Research Agenda
Focuses on using specialized entrepreneurship and innovation expertise to help mitigate some of society’s most pressing economic, social, human, and environmental problems.
- To result in transformative change, the research adopts a multi-stakeholder approach that combines parties with complementary skill sets to address deeply complex issues, focusing on impact collectively.
- The approach blends basic research to inform and assess the issues and applied research for tailored interventions. It acts as a catalyst for bringing together multiple stakeholders from the Moroccan and African ecosystems.
- The efforts aim to result in a positive impact on society and produce high-quality global knowledge and academic publications.
Primary Focus Areas
- Entrepreneurship and innovation research impacting Morocco and Africa, resulting in global "best practice" content.
- This research stream is focused on understanding and improving the entrepreneurial mindset in Morocco and Africa and the entrepreneurial ecosystem's resources and support services. The research takes a multi-faceted approach and has both individual and collective impacts. It includes basic and applied academic research and practical activities in the field. The aim is to provide theoretical and practical contributions to improve the entrepreneurial ecosystem, mindset, and national culture of innovation.
2. Extension of entrepreneurship to "entrepreneurial."
- This research endeavors to expand the concept of entrepreneurship, extending its scope beyond the traditional boundaries of founding new ventures. It emphasizes the importance of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset in various contexts, including within established organizations and in addressing societal challenges. By embracing innovative thinking and entrepreneurial strategies in existing roles, individuals can significantly contribute to the evolution and success of corporations. Furthermore, this approach is vital for equipping individuals with the skills and perspectives necessary to navigate and influence the changing work landscape. The ultimate goal of this research is to make a tangible impact on corporate success and effectively prepare individuals to be proactive agents of change in the ongoing transformation of the workplace.
Work in Progress
Project Eureka - I serve as the principal investigator for a three-year 500,000 USD grant-funded project, the first Africa Business School project to receive external funding. The interdisciplinary research combines basic and applied research to transform the Moroccan entrepreneurial ecosystem, value network, and mindset. The research focuses on two societal needs: 1) the development of an African-centric ecosystem-building framework for driving transformation in complex environments through leveraging the strengths of diverse stakeholders to create more compelling, comprehensive, and sustainable solutions, and 2) diagnosing and developing the entrepreneurial mindset & future workforce skills needed to improve productivity & ensure sustainable development of the country’s entrepreneurial economy.
- Expected Outcomes – Substantial societal impact through increased value output of the Moroccan entrepreneurial ecosystem and increased abilities of the workforce to participate in the transformation of Morocco in its New Development Model. Academic outputs include high-quality, impact-oriented articles, practical contributions in publications such as the Harvard Business Review, and policy position papers.
Collaborative Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building – In collaboration with Dr. Nasiru Taura, Bournemouth University, this project aims to create an African framework to improve collaborative knowledge sharing and ecosystem evaluation. It emphasizes three essential areas: identifying obstacles to knowledge exchange (What?), comprehending the reasons behind collaborative strategies (What for?), and mapping critical collaborative partners and stakeholders (Who?). The main goal of this framework is to promote a more effective and inclusive knowledge-sharing environment in Africa that encourages innovation, economic growth, and social development.
- Expected Outcomes – Increasing the impact of the African entrepreneurial ecosystems value output. Academic outputs include a unique toolset for collaborative ecosystem building, high-quality, impact-oriented articles, practical contributions in publications such as the Harvard Business Review, and policy position papers.
Foundation X Collaborative Innovation Cluster – This in-the-field research combines fundamental and applied research (proprietary research action methodology) to upskill facilitators and entrepreneurs and position Foundation X as the catalyst for developing a unique innovation cluster amongst the private, public, and NGO stakeholders.
- Expected Outcomes –The research will increase the impact of this Moroccan region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem value output. Academic outputs include high-quality, impact-oriented articles, practical contributions in publications such as the Harvard Business Review, and policy position papers.
Company X – Innovation Management – This applied research project involves both fundamental change management and practical research aimed at enhancing the innovation management capabilities of a large global corporation with multiple entities and more than 20,000 employees. The initiative collaborates with the company and ABS advisory to develop the most effective practices for all three stages of innovation.
- Expected Outcomes – The research aims to develop and implement a comprehensive innovation management strategy and evaluation of results for a leading global organization. The academic outputs of this project include high-quality articles with a significant impact, practical contributions in publications like the Harvard Business Review, and policy position papers.
