Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management

33-66

Authors: Duygu Deniz & Metin Reyhanoğlu

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the reasons why refugees who immigrated to Turkey due to the domestic turbulence in Syria become entrepreneurs in the framework of the push-pull model. Methodology: Face-to-face interviews are conducted with a total of 30 Syrian ‘urban entrepreneurs’ in Hatay, Gaziantep, Mersin, and Istanbul in 2016. The snowball method is used in order to contact with the refugee entrepreneurs who are registered to trade associations. The responses given through an interpreter to the semi-structured questions were coded and categorized. Findings: Syrian refugees’ socio-economic problems such as language problems, discrimination, legal problems, obstacles to access resources, and low wages push them to entrepreneurship. The willingness to turn these problems into an opportunity is the most important factor that attracts experienced entrepreneurs to entrepreneurship. Results and Implications: The push and pull factors in refugee entrepreneurship coexist in the same person. Although in this study it is low, the impact of social network and capital on refugee entrepreneurship should be examined in following new studies. Originality: Although the reasons why Syrian refugees turn towards entrepreneurship are important in terms of socio-economy, these reasons have not been examined in the literature. This study is important in terms of the evaluation of the factors that determine the causes of refugee entrepreneurship and preparing the individual and integrating them into the country.

79-95

Authors: Ibrahim Arpacı

Purpose: Positive contributions of the innovation capability on the academic success of the students and development of the personal innovation competence by applying up-to-date pedagogies and activities have recently become a significant research topic. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between students’ individual innovativeness profiles and their academic success in the project development course in a sample of 120 undergraduate students. Methodology: The study adapted into Turkish and applied the “Individual Innovativeness Scale” (IIS) developed by Hurt, Joseph and Cook (1977) to identify the innovativeness profiles of the participants. Findings: The results suggested a statistically significant and positive relationship between the students’ individual innovativeness profiles and their academic success in the project development course. Further, the results indicated a statistically significant difference between female and male students in their academic success of the project development course. Practical Implications: The quantity and quality of research and development lectures that support innovative thinking should be improved. Further, innovative instructional methods could be employed to provide students with reasoning, analytical thinking, critical thinking, reflective thinking, and problem solving skills. Originality: This study was conducted in an authentic learning environment during the 14-week lecture period and the significant relationship between the participants’ innovation profiles and their academic achievement in the project development course was revealed.