Progress 07/15/09 to 07/14/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The overall objective 1: of this project is to investigate the key success factors (KSF's) that are most relevant for entrepreneurs in the A&NR sectors. "Final Outputs 1": We have completed four studies that have identified the KSFs of A&NR entrepreneurs. These include a qualitative interview study with 29 entrepreneurs, a wooden packaging industry study with 179 executives, a pilot study with 40 nascent food entrepreneurs and a 3-year multi-cohort 400 student panel study. Further, outreach interactions with over 200 entrepreneurs in A&NR provided additional case content on KSFs. The findings from these studies have been disseminated in multiple peer-reviewed outlets. Objective 2: From a general perspective we also propose to explore the areas within A&NR that are most ripe for entrepreneurial activities. "Final Outputs 2": Through the qualitative project and interaction with business partners, faculty, educators and state/government officials we have identified several areas in A&NR that are munificent for entrepreneurial activities. These subsectors are: food security and safety, local, organic/natural foods, food processing, bio-products, bio-energy, value added farm processing and horticulture. Objective 3: How entrepreneurship is being taught to undergraduate students in other A&NR degree programs across the U.S. "Final Outputs 3": A review of A&NR programs has been completed and program data has been compiled. Productive linkages have been established with peers across institutions and ties have been established with leading entrepreneurship educational associations such as USASBE, AOM, GCEC and NCIIA. In addition, the on-going student panel study is examining the influence of entrepreneurship pedagogy, mentoring and individual venturing intention. Objective 4: How Outreach and Extension programs in the U.S. are disseminating entrepreneurship-based materials to clientele. Investigate the gaps, if any, that exist in what Pennsylvania Extension clientele believe they need in order to: (1) initiate an entrepreneurial venture or (2) become more successful in an existing enterprise. "Final Outputs 4": Completed an initial national review of outreach and extension programs with regards to entrepreneurship. Interactions with over 200 A&NR entrepreneurs in the field have also provided additional programs needs to improve impact. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Jeff Hyde is Professor of Ag Economics at Penn State and is the Primary investigator for the project. Dr. Judd Michael is a Professor of Wood Products at Penn State and is a Co-Primary investigator for the project. Dr. Mark Gagnon is the Entrepreneurship Coordinator for the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State and is managing the data collection, analysis and dissemination activities. Jon Laughner is an Extension Educator at Penn State and is facilitating the project's outreach activities with A&NR entrepreneurs in the field. Nathan Elser, M.S. is a graduate in Forest Resources who coordinated research in the natural resources sector. Christina Crowley is an undergraduate student in Chemical/Bio Engineering at Penn State and is providing research support. Patrick Bauer is an undergraduate student in Energy and Finance at Penn State and is providing research support. Clint T. Gyory is a graduate of Penn State Smeal College of Business and has provided research support. TARGET AUDIENCES: Existing and nascent/potential entrepreneurs in A&NR are the primary target audience for this research. This audience spans existing agricultural producers to university students interested in an entrepreneurial career in A&NR. The traditional dissemination vehicles of publications, extension/outreach initiatives and resident education are being utilized to reach the target audience. In addition, internet/new media target audience outreach efforts are being explored to better facilitate research findings. These may include web posting, electronic networking and popular social media sites. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The overall objective 1: of this project is to investigate the key success factors (KSF's) that are most relevant for entrepreneurs in the A&NR sectors. "Current Outcomes/Impacts 1": Knowledge of key success factors in A&NR entrepreneurship is greatly improved as a result of our research and interactions with entrepreneurs. We have begun to disseminate the findings to the general public and extension agents. In addition, these findings have been incorporated in the design/redesign of course content for 4 A&NR extension/outreach programs. Moreover, these findings are being incorporated in entrepreneurship residential education and student outreach efforts. These findings have allowed for improving our inquiry to explore more fine-grained topics such as sustainable venturing, food entrepreneurship and social media use in A&NR. The student panel research project has allowed for a better understanding of antecedents to student intention to venture over time. These factors are being explored with students enrolled in A&NR programs versus others. Further, this work has shaped future entrepreneur research scale development and is instrumental for directing current residential entrepreneurship education efforts across Penn State. Objective 2: From a general perspective we also propose to explore the areas within A&NR that are most ripe for entrepreneurial activities. "Current Outcomes/Impacts 2": The research findings