Systemic Mindset – Collaborating with Dr. Zeinab Hmama, Africa Business School, this project involves researching and developing an ABS-branded toolset to evaluate and enhance a systemic mindset encompassing growth, innovation, strategic thinking, customer-centricity, and dialogic approaches. The primary objectives of this research are multi-faceted and designed to be a comprehensive resource for organizations seeking to cultivate a more holistic, forward-thinking, and adaptive approach to their operations and culture.
- Expected Outcomes – ABS is positioned as a leading innovator in assessment toolsets to improve corporate performance globally. The academic outputs include high-quality journal publications that cover the development and use of the toolset and practical contributions of the research in publications such as the Harvard Business Review.
UM6P France Entrepreneur Accelerator Program – The research goal is to create a customer-centric entrepreneurship accelerator program for UM6P France, the first international branch of the University. The program will be developed, implemented, and evaluated for effectiveness. The research will include direct training for entrepreneurial mindset and foresight and indirect interventions for best content practices. A forward-thinking evaluation process will be used to diagnose and adjust program content in real time, helping to ensure optimal results.
- Expected Outcomes – Developing a new customer-oriented framework for new venture acceleration. Academic outputs include policy papers that present a call for action to enact supportive legislation and funding mechanisms. The contributions of the research are targeted to impact publications.
Luxury Yachting: The Case of Tetouan – This multi-disciplinary project combines the collective knowledge of entrepreneurship and innovation, urban planning, and hospitality and tourism. The research aims to assess and determine the critical success factors used in Italy for transforming the Mediterranean port region of Tetouan into a luxury yacht destination. Small to medium enterprises play a crucial role in the luxury yachting industry, including customization and retrofitting, maintenance and repair services, and supply and provisions.
- Expected Outcomes – The project expects significant outputs, including a comprehensive strategic development plan to transform Tetouan into a luxury yacht destination, detailed economic impact analyses, and targeted strategies for SME engagement in the yachting sector. Additionally, the project aims to offer practical policy recommendations, urban and infrastructure development plans, and hospitality and tourism integration strategies. These outputs are designed to enhance the academic understanding of the economic and regional impacts and provide actionable insights and frameworks for local stakeholders, policymakers, and businesses to drive economic growth and establish Tetouan as a critical player in the luxury yachting industry.
Publications in Progress
Book Chapter, “Transformative Entrepreneurial Learning: A Cutting-edge Framework for Amplified Effectiveness and Value Assessment,” submitted for publication in "Reimagining Education through Entrepreneurship: "An International Showcase of Leadership and Collaboration to Educate for a Sustainable Future," Edward Elgar Publishing UK. A collaboration with Drs. Zeinab Hmama and Nada Rih, Africa Business School.
- This case study explores the challenges faced by academia, industry, and society in Entrepreneurial Education, discussing both the theoretical discourse and practical hurdles in assessing its purpose, value, and impact. It features two innovative frameworks from the Africa Business School - an "Art and Science" model to enrich entrepreneurship teaching and a multi-assessment approach for evaluating Entrepreneurial Education. These frameworks aim to expand the reach and enhance the effectiveness and value of entrepreneurial education by focusing on diverse teaching methodologies, concept understanding, practical applications, and skill development.
Journal Article, "Entrepreneurial Readiness: A Career Development Framework for Moroccan Females." Collaboration with Dr.Siham Lekchiri, Western Carolina University, Dr. Nada Rih, Africa Business School.
- This research investigates the entrepreneurial readiness of Moroccan women, utilizing the Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile (EMP) as a pivotal instrument. The EMP, a comprehensive tool, is employed to refine and enhance entrepreneurial education and training programs. The primary objective of this study is to strengthen and amplify the entrepreneurial intentions among Moroccan women. By doing so, the research envisions a significant increase in their participation and engagement in creating new business ventures. This heightened involvement is expected to empower Moroccan women entrepreneurs and contribute to the broader economic development within Morocco.
