature review and a research proposal. At the end of this course, you will - Know how to select and prepare a research topic; - Be able to design a literature search strategy based upon key concepts; - Be able to cite and reference materials correctly; - Understand the structure of a research thesis; and - Produce an academic literature review paper.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Allan O'Connor

    Teaching Staff: 

    Semester 1 and Trimester 1
    Name: Dr Scott Gordon

    Short Bio:
    Scott is the PhD program director and lecturer in entrepreneurship at the Entrepreneurship Commercialisation & Innovation Centre (ECIC). Originally trained in Electrical Engineering he spent more than a decade as a practicing professional engineer with the Commonwealth Scientificand Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

    Since 2005 Scott has been actively engaged as an entrepreneurship scholar and academic. He holds a MBA with First Class Honours, and a PhD in Management, for which he received an Outstanding Doctoral Thesis citation. He joined ECIC in January 2015 from the Australian Centre for Entrepreneurship Research (ACE) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

    Scott's teaching interests lie at the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation and strategy. His research explores dimensions of entrepreneurial action and organisational emergence, and has appeared in leading outlets including Entrepreneurship: Theory & Practice; Small Business Economics; and Advances in Entrepreneurship, Firm Emergence & Growth.

    Email:
    scott.gordon@adelaide.edu.au

    Phone: +61 8 8313 7493

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Opening intensive:
    Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th April 2016
    9am to 6pm
    Nexus10 Building Level 5, Seminar room 5.01

    Closing intensive:
    Thursday 12th and Friday 13th May 2016
    9am to 6pm
    Nexus10 Building Level 5, Seminar room 5.01
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    The key learning objectives of this course are to develop:
    1.     A framework to guide the development of an independent research project in an area of your interest within the field of entrepreneurship, by:
             a.     selecting relevant research topics, encompassing the question to be addressed, appropriate theories and potential  
                     approaches;
             b.    designing a literature search strategy based upon key concepts;
             c.     developing skills to review, analyse and critique research literature;
             d.    demonstrating citation and referencing skills to an academic and publishable standard.
    2.     A familiarity with the field of entrepreneurship research and to engage in the entrepreneurship literature, including:
             a.     the history and development of the field;
             b.    the main knowledge areas and sub-topics;
             c.     and the current debates at the research frontier.

    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1a & 2
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    1b-c, 2b-c
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    1a & 2c
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1a-b, 1d & 2a
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    1a & 1d
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    1c & 2c
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    Text book:

    Bui, Y. N. (2014). How to write a Master’s Thesis (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, California, USE: Sage Publications Inc.

    Also available through Google Books eVersion


    Journal Articles:
    A selection of readings will be assigned on the history of entrepreneurship research, entrepreneurship sub-topics, and current
    debates. Completion of all assigned readings is compulsory. See MyUni for details.

    Recommended Resources

    Additional Online Resources that may assist

    Davidsson, P. (2016) Researching Entrepreneurship: Conceptualization and Design (2 ed.). Springer International Publishing, Switzerland.

    Murray, R. (2011). How to write a Thesis, Open University Press, McGraw Hill Education, England.

    Whisker, G. (2008), The Postgraduate Research Handbook: Succeed with Your MA, MPhil, EdD and PhD, Palgrave MacMillan, New York, USA.

    Evans, D., Gruba, P. & Zobel, J. (2011), How To Write A Better Thesis, Melbourne University Publishing, Australia.

    Additional Print Resources
    The following authors and texts I have found useful in developing research approaches. While the dates may be a little old in some cases, more up to date editions by these authors are available.
    • Creswell, J. W. (1998). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design, Sage Publications, Inc., Thousand Oaks, California.
    • Denzin, N. K. & Lincoln, Y. S. (2003). The Landscape of Qualitative Research (2nd ed.). Sage Publications, California, USA.
    • Johnson, R. B. & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2004). Mixed Methods Research: A Research Paradigm Whose Time Has Come. Educational Researcher, 33(7), 14-26.
    • Neuman, W. L. (1994). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (2nd ed.). Massachusetts, USA: Allyn and Bacon.
    • Sharp, J. A. & Howard, K. (1996). The Management of a Student Research Project, England: Gower Publishing Ltd.
    • Yin, R. K. (1994). Case Study Research: Design and Methods. Thousand Oaks, CA.: Sage Publications, Inc.
    • Veal, A. J. (2005). Business Research Methods: A Managerial Approach, Australia: Pearson Education Australia.
    Online Resources
    Online resources will be discussed during the course

    Library Resources

    The University of Adelaide’s Barr Smith Library provides a range of learning resources including texts, journals, periodicals, magazines, and access to online databases and information services. It also offers a virtual library which is accessible via the University’s website. The University Library web page is: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/library/ 
    From this link, you are able to access the Library's electronic resources.
    Online Learning
    MyUni is the University of Adelaide's online learning environment. It is used to support traditional face-to-face lectures, tutorials and workshops at the University. MyUni provides access to various features including announcements, course materials, discussion boards and assessments for each online course of study (see: https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au)
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course is offered in blended learning mode with the face-to-face component offered as intensives.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    As a guide, a 3 unit course comprises a total of 156 hours work (this includes face-to-face contact, any online components, and self directed study).
    Learning Activities Summary

    This is a draft schedule and session dates are a guide only. The timetable may be changed during the course delivery if necessary.