have initiated increased efforts to facilitate the growth in ventures in local/organic foods, food processing, bio-energy and value added farm processing and horticulture. A&NR entrepreneurs have attended 4 Harbaugh Entrepreneurship Forums at Penn State in 2010/11/12 which is a 2-day event focused on inspiring entrepreneurship with students, alumni and faculty. Further, these findings have inspired additional inquiry into these aforementioned segments to better identify opportunities for entrepreneurship. Objective 3: How entrepreneurship is being taught to undergraduate students in other A&NR degree programs across the U.S. "Current Outcomes/Impacts 3": These findings are being used to shape the College of Agricultural Sciences entrepreneurship residential education curriculum and pedagogy. Applied findings have been used to reinforce the delivery of entrepreneurship course content and set strategic priorities. This is in conjunction with University wide efforts to bolster entrepreneurship resident education at Penn State. Objective 4: How Outreach and Extension programs in the U.S. are disseminating entrepreneurship-based materials to clientele. Investigate the gaps, if any, that exist in what Pennsylvania Extension clientele believe they need in order to: (1) initiate an entrepreneurial venture or (2) become more successful in an existing enterprise. "Final Outcomes/Impacts 4": Findings have been disseminated to extension and outreach clientele through interaction and reports. Project findings have been incorporated in outreach presentations and programs that have reached over 200 individuals. Additional dissemination efforts were directed to the state-wide Pennsylvania Ag Entrepreneurship Extension Team to optimize outreach impact.
Publications
- Elser, N. and J. Michael. 2012. Entrepreneurial strategies and future outlooks for the pallet industry. Pallet Central. (In Press).
- Elser, N. 2012. Strategic processes in a transitioning industry: Knowledge-based resources, entrepreneurial orientation and the performance of firms. Master's Thesis. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. 119 pages. Retrieved from https://etda.libraries.psu.edu.
- Elser, N. and J. Michael. 2012. Knowledge and performance in the pallet industry. Pallet Central 12(6): 16-19.
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Progress 07/15/10 to 07/14/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The overall objective 1 of this project is to investigate the key success factors (KSF's) that are most relevant for entrepreneurs in the A&NR sectors. We have had interactions with over 150 entrepreneurs in Ag and Natural Resources (ANR). These have provided case content on KSFs. Also, a multi-cohort panel study is underway to track current ANR undergraduate student involvement with entrepreneurship at Penn State. For Objective 2, we began to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in food security and food safety. For Objective 3, we have begun a panel study to examine the influence of entrepreneurship pedagogy, mentoring, and individual intention to develop a venture. For Objective 4, we have increased the number of interactions with ANR entrepreneurs to over 150. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Jeff Hyde is an Associate Professor of Ag Economics at Penn State and is the Primary investigator for the project. Dr. Judd Michael is a Professor of Wood Products at Penn State and is a Co-Primary investigator for the project. Dr. Mark Gagnon is the Entrepreneurship Coordinator for the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State and is managing the data collection, analysis and dissemination activities. Jon Laughner is an Extension Educator at Penn State and is facilitating the project's outreach activities with A&NR entrepreneurs in the field. Christina Crowley is an undergraduate student in Chemical/Bio Engineering at Penn State and is providing research support. Patrick Bauer is an undergraduate student in Energy and Finance at Penn State and is providing research support. TARGET AUDIENCES: Existing and nascent/potential entrepreneurs in A&NR are the primary target audience for this research. This audience spans existing agricultural producers to university students interested in an entrepreneurial career in A&NR. The traditional dissemination vehicles of publications, extension/outreach initiatives and resident education are being utilized to reach the target audience. In addition, internet/new media target audience outreach efforts are being explored to better facilitate research findings. These may include web posting, electronic networking and popular social media sites. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Objective 1: The improved understanding of KSFs has been instrumental for directing current residential and extension entrepreneurship education efforts. The qualitative results and case information lead to an enriched learning experience for students/participants. Objective 2: ANR entrepreneurs have attended 2 Harbaugh Entrepreneurship Forums at Penn State in this reporting period. Objective 3: The information gained through this research has allowed us to set strategic priorities with regard to undergraduate education. Objective 4: The information obtained through this research has been disseminated to Extension Educators and outreach audiences, reaching over 200 people by this time. Some of the research completed to date has been provided to Educators at various program planning meetings so that the results may be incorporated into planning.
