Simon Stephens

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) · Business

During the last twenty years there has been an increased interest among academics and practitioners in the area of business incubation. However, limited attention has been devoted to developing a comprehensive framework that can measure business incubators' performances. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an appropriate, robust and useable perf...

Research on business incubation has been dominated by studies exploring university-industry technology transfer and high technology accelerators. Less is known about Business Incubation Centres (BICs), specifically, how their formal and informal structures may impact upon client development. Drawing on concepts from the community of practice (CoP)...

In this paper we examine the operation of entrepreneurial ecosystems. We use the work of Isenberg (2010) to frame a study of an ecosystem in Ireland. Following a review of the literature and guided by an expert panel (n=8) we conducted a survey of small business owners (n=100). Statistical analysis of the survey data revealed sixteen dimensions wit...

The 'recycling' of people, capital and ideas is a key process that can support activity in an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Previous research has shown that knowledge recycled from prior employment is important for the entrepreneurial ecosystem and we expand upon this to understand which types of knowledge, as well as individual motivations for transf...

This research explores the lived experiences of small enterprise owners from the creative industries. We focus on their experiences and interactions with support agencies. The research involved an extensive literature review, followed by interviews with creative entrepreneurs and representatives from support agencies. Research participants were sel...

Research on senior leadership in higher education systems is urgently needed, particularly in the context of system-wide transformations. This study focuses on a critical juncture in Ireland, during which Institutes of Technology (IoTs) collaborated to undergo 'redesignation' as Technological Universities (TUs). Based on interviews with the fourtee...

Purpose Family business sustainability is a critical issue. This study considers if adopting a strategic entrepreneurship orientation can support the sustainability of a family business. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach is used, in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve family business owners. Data collected...

Purpose This paper highlights the need for studies that explore the experiences of entrepreneurs based in a family business setting who are considering retirement. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on a concise review of the literature. Findings Retirement planning and subsequent succession management is a significant event in a fam...

The emergence of digital technologies is transforming entrepreneurial processes and outcomes. This creates a plethora of research questions at the intersection of digital technologies and entrepreneurship. A key question is if existing entrepreneurial models are applicable to understanding digital entrepreneurship. In this study we provide novel in...

In an effort to enhance the student experience and achieve complex learning outcomes the use of gamification in higher education is increasing. Using two case studies, this paper explores the efficacy of two discrete inclusions of gamification in entrepreneurial education. In the first case study, students leveraged their taught knowledge about gam...

This paper explores the implications for higher education of the emergence of new industries, driven by technological changes. The pace of technology-driven changes creates significant challenges for the alignment between the skill needs of industry and provision by higher education. Drawing on concepts from neo-correspondence theory, we examine th...

This paper explores the use and impact of experiential learning initiatives in an entrepreneurial university. Data are taken from two sources: interviews with eight academic managers and six focus groups with learners. A mix of narrative structuring and thematic analysis is used to explore the design, delivery and assessment of experiential learnin...

In this paper we present the experiences of high-tech entrepreneurs who have become employees in high-tech companies. The entrepreneurs in this study are all hybrid entrepreneurs who returned to full-time employment and continued to engage in what we define as 'side-hustles'. An emerging, albeit small, body of literature around the term side-hustle...

Expanding our understanding of the lived experience of individuals who use their creativity to realise entrepreneurial opportunity is the primary aim of this paper. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis is used, based on two interviews of one-hour duration, with eight participants. The key contribution of this research is the recognition of the...

Purpose A diverse range of initiatives in relation to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) have been introduced in higher education systems over the past 20 years. This paper aims to explore the implementation of RPL initiatives, in an Irish context, and the implications for quality assurance in higher education. Design/methodology/approach A q...

In this research we propose that a crisis can be avoided by taking countermeasures, at the appropriate time. The development of an Early Warning System can help lessen the impact of crisis episodes and provide a systematic approach to the response of small business owners to challenges in their business environment. Following a review of the litera...

This research aims to understand how the general management literature informs event management. We review the themes that have emerged from contemporary event management literature and then develop a conceptual framework to aid our understanding of the management practices of event managers. We propose that the absence of consensus on the best fra...

While technological driven change in the retail sector is intrinsically worthy of detailed study, it also has utility in the context of wider academic debates, specifically those relating to research agendas. Therefore, in this paper we explore the implications for academic research activity of the changes in the retail sector resulting from rapid...

