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CHAPTER THREE MODEL FRAMEWORK MODELS USED IN THIS STUDY
General
This project is classified as theory-based empirical research. More specifically, the research is termed theory- or model building research, where new theory is proposed and presented in the form of a model. The model is a manner of representing reality. According to Buys (2004) the model has certain limitations and can at best be representative approximately 70% of reality. This research project utilised retroductive reasoning instead of deductive reasoning to derive at the final research findings. The steps in the retroductive reasoning process are the following: 3.1.1.1 Statement of the research problem (Chapter 1);
3.1.1.2 Review of past research and current theories and models (Chapter 2);
3.1.1.3 Statement of the ‘theory gap’ (Chapter 2);
3.1.1.4 Description of current theory and model framework (Chapter 3);
3.1.1.5 Data gathering and analysis (Chapters 4 & 5);
3.1.1.6 Inference of new hypotheses (Chapter 5);
3.1.1.7 Induction of new theory and model (Chapter 6).
The first step in this Chapter is to describe the current theory and models which is followed by formulating propositions to describe the proposed model framework.
The empirical research endeavours to prove the interdependence and quantify the relationships between the elements of the model. The method followed to prove this is discussed in Chapter 4. This Chapter explores the existing models that are relevant to the study subject, as well as those models that form the body of knowledge of the study subject. The three models in particular which are explored and used throughout the study, are the following:
- The model of Bolton & Thompson (2000) which describes the entrepreneur (person);
- The model of entrepreneurial environment by Gnyawali & Fogel (1994); and
- The model of Roberts (1991), which describes the technological entrepreneur development
Other models that contain elements of relevance are also briefly discussed. This Chapter explains the theory-base of the research, which is derived from the research and theory survey conducted in Chapter 2.
Entrepreneur
It is common belief that entrepreneurs create and build the future and that they are found in every walk of life. The belief is also extended to postulate ‘…that every community group, every public organization and every private corporation has within it an entrepreneurial potential waiting to be released’ (Bolton et al 2000:1). Many entrepreneurial talents lie unrecognised, unused and undeveloped. It is these people and their talent that are needed to challenge and change the business world of the day to ensure optimum benefits for mankind.
It is also recognised in theory that entrepreneurial talent, like any talent, has to be discovered before it can be developed (Bolton et al 2000:4). Inherently modern societies however, tend to inhibit rather than promote the development of entrepreneurial talent through embedded constraints such as cultural and educational systems. This phenomenon is illustrated by the recorded research results that 10-15% of engineering students at Cambridge University in the 1980’s were potential entrepreneurs, while the real number of entrepreneurs was estimated to be only 1% (Bolton 1986:15). Other studies in the USA have quoted the number of potential entrepreneurs as more than 40% (Bygrave 1998:61). The large difference between the potential and real entrepreneurs raises the question as to why the potential entrepreneurial talent is not nourished by modern society to its full capacity. This discrepancy forms the basis for the model proposed by Bolton & Thompson in their publication ‘Entrepreneurs: Talent, Temperament, Technique’ (2000). See Figure 3.1.
Entrepreneurial environment
The model of Gnyawali & Fogel (1994) presents a suitable framework to describe the environment of technological entrepreneurs. The model has the following key role players:
- Government policies and procedures;
- Socio-economic conditions;
- Entrepreneurial and business skills;
- Financial assistance; and
- Non-financial assistance.
The model also identifies the following key elements:
- Opportunity;
- Propensity to enterprise;
- Ability to enterprise.
The model describes the relationships that link the elements and the effect of each related element on the other. This model is presented in Figure 3.2.
Entrepreneur development
Roberts developed a four-factor model of the technical entrepreneur in his work (1991:52). He identified the following influences on technical entrepreneurship:
- Family background;
- Personal development, including goal orientation, personality and motivation;
- ‘Growing up’, including educational attainment and age; and
- Work experience.
Again, as with the other models, the links between the elements form relationships with individual characteristics. The reaction of elements depends on the variables and the specific configuration in which these elements are captured. Roberts documented the results of his studies on technological entrepreneurs in a typical profile format, which will be used as a control for the results obtained in this study. The four-factor model is presented in Figure 3.3.
Other models
Other models that contribute to the understanding of entrepreneurship in the context of this study are the following:
Model of economic development
The Technology and Development Institute of the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawaii (1973) developed the following model that consists of four concepts of economic development:
- Goal: The promotion of economic development through the increase of employment level, as well as those levels of domestic output and exports;
- Means: The promotion of economic growth involving technology adapted to local conditions, given a particular stage of socio-economic development;
Agents of change: entrepreneurs: The critical link in the process of technology adaptation and employment creation;
Ch 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
1.2 Historical development and the current state of technological entrepreneurship
1.3 Rationale for the study
1.4 The research problem
1.5 Research objectives
1.6 Key attributes of the desired theory and the derived models
1.7 Summary
Ch 2 THEORY & RESEARCH REVIEW
2.1 Theory and research review
2.2 Current theories
2.3 The need for new theory
2.4 Summary
Ch 3 MODEL FRAMEWORK
3.1 Models used in this study
3.2 The proposed model
3.3 Propositions
3.4 Summary
Ch 4 RESEARCH DESIGN & METHODOLOGY
4.1 Research strategy
4.2 Research methodology
4.3 Research instruments
4.4 Summary
Ch 5 RESULTS: DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
5.1 Data collection process
5.2 Data collected
5.3 Data analysis
5.4 Results: Technological entrepreneurs
5.5 Constructing the three-part model
5.6 Results: MEM/MPM/MOT students
5.7 Summary
Ch 6 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Research results
6.2 Contributions to theory and practice
6.3 Self assessment
6.4 Conclusions
6.5 Recommendations
6.6 Summary
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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