Publications
- Gagnon, M. A. and P.E. Bauer. 2011. Professor Knows Best or Does the Student Examining intention to venture and instructor rated likelihood to venture. Paper presented at the 2011 Mason Entrepreneurship Research Conference. FairFax, VA. May 6, 2011. 30 pp.
- Gagnon, M. A. 2011. Saving a green venture: EnviroWood. Awarded Best Business Teaching Case for the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship 2011 Annual Conference. Hilton Head, SC. January 14-16, 2011. 26 pp.
- Gagnon, M. A., J. H. Michael, and J. Hyde. 2011. Sustainable minded entrepreneurs: Testing a values-based framework. Poster Session for the 2011 Value Added Agriculture Conference. Pittsburgh, PA. June 26-28, 2011. Poster #2.
- Gagnon, M. A. and J. H., Michael. 2011. A confirmatory factor analysis of sustainable orientation, commitment and identification. Accepted to the OnSustainability 2012 Annual Conference. Vancouver, B.C. January 10-12, 2012. 25 pp.
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Progress 07/15/09 to 07/14/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The overall objective 1: of this project is to investigate the key success factors (KSF's) that are most relevant for entrepreneurs in the A&NR sectors. "Current Outputs 1": We have completed a qualitative study that identified KSFs for 29 entrepreneurs in the A&NR using an interview methodology and textual coding. Further, outreach interactions with over 60 entrepreneurs in A&NR provided additional case content on KSFs. Through a literature review and this research we identified additional success factors in entrepreneurship including the areas of sustainability, social media and venture founding practices. In addition, a pilot student study was conducted that examined agriculture and other field of study students' intention to venture. Objective 2: From a general perspective we also propose to explore the areas within A&NR that are most ripe for entrepreneurial activities. "Current Outputs 2": Through the qualitative project and interaction with business partners, faculty, educators and state/government officials we have identified several areas in A&NR that are munificent for entrepreneurial activities. These subsectors are: organic/natural foods, food processing, bio-energy, value added farm processing and horticulture. Objective 3: How entrepreneurship is being taught to undergraduate students in other A&NR degree programs across the U.S. "Current Outputs 3": A review of A&NR programs has been completed and program data has been compiled for additional analysis. In addition, the student pilot study has examined student differences by college (i.e., major). Objective 4: How Outreach and Extension programs in the U.S. are disseminating entrepreneurship-based materials to clientele. Investigate the gaps, if any, that exist in what Pennsylvania Extension clientele believe they need in order to: (1) initiate an entrepreneurial venture or (2) become more successful in an existing enterprise. "Current Outputs 4": Completed an initial national review of outreach and extension programs with regards to entrepreneurship. Interactions with over 60 A&NR entrepreneurs in the field have also provided additional programs needs to improve impact. Current entrepreneurship extension clientele have been informally surveyed to assess needs related to 1 & 2 above. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Jeff Hyde is an Associate Professor of Ag Economics at Penn State and is the Primary investigator for the project. Dr. Judd Michael is a Professor of Wood Products at Penn State and is a Co-Primary investigator for the project. Dr. Mark Gagnon is Research Associate at Penn State and is managing the data collection, analysis and dissemination activities. Jon Laughner is an Extension Educator at Penn State and is facilitating the project's outreach activities with A&NR entrepreneurs in the field. Christina Crowley is an undergraduate student in Chemical/Bio Engineering at Penn State and is providing research support. Patrick Bauer is an undergraduate student in Energy and Finance at Penn State and is providing research support. TARGET AUDIENCES: Existing and nascent/potential entrepreneurs in A&NR are the primary target audience for this research. This audience spans existing agricultural producers to university students interested in an entrepreneurial career in A&NR. The traditional dissemination vehicles of publications, extension/outreach initiatives and resident education are being utilized to reach the target audience. In addition, internet/new media target audience outreach efforts are being explored to better facilitate research findings. These may include web posting, electronic networking and popular social media sites. