LEAF 540/ 541 Research Project I/Thesis 1 & II
Faculty: Steven Harvey
Date: Oct 2014, & Jan 2015
Books: Practical Research: Planning and Design, P.D. Leedy & J. E. Ormrod (2005)
Summary: These two courses focus on research; 540 prefaces LEAF 541. In 540, we developed our thesis idea and study research techniques. This can be challenging as you are required to conduct your research under the supervision of the faculty member in an area of mutual interest to both the student and the faculty. Student assignments incorporate the collecting and processing information, statistical inference, risk analysis, and information technology. In LEAF 541, students are to complete their thesis, if they have gained approval from the IRB to move forward.
So what, Now what: I have gone through the approval process with the IRB and have started to conduct my interviews.
Dr. Harvey showing his method of coding.
For my thesis I am researching the Impact of Leadership in Entrepreneurship Education. Entrepreneurship programs have been steadily growing across campuses. In little more than four decades, entrepreneurship education has grown from the first course offered at the University of Southern California in 1971, to programs across the world (Heinonen & Poikkijoki, 2006; Klein & Bullock, 2006). In 2007, Fortune magazine estimated over 3000 colleges and universities offered some type of entrepreneurship class or program.
My thesis will be an analysis of Entrepreneurship through the lens of a liberal artseducation and philosophy, as well as how leadership and creative thinking plays a role in student outcomes. I plan to evaluate and analyze successful entrepreneur programs in a liberal arts setting at other colleges and universities, through interviews with entrepreneur faculty, program directors, entrepreneurs, and possibly students. My hope is to gain a better understanding of the changing face of entrepreneurship education.
7-29-15 Student pitch competition at D!G