Case Study, "AuthentiK Shoes: Do Profit and Societal Impact Align?" Collaboration with Dr. Nada RIH and Pr. Sanae El Ouali, Africa Business School
- This case study explores the complex challenges and dynamics of launching and maintaining a new business venture, emphasizing balancing financial viability, societal impact, and environmental sustainability. It explores how entrepreneurs navigate the often-competing demands of profitability, social responsibility, and ecological stewardship in a startup context. This analysis aims to provide insights into the strategies and decision-making processes that enable a business to thrive economically while contributing positively to society and minimizing its environmental footprint.
Journal Article, "The Effects of Democracy on Entrepreneurial Activity: A study of the MENA region." Collaboration with Dr. David Yoon, University of Leeds, Adeshina Adeniyi, Africa Business School
- A comprehensive study examining the impact of democracy on entrepreneurial activity in the Middle East and North Africa region, utilizing country-level democracy indicators from the V-Dem datasets and individual variables from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). This research aims to uncover the intricate relationship between political systems and entrepreneurial dynamics in diverse political environments.
Journal Article, "Activating Entrepreneurship - An Analysis of the Moderating and Mediating Effects of Entrepreneurial Dimensions on Self-Efficacy and Initial Intentions to Launch," Collaboration with Dr. Zahed Subhan, Drexel University, Target Journal - International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
- This research advances the understanding of entrepreneurial intentions with a detailed analysis that challenges existing literature by revealing the nuanced relationship between self-efficacy and the intention to launch entrepreneurial ventures. The study highlights the significance of additional variables, including independence, risk acceptance, idea creation, future focus, limited structure, and execution. The findings provide a more comprehensive framework for evaluating entrepreneurial intentions, shifting the focus from self-efficacy as the primary driver to a multi-faceted approach.
Publications
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Zahlan, A., Prakash Ranjan, R., Hayes, D. "Artificial Intelligence Innovation in Healthcare: Literature review, exploratory analysis, and future research directions." Technology in Society (Q1), Elsevier Limited.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) innovation in healthcare has emerged as an increasingly significant area of research. AI, digital data collection, and computer infrastructure advancements have empowered humans to address complex healthcare challenges. This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) of peer-reviewed journal articles at the intersection of AI, innovation, and healthcare to offer research directions for scholars and leaders in healthcare management. This research adds to the scope of previous investigations by aiming to 1) emphasize the most crucial AI-based healthcare applications, 2) explore challenges associated with AI integration in healthcare, and 3) examine student adoption and incorporation of AI into existing healthcare curricula.
- Hayes, D.W., Subhan, Z., Herzog, L. "Assessing and Understanding Entrepreneurial Profiles of Undergraduate Students: Implications of Heterogeneity for Entrepreneurship Education." Springer Nature Switzerland AG: Entrepreneurship Education.
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The present research uses exploratory quantitative methods to assess and understand the entrepreneurial profiles of undergraduate students as a driver for initial entrepreneurial intention. The authors do this by examining entrepreneurial skills, self-efficacy, and personality traits, focusing on differences between students who select entrepreneurship as their academic concentration and those who do not. Results demonstrate the heterogeneous nature of student group profiles, with significant differences observed among the various student groups included in the study. In particular, entrepreneurship majors differ from most other student majors, mainly other business students, regarding the personality traits of independence, limited structure, risk acceptance, action orientation, and the entrepreneurial skill of idea generation. The study's findings have theoretical, empirical, and practical implications, including designing and assessing undergraduate entrepreneurship education.
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Hayes, D.W., Lekchiri, S. "Entrepreneurial Readiness: A Career Development Framework for Moroccan Females," Interdisciplinary working paper, published in the Academy of Human Resource Development 2021 Conference Proceedings.
- Hayes, D.W., Subhan, Z., Lakatos, J.P. “Encompass Software: Getting started, the first months, and fueling growth.” Whitney Press, Candler, NC: Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies.
- A three-part case study covering entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial marketing, and leadership in an entrepreneurial context.
- The publication uses an innovative chronological approach to address several key issues entrepreneurs face when launching and developing new ventures. Explores critical tasks that must be undertaken in a startup business (a technology firm focused on developing and commercializing software for scheduling patients in a healthcare setting). Encourages students to consider the priorities that need to be established during the first six months of operations—the most critical timeframe for an entrepreneur, where future success depends on the choices made in a time of considerable uncertainty.
- Hayes, D.W., Subhan, Z., Brooksbank, R. "Encompass Software: Entrepreneurial Managing Growth." Institute for Global Business Research, Candler, NC: Global Business Pedagogy.