    Intensive/Day/Session
    Content Readings/Activities
    Int 1 / Day 1 / Ses A Introduction and the Research Problem Bui (2014) Chapters 1 & 2
    Draft a research topic and question
    Int 1 / Day 1 / Ses B Reading & Reviewing The Literature Bui (2014) Chapters 3
    Conduct a literature search on key terms related to your research topic
    Int 1 / Day 2 / Ses A Choosing Interesting Research Topics: Writing an Introduction Bui (2014) Chapter 2 & 5
    Develop the key issues that shape your research topic
    Int 1 / Day 2 / Ses B Literature Analysis & Critique: Writing a
    Literature Review; History & Future of Entrepreneurship Research
    Bui (2014) Chapter 6
    Accelerating Academic Language Development
    Selected Readings
    Int 2 / Day 1 / Ses A Research Ethics; Formatting and Referencing,
    Setting up Styles
    Bui (2014) Chapter’s 4 & 10Correctly cite and reference original works in APA style.
    Int 2 / Day 1 / Ses B Entrepreneurship Research Sub-Topics Selected readings
    Prepare a research synthesis on a key article
    related to your research topic
    Int 2 / Day 2 / Ses A Making an Impact: Writing a Discussion &
    Conclusion
    Bui (2014) Chapter 9
    Develop the storyline and trace the thread of your Literature Review
    Int 2 / Day 2 / Ses B Current Debates in Entrepreneurship Research Selected readings
    Presentation on individual research topics
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    An overview of the course assessment appears in the following Table. Details appear in the following section:

    #AssessmentLengthWeightingDue DateLearning Outcomes
    1 Contribution to Discussion N/A 10% Ongoing 1, 2
    2 Literature Analysis Min 1500 words, but
    expect ~5 pages
    30% See MyUni 1a, 1c, 2b, 2c
    3 Research Project Literature Review Max 5000 words 60% See MyUni 1, 2b, 2c
    Total 100%
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Candidates will be assessed by engaged participation (including active contribution to class discussions), and submission of two assignments.  All assignments must be completed to be eligible to pass the course. Coverage of the lecture materials and participation in the presentation sessions are compulsory. Lectures must be attended.

    It is expected that assignments will be typed in English, using word processing software such as Microsoft Word. The preference is for you to submit an electronic word or pdf file.

    Don’t cram too many words onto a page: use a line spacing of 1.5 lines.

    Students must complete all course assessment requirements and must regularly consult with the lecturer to be eligible to pass the course.

    Course results are subject to moderation by the ECIC Board of Examiners
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment 1: Contribution to Discussion
    Weighting: 10% (peer assessed)
    Due Dates: Ongoing
    Submission Details: Not applicable

    Task:
    You are expected to complete all assigned readings, actively contribute to their discussion and debate; as well as initiate and comment upon issues throughout the course.

    Scope:
    It is requisite that each individual participant fully contributes to the group learning environment.

    Length and Presentation:
    Not applicable

    Criteria by which your assignment will be peer assessed:
    ·        Completion of all assigned readings in preparation for class discussion of their content
    ·        Commitment to active participation in the learning process and class activities
    ·        Responsible behaviour including timely arrival and engagement in classes
    ·        Courteous contribution to class discussions with succinct communication
    ·        Being respectful of the opinions of others



    Assessment 2: Literature Analysis
    Weighting: 30%
    Due Dates: see MyUni
    Submission Details: Online via MyUni

    Task:
    Prepare an analysis and critique of a current debate in entrepreneurship research. You are assigned a series of journal article
    reading which discuss the reasons for and merits of using business plans during the start-up process:

    Delmar, F., & Shane, S. (2003). Does business planning facilitate the development of new ventures? Strategic Management Journal, 24(12), 1165-1185. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/smj.349

    Honig, B., & Karlsson, T. (2004). Institutional forces and the written business plan. Journal of Management, 30(1), 29-48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jm.2002.11.002

    Honig, B., & Samuelsson, M. (2014). Data replication and extension: A study of business planning and venture-level performance. Journal of Business Venturing Insights, 1–2(0), 18-25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbvi.2014.09.006

    Delmar, F. (2015). A response to Honig and Samuelsson (2014). Journal of Business Venturing Insights, 3(0), 1-4. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbvi.2014.11.002

    Davidsson, P. (2015). Data replication and extension: A commentary. Journal of Business Venturing Insights, 3(0), 12-15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbvi.2015.02.001

    Please review these articles and discuss the reasons for (and the veracity of) the divergent claims made by these authors regarding the use of business plans. Based on your review and analysis of these articles, you are required to take a position, either for or against the use of business plans in new ventures. Please motivate your response based on the literature and provide support using other scholarly resources. Discuss any limitations of, or conditions for your findings.

