Engaging Entrepreneurs with a Blended Problem-based Learning Degree Programme

Abstract

While larger tourism enterprises benefit from a graduate management intake and continuing executive development, the owner of the small tourism operation is limited in continuing education and professional development opportunities due to resource poverty, lack of appropriate and available tertiary tourism education. This chapter details the pedagogical and technological challenges faced by the education team at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) in developing and implementing an innovative blended learning degree, customised to meet the requirements of the entrepreneur for a sense of involvement, relevance and flexibility. Understanding how to harmonise blended learning with face-to-face PBL was the cornerstone of success in the design and implementation of the programme and the insights gained will provide guidelines to educators who are responsible for the development of relevant and accessible business degree programmes for owner/managers of micro/small business enterprises.

Citation

Lynch, P., Holden, M.T., Foley, A., Harrington, D. and Hussey, J. (2013), "Engaging Entrepreneurs with a Blended Problem-based Learning Degree Programme", Wankel, C. and Blessinger, P. (Ed.) Increasing Student Engagement and Retention in e-learning Environments: Web 2.0 and Blended Learning Technologies (Cutting-Edge Technologies in Higher Education, Vol. 6 Part G), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 199-227. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2044-9968(2013)000006G010