Abstract
There is little research on women entrepreneurship, with fragmented analyses concerning the impact of learning and digital platforms & ICTs on women entrepreneurs’ chances of success. There is also very little research on Communities of Practice (CoPs) and the effects of networking on women entrepreneurs’ success (WES). In order to address these gaps in knowledge, this thesis explores the impacts of learning and digital platforms &ICTs on WES, and how these effects are mediated through CoPs and networking.
In order to do this, a comprehensive positivist, hypotheses testing approach of women entrepreneurs in South East Wales is adopted. The study uses Mixed Method Research (MMR) and statistical techniques such as exploratory factor analysis (EFA), regression, correlation, exploratory research and descriptive statistics. The author conducted a survey with 150 questionnaires, 37 semi-structured interviews and a Focus Group with five women entrepreneurs. The results of this research suggest that, learning and digital
platforms & ICTs have a significant impact on WES, and the impact is controlled by CoPs & networking.
The research discovered two important aspects. The first aspect revealed by the research is that, the main methods of learning for women entrepreneurs were ‘experience-based’ (trial and error), and ‘multiple methods’ such as role model, asking, doing and applying; and the main learning requirements were digital platforms, marketing, sales and promotion. The second aspect is that, the styles of learning were interactive and networking, using digital platforms & ICTs (in particular, Facebook, YouTube and iPhone). The author combined these findings and developed the “Theoretical Business Model for Women Entrepreneurs” and the “Andragogical Model of Learning for Women
Entrepreneurs”.
The thesis contributes (1) a theoretical business model for women entrepreneurs’ success, (2) an andragogical learning model for women entrepreneurs, and (3) a new conceptual framework for women entrepreneurs’ success, (4) a theoretical framework, together with an (5) innovative operationalization of the constructs. The implications of this research are for women entrepreneurs, entrepreneurial academic research, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Government, practicians, educational academic research, consultants and policy makers.
| Date of Award | 2020 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Supervisor | Andre Clark (Supervisor) |