    Scope:
    This assessment item is designed to cover the review, analysis and critique of a series of journal articles regarding a single topic in entrepreneurship.

    Length and Presentation:
    The body of the literature analysis report should at minimum be 1,500 words; however something in the order of 5 pages is expected. Appendices may be used for supporting documents or summary tables of analysis to the extent that is appropriate. The report should be submitted as an electronic version in WORD. All reference material must be correctly cited and referenced in APA style.

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    ·        Analysis & critique (50%): Competent analysis and appropriate critique of the research articles provided.
    ·        Theory & support (30%): Demonstrated use of relevant resources and theory including synthesis of associated literature to
             support arguments.
    ·        Presentation & clarity (20%): Provision of compelling and coherent arguments for positions taken using clear language
             and expression.



    Assessment 3: Research Project Literature Review
    Weighting: 60%
    Due Dates: see MyUni
    Submission Details: Online via MyUni

    Task:
    Prepare a research topic literature review in two parts. The first part develops the rationale for your future research project and research question framing its relevance and importance to particular stakeholders. The second part details the basis of academic literature that grounds your research question in theory. All reference material must be correctly cited and referenced in APA style.

    The Research Project Literature Review will include the project’s aims and rationale and provide a literature review.

    Scope:
    This assessment item is designed to be a major contribution to your Master’s Research Project and as such should be scoped to provide an appropriate platform to anchor discussions with your supervisors. It is also likely that as the Research develops there will be later modifications to the work presented at this time.

    Length and Presentation:
    Presentation will be in the format of a literature review in the style of an academic paper. The typical length will be between 4,000-5,000 words.

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    This assignment will be assessed on the overall basis of completeness, presentation and clarity of your Project rationale and research literature review. The document should reflect professional academic quality. The aims should be clear; the rationale well defined; the theoretical research area should be clearly justified with preliminary investigations detailed. The relationship between your chosen topic and literature should be explicit, reasoned and argued.

    The Research Project Literature Review Outline will need to demonstrate appropriate use of references. (Use the APA referencing system).

    Specifically the criteria by which you will be assessed by are:
    ·        The relevance of your literature search and articulation of key concepts (40%)
    ·        The strength of your arguments in linking the rationale to an academic theoretical base (40%)
    ·        Accurate citations and referencing in APA style (10%)
    ·        Overall presentation including correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation (10%)
    Submission
    All text based assignments must be submitted via MyUni.
    Please refer to step by step instructions: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/myuni/tutorials/files/AssignmentStudentSubmission.pdf

    There are a few points to note about the submission of assignments:
    • Assignment Submission:  Assignments should not be emailed to the instructor; they must be lodged via the MyUni Course site (unless specified to do both). Note that assignments may be processed via TURNITIN, which is an online plagiarism prevention tool.
    • Cover Sheet:  Please submit, separate to your assignment, the completed University of Adelaide Assessment Cover Sheet providing details of yourself and your team members (if applicable), your assignment, the course, date submitted, etc. as well as the declaration signed by you that this is your (your team’s) work.  Note that the declaration on any electronically submitted assignment will be deemed to have the same authority as a signed declaration.
    • Backup Copy of Assignments:  You are advised to keep a copy of your assignments in case the submitted copy goes missing.  Please ensure that all assignment pages are numbered. If your assignment contains confidential information, you should discuss any concerns with the Course Lecturer prior to submission.
    • Extensions of Time:  Any request for an extension of time for the submission of an assignment should be made well before the due date of the assignment to the Course Lecturer.  Normally, extensions will only be granted for a maximum of two weeks from the original assignment submission date.  Extensions will only be granted in cases of genuine extenuating circumstances and proof, such as a doctor’s certificate, may be required.
    • Failure to submit: Failure to submit an assignment on time or by the agreed extension deadline may result in penalties and may incur a fail grade.  Note that a late penalty of 5% of the total available marks for that assessment item will be incurred each day an assignment is handed in late (Unless otherwise stated in 'Assessment Related Requirements' or 'Assessment Detail' above) Assignments handed in after 14 days from the due submission date will fail even if a 100% mark is granted for the work.

    Resubmission & Remarking

    Resubmission of an assignment for remarking after reworking it to obtain a better mark will not normally be accepted.  Approval for resubmission will only be granted on medical or compassionate grounds.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

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