Topic Selection and Matching Theories with Evidence

Topic Selection and Matching Theories with Evidence

This course aims to develop your understanding of how innovations, markets and competition are inter-related. Grounded in Schumpeterian, evolutionary, and institutional economics the course examines the ways in which technologies and their associated products, markets, and industries evolve through processes involving innovation, competition, entrepreneurship, imitation, and diffusion.

Through your coursework in the form of a case study report, you are required to discuss and analyse this interplay.

The potential scope for choosing a case and for applying theoretical concepts or ‘lenses’ is very wide. You are certainly not required to draw on all of the concepts covered by the course. Instead, it is better to focus on one or two areas (as defined by 2 the lecture topics) and discuss and analyse an empirical case in relation to that/thoseareas.

A strong report requires:

1. careful selection of the case and an assessment of the evidence available to empirically discuss and analyse the case.

2. the careful matching of one or more theories to the case.

3. focusing on analysis rather than description. Outlining who did what, and how, is description. Asking why? X acted as it did bring analytical thinking – which is what you want to bring to the report. You might also argue that X should have done Y, but in doing so you need to explain why.

With respect to theories, you are required to draw upon one or more of the theories or conceptual frameworks discussed IN THIS COURSE. Application of theories or concepts not covered in this course may be pertinent, but these cannot substitute for theories or conceptual frameworks discussed in this course. If in doubt please discuss your choice of theories with your seminar group leader. You will also be provided with guidance on your choice of theories / concepts in the formative feedback on your outline.

Reports which do not draw on theories or concepts from this course – even If utilising theories related to the development and diffusion of products and technologies – will receive a failing mark.

Your outline should contain the following:

1.

Your student number (not your name)

2.

Topic area(s) (e.g., entrepreneurship, appropriation strategies, diffusion of

innovations, incumbent reactions to the introduction of innovations, etc.). See

below for more guidance.

3.

Your research question3

4.

The theory or conceptual framework that you intend to apply (including up to 3

key references you intend to rely on)

5.

The empirical case you intend to address – including identifying the main sources

of empirical evidence that you intend to draw upon.