Title: An entrepreneurship toolkit for intensive skills development

Authors: Anne Smith, Robert A. Paton

Addresses: Department of Strategy, Innovation & Enterprise, Caledonian Business School, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 OBA, UK. ' Complex Services Innovation Research Network (CSIRN), Faculty of Law Business and Social Sciences, Department of Management, University of Glasgow, West Quadrangle, Gilbert Scott Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK

Abstract: This paper considers an innovative approach to entrepreneurship delivery by presenting a toolkit based on business and technology connectivity, experiential learning and reflective practice. It is applied within an intensive summer school programme entitled Encouraging Dynamic and Global Entrepreneurs (EDGE). International students are exposed to entrepreneurship through action learning projects. Portfolio software is used to capture activity-based learning and reflective practice is evidenced via blogs. EDGE is a complex system of connectivity which provides added value to what could be seen as discrete activities: internships, exchange programmes, careers advice, growth programmes, training and education. This connectivity is both the driver and vehicle for the associated teaching, learning and assessment strategies. This paper contributes to the entrepreneurship debate from both the policy and academic perspective by highlighting EDGE, encouraging discussion of the intensive school approach and offering a toolkit that contributes to the pedagogical development of entrepreneurship.

Keywords: business connectivity; technology connectivity; experiential learning; reflective practice; summer schools; entrepreneurship toolkit; intensive skills development; global entrepreneurs; action learning; blogs; weblogs; entrepreneurship education; international students; higher education; UK; United Kingdom.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2010.030618

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2010 Vol.9 No.2, pp.162 - 176

Published online: 27 Dec 2009 *

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