- The case concerns entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial marketing, and aspects of product development. Addresses critical issues that arise when transitioning startups into successful long-term ventures. Specifically, the case explores the essential tasks needed in a business (a technology firm focused on developing and commercializing software with utility in scheduling patients in a healthcare setting) and encourages students to consider priorities for continued success.
- Hayes, D., Richmond, B. "Using an Online Assessment to Examine Entrepreneurship Student Traits and to Measure and Improve the Impact of Entrepreneurship Education." Whitney Press, Candler, NC: Journal of Entrepreneurship Education.
- The paper concerns Entrepreneurial Education and the application of an online assessment tool to benefit student selection, retention, and development, and measure and improve entrepreneurship curriculum success. Using an innovative testing and mentoring approach, it is hypothesized that universities can assist students in becoming self-aware of their unique entrepreneurial traits and then facilitate the development of skills required for future success. This paper reviews initial student-reporting data at Western Carolina University (WCU) and draws conclusions on whether entrepreneurship students differ from other students in both personality and skill traits. It also discusses the implications of these results for measuring and enhancing university entrepreneurship programs.
- Hayes, D. “Assessing and Understanding the Entrepreneurial Potential of University Students through the Use of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile” at https://www.emindsetprofile.com/blog/2018/12/10/assessing-and-understanding-the-entrepreneurial-potential-of-university-students-through-the-use-of-the-entrepreneurial-mindset-profile/
- The paper presents an overview of doctoral thesis research using exploratory quantitative and qualitative methods to assess and understand the entrepreneurial capacity of university students as a driver for intention by examining undergraduate entrepreneurial skills, self-efficacy, and personality traits.
- Hayes, D. “Assessing and Understanding the Entrepreneurial Potential of Undergraduate Students.” 2019 USASBE Annual Conference Proceedings.
- The quantitative and qualitative exploratory work examines the differences between students who identify entrepreneurship as their choice of academic studies and those who do not and explores differences in entrepreneurship, other business, and non-business students in entrepreneurial skills, self-efficacy, personality traits, and initial intentions to launch as components of entrepreneurial capacity.
Presentations
Academic Committees/Task Forces/Webinars & Panels
- 2023 - International Research and Innovation Seminar IRIS, Panelist, "Bridges between Research and Industry."
- 2023 - Present: Pedagogy Committee. Member of the group tasked with assessing and implementing customer-focused tools and methods for improving the dissemination of academic content.
- 2021 - Present: Academic Standing Committee. Serves as a committee member for reviewing students' academic standing.
- 2020 - Present: School of Collective Intelligence Master Program Management Committee. Responsible for the overall direction of the degree program.
- 2021 & 2022, Africa Business School, ABS Diversity Week l The Evolution of Gender Equality - Where We Were and Where We are Headed: Served as moderator for panelist discussion.
- 2021, January - Present, Africa Business School Doctorate of Business Administration Taskforce. Continuing role as review and development member of the school's DBA program.
- 2021, January, Africa Business School Ph.D. Symposium: Served as faculty review member for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Ph.D. student presentations from Moroccan universities.
- 2020, December, RUFORUM Series: Two-hour presentation to an Africa-wide group of budding entrepreneurs with 250+ participants.
- Refining entrepreneurship, ideas & opportunity discovery, design thinking, discovery canvas process, and the entrepreneurial mindset
To view the session slides, click here
- 2020, December, Open Minds Series: Entrepreneurship, Opportunity Discovery & the Entrepreneurial Mindset: Two-hour presentation to a cross-campus group of 60 undergraduates from Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.
- Refining entrepreneurship, ideas & opportunity discovery, design thinking, discovery canvas process, and the entrepreneurial mindset
To view the session slides, click here.
To view the session slides, click here.
- 2020, July, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Mini-MBA Entrepreneurship Program: Served as reviewer and feedback jury member.
- 2020, June - Present, OCP White Book Project: Participation as chapter(s) writer and final editor of the book highlighting a multi-national organization's actions during the COVID pandemic.
- 2020, May, ABS Reading Series: Online book recommendation/review for ABS audience.
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- Daniel Pink - "A Whole New Mind"
To view the video recording, click here.
