Evaluation

Results for Real Life

Implementation

Assigned to Jönköping International Business School - the researchers Helene Jonson Ahl and Emilia Florin.
Two main reports, one in early 1999 covering the first round, and then a final report for the whole project in June 2000.
 
The empirical material has been collected in several ways.
Questionnaires, participants' notes about their business and the project in logbooks or diaries.
Each participant will be interviewed personally as we draw closer to the end of the project period.
The researchers have also participated in several of the meetings and taken notes of their observations.
Finally, all pertinent documents have been reviewed.
Reflections/experience so far
Problems:
 
Geografical distance
An unforeseen problem is the geographical distance between the participants (need to travel a source of irritation).
Delay of the sister projects
A big disappointment for many. An important part of the project is the creation of transnational networks, and up until now there has not been anyone to network with.
Contrubution - own time
The lack of time. For meetings, language classes, documentation of the experiences in the diaries as asked for.
Pearls/problems:
 
The empowerment model
(both a pearl and a problem)
  
Pearls: Problems:
  • Some participants are very enthusiastic about the model.
  • Some members have discussed using the model in other contexts.
  • "It is both interesting and sobering to not be able to blame anyone else when things go wrong."
  • Uncertainty about what participants are allowed to decide.
  • The use of the projects resources
  • Decisions have been taken that the coordinators and some participants regarded as a consensus decision, but that other participants disapproved of.
  • The formation of subgroups according to the empowerment model.

Project results so far:

Information technology

  • Most groups handle their communication through e-mail.
  • Many participants are designing their own home-pages.
  • Classes about computer software both for beginners and for those a bit more advanced.

Discussion and elaboration of business ideas and strategies

  • Lightly different, but certainly interesting business ideas.
  • Participants have worked together in a business project for the community.
  • A concrete vision: a common building for a network's complementing businesses.
  • The members have tested ideas on each other (i.e. to leave a part-time employment or not)
  • At least one concrete example of new business made possible through the project.
  • The participants have benefited from each others ideas, knowledge and competencies.

Several participants also say that the co-ordinators are an important source of inspiration for their development as entrepreneurs.

1999-08-15. Please send an e-mail if you have any comments about this web site.
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