Purpose This paper aims to present typologies of entrepreneurs using entrepreneurs' engagement and use of social media (SM) for business purposes as a means of categorisation. Based on this categorisation, four types of entrepreneurs are proposed: the hopefuls, the assureds, the opportunists and the passengers. The emergent typology should serve as...

This paper presents a conceptual framework based on a literature review and the findings from an empirical study using data collected from entrepreneurs (business incubatees) over a 15-year period (2004–2019). This papers aim is to discuss and propose areas to consider when (re)designing business incubation. The data set is based on the experiences...

This study explores teachers’ experiences of peer observation in a post-primary setting. We begin by reviewing the literature on the peer observation of teaching, teacher professional development, professional learning communities and reflective practice. A qualitative, inductive, multi-method case study is used. Four pairs of teachers participated...

The aim of this paper is to explore the impact that the initial stages of the COVID-19 crisis had on entrepreneurs. We present the experiences of fifteen entrepreneurs. The data was collected, using interviews. We focus on the impact that the temporary business closures which were introduced had on the entrepreneurs' ability and propensity to conti...

Community organizations work on the frontline supported by local authorities, development agencies and higher education institutions. However, their actions have been curtailed by a reduction in funding over the last ten years and there is evidence of underlying structural challenges. The high levels of small community decline challenge us to devel...

Purpose This paper aims to explore the experiences, attitudes and expectations of higher education managers in relation to the increased use of metrics. Specifically, the authors examine a system of metrics which was introduced as part of the process for establishing Technological Universities in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach A total of 12...

In this paper we examine the implications that a crisis such as that created by COVID-19 has for the psychological well-being of small business owners. We use the psychological literature on grief, specifically, the Kübler-Ross (1969) Five Stage Model of Grief to examine the impacts. Our review of the literature indicates that although there are cr...

Community organizations work on the frontline supported by local authorities, development agencies and higher education institutions. However, their actions have been curtailed by a reduction in funding over the last ten years and there is evidence of underlying structural challenges. The high levels of small community decline challenge us to devel...

This book provides an excellent starting point for readers who wish to gain a greater appreciation of the range of issues, barriers and challenges that entrepreneurs encounter. The target audience for this book is academics, entrepreneurs and business advisors. The book will provide insights about initiatives, which can support entrepreneurial acti...

The primary aim of this chapter is to review the literature on entrepreneurial ecosystems, focusing on the activities of two key institutions: higher education institutions and business incubation centres (BICs). Although there is a significant volume of research on the design and impact of business incubators, there is limited coverage of their ro...

In this paper we explore second level students' understanding of the concept of creativity and the implications for their engagement in class-based assessments. We propose that creativity represents an important outcome of education, particularly at second level. We use a single case study, with data presented from a series of semi-structured focus...

In this paper we explore if and how existing business models and frameworks are used by entrepreneurs during the start-up phase. The purpose of this paper is to explore three issues: understanding of business models; the use of models in practice(s) and how effective the models are in ensuring a successful start-up. The twelve case studies presente...

This paper presents the story of entrepreneurship from the perspective of the fifteen individuals who due to a variety of push and pull factors left successful careers as employees in high tech multinational corporations to become high-tech entrepreneurs; and then due to a variety of push and pull factors returned to work as employees in high tech...

Purpose- The purpose of this research was to discover what supports rural entrepreneurs from the Creative Industries need to sustain creative, financially viable enterprises and whether current supports offered by support agents meet those needs. Methodology - The research involved a literature review, followed by interviews with creative entrepre...

The aim of this book is to develop an understanding of the impact that the COVID-19 crisis has on entrepreneurs. Drawing on the work of academics from a diverse range of countries we are able to present an International perspective. This book provides an excellent starting point for readers who wish to gain a greater appreciation of the range of is...

Recent studies have used multi assessments that have focused on gender differences regarding social and emotional development. However, these studies do not focus on the preschool aged child. There remains a lack of research on the abilities as well as difficulties that are expressed by preschool aged boys and girls. This study examines the influen...

Entrepreneurs are a product of their social environment. The manner by which they perceive opportunities; access or process information; and make decisions is influenced by both social interaction and their social background. Using insights from Socially Situated Cognition (SSC) theory, that posits one's social environment can have a normative or i...