- 2020, May: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University Research Integrity Principles Handbook: Reviewed and edited handbook for final distribution
Academic Courses Developed and Delivered
ENTREPRENEURSHIP COURSES
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Inspires and engages students in the fundamental aspects of an entrepreneurial mindset and the unlimited opportunities it can provide. This class enables students to learn directly from the firsthand knowledge and experience of successful "unlikely" entrepreneurs—ordinary people who transformed a simple idea into a sustainable success. The course uses The Ice House Program materials, inspired by the life story of Pulitzer nominee Clifton Taulbert and the entrepreneurial influence of his Uncle Cleve. Finally, the class is based on eight fundamental concepts that can empower anyone to succeed. To view the course syllabus, click here.
- Introduction to Entrepreneurship: A student's first step toward preparing for the new emerging career future. Designed for all students, the course provides insights into the importance of entrepreneurship and the principles of starting and operating an entrepreneurial venture. To view the course syllabus, click here.
- New Venture Leadership: Focuses on developing an effective entrepreneurial leader. The course reinforces the concepts underlying entrepreneurship and examines the role of the entrepreneur as a leader of the enterprise. To view the course syllabus, click here.
- New Venture Creation: Introduces students to developing a business plan for a new venture. The course focuses on working ON a business rather than IN a business. It provides students with the analytical tools for reviewing the "big picture," interpreting this information, and crafting a strategy by carefully reasoning about strategic options, using what-if analysis to evaluate action alternatives, and implementing a plan. To view the course syllabus, click here.
- New Venture Growth: Builds upon the knowledge gained in New Venture Creation by using an innovative case study approach to illustrate how to execute the business plan from the initial startup period to six months and then three years later. The course includes obtaining the necessary physical, financial, and human resources, marketing and promoting the venture's products, and monitoring the progress of the business to ensure innovation and sustainability. To view the course syllabus, click here.
- Entrepreneurial Funding: Provides students the necessary tools for monitoring the progress of a business, including accounting and financial reporting systems. It helps students learn the importance of managing cash in the company and introduces students to the options to fund a new business or grow an existing business. The course also helps students learn how to establish relationships with bankers, angel investors, venture capitalists, government financing/guarantees, and other sources of capital. Finally, ENT 401 provides the tools to value an enterprise and understand the process of harvesting the business. To view the course syllabus, click here.
- Entrepreneurial Consulting: Offers students an opportunity to acquire no-nonsense, real-world techniques and skills needed to operate a new venture successfully. Students can experience the inner workings of local companies needing assistance. The primary focus of this course is the analysis of a specific problem, research regarding potential solutions to solve the problem, and the preparation of recommendations to be presented to the company. To view the course syllabus, click here.
- Entrepreneurship: Provides a dynamic, practical, hands-on approach that encourages students to immerse themselves in the vision, research, and planning aspects of a new venture. The course is designed to teach students how to research, develop, and write detailed business plans, which can be used to create successful businesses. Students learn effective entrepreneurial practices from the founder's perspective that can make a difference in the ultimate success or failure of the enterprise. To view the course syllabus, click here.
MARKETING COURSES
- Marketing Principles: Provides insights into the importance of marketing, which permeates everything we do. The course aims to demystify the marketing process and encourage the proper and ethical use of marketing in many forms. To view the course syllabus, click here.
- Marketing Strategy: Allows students to learn about selecting and evaluating the appropriate marketing mix needed to achieve the overall objectives. The course integrates all marketing elements in a strategic planning framework. It emphasizes areas of vital importance, especially those with significant implications and relevance for marketing policy decisions in competitive situations. To view the course syllabus, click here.
BUSINESS COURSES
- Introduction to Business: An introductory course in business strategy. The course applies the fundamental principles of management, marketing, organizational structure, communication, and basic accounting principles to issues of the contemporary business environment. Methods include lectures, case studies, group projects, simulations, video clips, and discussion of various text- and periodical-based readings. To view the course syllabus, click here.
- Professional Development: Provides students with a "hands-on" opportunity to make a difference and develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through learning, practice, and teaching the principles of free enterprise. This objective is accomplished through real-world outreach projects involving the community. Students develop an entrepreneurial mindset and leadership capabilities by assisting others in business ventures by applying the principles of SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise, now Enactus). To view the course syllabus, click here.