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The overall objective 1:"Current Outcomes/Impacts 1": Knowledge of key success factors in A&NR entrepreneurship is greatly improved as a result of our research and interactions with entrepreneurs. We have begun to disseminate the findings to the general public and extension agents. In addition, these findings have been incorporated in the design/redesign of course content for 4 A&NR extension/outreach programs. Moreover, these findings are being incorporated in entrepreneurship residential education and student outreach efforts. These findings have allowed for improving our inquiry to explore more fine-grained topics such as sustainable venturing and social media use in A&NR entrepreneurship. The student intention to venture project has allowed for a better understanding of antecedents to student intention to venture. These factors are being explored with students enrolled in A&NR programs versus others. Further, this work has shaped future data collection efforts to better capture students' nascent entrepreneurial behavior and future venturing potential. The findings from this work are being disseminated to the public and are already being incorporated in residential entrepreneurship education efforts. Objective 2:"Current Outcomes/Impacts 2": The research findings have initiated increased efforts to facilitate the growth in ventures in organic foods, food processing, bio-energy and value added farm processing and horticulture. Food entrepreneurs have been invited to the Fall 2010 Harbaugh Entrepreneurship Forum at Penn State which is a 2-day event focused on inspiring entrepreneurship with students, alumni and faculty. Further, these findings have inspired additional inquiry into these aforementioned segments to better identify opportunities for entrepreneurship. Objective 3:"Current Outcomes/Impacts 3": These findings are being used to shape the College of Agricultural Sciences entrepreneurship residential education curriculum and pedagogy. Applied findings have been used to reinforce the delivery of entrepreneurship course content. This is in conjunction with University wide efforts to restructure entrepreneurship resident education at Penn State. Objective 4: "Current Outcomes/Impacts 4": Research findings are being disseminated to the extension and outreach clientele and agents through interaction and reports. Project findings have been incorporated in outreach presentations and programs that have reached over 120 individuals. Additional dissemination efforts are being directed to the state-wide Pennsylvania Ag Entrepreneurship Extension Working Group to optimize outreach impact. Finally, preliminary entrepreneurship extension agent outreach content has been developed and is being made available to extension outreach personnel. Future efforts will explore multiple stakeholders' desire to formalize this training effort.
Publications
- Gagnon, M.A., J. M. Michael, J. Hyde, and, C.L. Crowley. 2010. Entrepreneurship in agriculture and natural resources: Success factors from people who have ventured forward. Preliminary Report. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. 16802. 39 pp.
- Gagnon, M.A., J. M. Michael, and J. Hyde. 2010. Entrepreneurship in agriculture, food and natural resources participant report. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. 16802. 4 pp.
- Gagnon, M.A. and C.L. Crowley. 2010. Entrepreneur use of social media in new venture promotion. Working manuscript. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. 16802. 30 pp.
- Gagnon, M.A. and P.E. Bauer. 2010. A test of normative and efficacy based correlates of intention to venture and instructor rated likelihood to venture. United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship 2011 Annual Conference. (In Review).
- Gagnon, M.A., J. M. Michael, and J. Hyde. 2010. Eight points of advice from agriculture and natural resource entrepreneurs. Poster Session for the 2010 Penn State Annual Extension Conference. (In Review).
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