Graduates continue to experience challenges when they try to find graduate-level jobs in the industries they want to work in (James and James, 2004; Glenn, 2008; Helyer and Lee, 2014; Sam and Van der Sijde, 2014). There are calls for higher education to move away from instructionism based teaching practices (Girvan et al., 2016) and promote experie...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the impact that a crisis such as that created by COVID-19 has on entrepreneurs. The authors focus on female entrepreneurs and their ability and propensity to continue their entrepreneurial journey. Design/methodology/approach For each respondent (n = 113), data was collected using...

Presentation for Letterkenny Institute of Technology Research Symposium 2021

In this paper the authors explore the implications for higher education of the disruptions caused by changes in the retail sector resulting from rapid developments in technology. Industry 4.0 technologies such as big data, the Internet of Things, blockchain, automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and virtual reality are increasingly evident...

This paper explores entrepreneurial activities and experiences. We do this to develop an understanding of the experiences and needs of a specific subgroup of entrepreneurs. We present insights from the silver economy based on the experiences of nine entrepreneurs who became entrepreneurs after retiring from the public service. Data was collected in...

This paper examines the impact that business failure has on an entrepreneur's propensity and ability to re(start) their entrepreneurial journey. We present the story of entrepreneurship from the perspective of six entrepreneurs who created new businesses after initially experiencing business failure. Data was collected in extended face-to-face inte...

Purpose - This paper explores the implications for higher education of the rapid development in technology used by the manufacturing sector. Higher education programmes change, or new courses are introduced, in attempts to match labour market demands. However, the pace of change in the manufacturing industry challenges us to reconceive how programm...

The importance of business networks for acquiring the support and resources needed for business creation is one of the main topics in entrepreneurship research. Therefore, this paper explores the experiences of graduates who are building an entrepreneurial business network. This paper reports the findings of a study examining the process of busines...

This paper presents perspectives from early childhood practitioners of pre-school children’s (n=100) social and emotional competencies upon entering pre-school, and again after term three of the pre-school year. This research reports findings from five pre-school settings within rural and urban locations. A quantitative approach is used with pre-sc...

In this paper we present a qualitative study of social media marketing by small business owners in Ireland. We present data from interviews with six owner/managers, six employees and six experts. Exploring the three perspectives simultaneously facilitates a three-way narrative. We apply narrative structuring as proposed by Kvale (2006) to provide i...

Numerous authors in this journal have highlighted the concept of cross-border mobility in higher education as an important aspect of both socio-economic development and of the on-going peace process. Quigley (2019) proposes that there are significant possibilities for North-South synergy in such areas as health, higher education and research, energ...

The primary aim of this chapter is to review the literature on entrepreneurial ecosystems as it relates to the tourism sector. We do this to develop an understanding of the needs of a specific sub-group of entrepreneurs: tourism entrepreneurs. The experience of tourism entrepreneurs is documented in the academic literature (Çakmak, et al., 2018). J...

Purpose - As the European economy evolves, entrepreneurs have become a central element for enhancing national economic growth and employment (Wiklund et al. 2011). Due to the high uncertainty of pursuing new opportunities, embarking on an entrepreneurial career involves risk, which can sometimes lead to failure. First time entrepreneurs in Ireland...

Social media (SM) has not only opened new and innovative possibilities for individuals but also, more importantly, the way in which it can be used as a marketing tool for business activities. Within only a very few years the way in which individuals’ shop, communicate and conduct their business activities has greatly changed (AlSharif, Ahmad and Ab...

Purpose - It is expected that in the coming years there will be continued growth in the demand for work based learning (WBL) partnerships between Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) and external employer organizations (Schmidt and Gibbs, 2009; Ferrández-Berrueco, et al., 2016; Buligina et al. 2016; Hurn, 2016). Doherty and Stephens (2019) explain th...

This paper explores the experience of graduates who become entrepreneurs. The paper explores if and how the models and theories that graduates learn during their time in higher education are applied during entrepreneurial activities. The paper focuses on research that seeks to enhance the understanding of the impact higher education, specifically,...

The primary aim of this chapter is to review the literature on entrepreneurial influences and competencies. We do this to develop an understanding of the needs of a specific sub-group of entrepreneurs: second chance entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurial learning theory suggests that the failure an entrepreneur experiences, serves as a reservoir of knowled...

The primary aim of this chapter is to review the literature on entrepreneurial influences and competencies. We do this to develop an understanding of the needs of a specific sub-group of entrepreneurs: second chance entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurial learning theory suggests that the failure an entrepreneur experiences serves as a reservoir of knowledg...

This article explores the key challenges experienced by employers, employees and academics during work-based learning (WBL) programmes. Higher education institutes (HEIs) and external employer organizations are increasingly recognizing the benefits of engaging in WBL partnerships. These collaborations offer significant benefits to employers, employ...

Purpose: Community organizations work on the frontline supported by local authorities and development agencies. But their actions have been curtailed by a reduction of funding over the last ten years and there are underlying, structural challenges. The high levels of small community decline challenge us to: develop new insights into the causes of f...

Aim/research question Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have an important role within the economic structure of Ireland. However, findings have indicated their non-engagement with social media (SM) within their business activities(Durkin et al 2013); suggesting that non-adopting SM could impact on their competitive advantage (Stockdale et al 2012...

Purpose: I-STEP aims to enhance international entrepreneurial skills and the attitude of teachers and students in Vocational Education and Training (VET). I-STEP provides an international dimension to entrepreneurship programmes and strengthens the local and European network of VET schools. Design/methodology/approach: I-STEP achieves this by shari...

This article explores the workplace experience of seven science, engineering and technology graduates. The research design and methodology used in the study are exploratory, in-depth and qualitative in nature. The case study companies are located in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and employ the graduates under the FUSION project. The...

Purpose. The overall aim of this research is to provide a better understanding owner-mangers social media engagement intentions and behaviour within their SME business activities. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) is employed, as it purposes that the level of social media engagement intentions results from their attitudes, subjective or and per...

I-STEP aims to enhance international entrepreneurial skills and the attitude of teachers and students in Vocational Education and Training (VET). I-STEP provides an international dimension to entrepreneurship programmes and strengthens the local and European network of VET schools. I-STEP achieves this by sharing knowledge; experiences; and practis...

This paper explores life-long learning by secondary level teachers who are engaged in professional learning and development. The outcome is a critique of existing knowledge and the proposition of a model of best practice. The study involved one post-primary school with DEIS (disadvantaged area) status. Mixed methods was the chosen approach. The dat...

This study utilises scenario planning techniques to explore possible futures for the European business environment towards 2020. A six stage modified scenario development design was used to develop the writing of four scenarios relating to Brexit; an oil crisis, the Schengen agreement; and the US presidential election. Feedback the work of a Delphi...

The last census in 2011 revealed the population of children aged 0-4 increased by 17.9 per cent from the last census, resulting in 356,329 children attending pre-school provision (Brooks et al. 2012). Of these 356,329 children, approximately 66,000 attended the Pre‐School Year in Ireland during 2011 (Department of Children and Youth Affairs, 2012)....

Purpose – Although there is significant literature on innovation activities in large and medium-sized enterprises, studies that report on innovation practices in micro enterprises are lacking. The purpose of this paper is to explore three issues: understanding of the term “innovation”, innovation practice(s) and how innovation can be effectively m...

This paper sets out to present a detailed empirical investigation of the social media adoption intentions of SME owner mangers. The authors employ the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), in which intentions are regarded as resulting from attitudes, subjective-norms, and perceived behavioural control.In phase one, interviews were conducted to operati...

The research explores what is the current service provision in a specific area on the “Wild Atlantic Way” (WAW) in County Donegal. The paper identifies those service providers that currently participate in the “visitor experience” on a section of the route Rossnowlagh to Slieve League Cliffs; one of the 3 iconic designated signature experiences in...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify a group of Irish graduates who decided to emigrate following the global financial crash of 2008. The paper explores how the economic crisis in Ireland (2008-2014) framed the experience of this group of migrants. Specifically, the paper examines the push/pull factors leading to migration; the experi...

Action learning involves balancing the often conflicting forces between working knowledge and academic knowledge. This paper explores the experience of executive learners; academics and external contributors involved in action learning at the postgraduate level. The executive learners are members of cohorts on two masters programmes based in Irelan...

This research explores the migration of Irish graduates. The paper identifies a group of Irish graduates who were pioneers; in that they were the first to react to the economic crash of 2007 and decided to migrate. The paper explores the push/pull factors that led to their migration and the push/pull factors that might result in repatriation. This...

Purpose – The relationship between doctoral students and their supervisors impacts on degree completion rates; faculty research performance; and postgraduate satisfaction with their alma mater. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the experience of supervision and subsequent supervision practices. Design/methodology/app...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the key challenge(s) experienced by employers, employees and academics during work based learning (WBL) programmes at undergraduate level. The idea of academic mentors is proposed as an aid to addressing the challenges common to WBL programmes. Design/methodology/approach – The case study presented...

The law of the land When I was a boy my brothers and sisters had to leave the land, because it couldn't support them. Neighbours were scarce. So my father and I, we had our breakfast, dinner, and tea, working in that field without a break in our work. And my mother brought us the meals. One day, my father sensed a drop of rain in the air and got my...

Piercy (2010, p. 275) reports that experiential learning techniques, such as business simulation exercises, are increasingly being used to improve student engagement and learning and that a wide range of exercises or games for management are currently available. The research presented in this teaching brief involves the use of the MIT Beer Game. Th...

Purpose – As people again consider what the future holds for higher education, this paper aims to provide a review of the futures documented for higher education. Authors including McNay; Schuller; Bourner et al.; Abeles; Avila and Ledger; Tynan and Lee; and Melville‐Ross, have scoped the future for higher education. This paper aims to consider the...

This paper follows the approach of (Acsente, 2010) and shares findings from documentary analysis conducted during on-going research on the study of the evolution of higher education in Ireland (Stephens 2009; Stephens 2012). As with many public policies debates the different views are available in: government strategy and policy documents; public s...

Purpose The importance of networks with respect to acquiring the resources needed for business creation is one of the main areas within entrepreneurship research. Although there is significant literature on the use of social capital and human capital by immigrant entrepreneurs, there is an absence of studies which report the impact of business netw...

This paper provides an insight into the use of fear appeals to communicate a public health message. A fear appeal is a means of persuasion that threatens the audience with a negative, physical, psychological, and/or social consequence that is likely to occur if they engage in a particular behaviour. This paper explores: the effectiveness of fear ap...

This paper provides an insight into the use of fear appeals to communicate a public health message. A fear appeal is a means of persuasion that threatens the audience with a negative, physical, psychological, and/or social consequence that is likely to occur if they engage in a particular behaviour. This paper explores: the effectiveness of fear ap...

This paper maps the proposed development of Technological Universities in Ireland to similar change processes in other countries. The emergence of Technological Universities is framed by scholarly literature on mergers and structural change in higher education systems. In European the need for diversity between higher education institutions results...

This paper examines the impact of business incubation on its participants (incubatees). The research presented enhances the conceptual framework of performance measures for business incubation proposed by Voisey et al (2006). Following an extensive review of the literature, data were collected using a survey of 43 incubatees and interviews with a r...

Consumers are increasingly concerned with the impact which their diet has on their health. In response the food industry has developed a variety of foods with diverse health benefits. Eating these foods can, it is claimed, 'reduce the risk of disease' and 'help improve health'. These foods can be classified as functional foods. This paper explores...

This paper explores the experiences of graduates who participated in a range of Active Labour Market Programmes (ALMPs) in Ireland. The paper uses narrative structuring to provide an enhanced understanding of the graduates' experiences. A review of the literature indicates that most empirical studies of the effects of ALMPs are quantitative. Typica...

Didactic approaches to second language acquisition and strategies used at European higher education institutions may not be suitable for Anglophones (Catena and Stephens, 2010). Anglophones tend to have very little formal knowledge of their own language and its grammar. This lack of linguistic competence may be an element that affects their ability...

As people again consider what the future holds for higher education, this paper aims to provide a review of the futures documented for higher education. Authors have scoped the future for higher education. This paper aims to consider the structure of these predictions and to explore the changes that have been proposed. The analysis of literature in...

This paper examines different aspects of fair trade marketing. Firstly, secondary research examines the development, advantages and challenges of fair trade. Secondly, primary research explores consumer buying behaviour in Ireland and Austria in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) market. Thirdly, the attitudes of consumers towards mainstreaming...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the experience of towns which utilize town centre management (TCM) initiatives. The findings which emerge offer insights into how TCM can aid the development of urban centres. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research was conducted with public servants charged with the delivery of TCM initiati...