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Effectuation and Causation Decision-Making in Entrepreneurship Students: A Qualitative Study on Decision-Making in Venture Creation Programs (VCPs)

Mahmood, Mawj Ahmed LU and Imaro, Tulus LU (2025) ENTN19 20251
Department of Business Administration
Abstract
Background
Venture Creation Programs (VCPs) provide a unique experiential learning setting in which real-world uncertainty, emotional dynamics, and iterative learning cycles shape entrepreneurial decision-making.

Research Gap
While prior research has established the importance of effectuation and causation in entrepreneurship, less is known about the factors influencing students’ use of these logics within the fast-paced, experiential learning setting of Venture Creation Programs (VCPs).

Aim of the Study
The study examines what factors influence entrepreneurship students’ decision-making in a Venture Creation Program (VCP). It assesses contextual influences, such as uncertainty, collaboration, mentorship, and emotions, as factors... (More)
Background
Venture Creation Programs (VCPs) provide a unique experiential learning setting in which real-world uncertainty, emotional dynamics, and iterative learning cycles shape entrepreneurial decision-making.

Research Gap
While prior research has established the importance of effectuation and causation in entrepreneurship, less is known about the factors influencing students’ use of these logics within the fast-paced, experiential learning setting of Venture Creation Programs (VCPs).

Aim of the Study
The study examines what factors influence entrepreneurship students’ decision-making in a Venture Creation Program (VCP). It assesses contextual influences, such as uncertainty, collaboration, mentorship, and emotions, as factors influencing those decisions.

Research Question
What factors influence entrepreneurship students’ decision-making in a Venture Creation Program?

Methodology
The study employed a qualitative abductive approach, collecting data through eleven semi-structured interviews. The sample included students from the 2024–2025 cohort of Lund University’s Master’s Program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (EAGEI). Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and patterns in the data.

Key Findings
The findings reveal several factors influencing students’ decision-making, including lived experience, team dynamics, and the VCP structure, which shaped the shifts between effectuation and causation. Emotional, ethical, and identity-related dimensions also emerged as key influences. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Mahmood, Mawj Ahmed LU and Imaro, Tulus LU
supervisor
organization
course
ENTN19 20251
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
Venture Creation Programs (VCPs), Effectuation, Causation, Decision-Making, Experiential Learning, Entrepreneurship Education
language
English
id
9193178
date added to LUP
2025-06-23 09:59:58
date last changed
2025-11-03 13:26:56
@misc{9193178,
  abstract     = {{Background
Venture Creation Programs (VCPs) provide a unique experiential learning setting in which real-world uncertainty, emotional dynamics, and iterative learning cycles shape entrepreneurial decision-making.

Research Gap
While prior research has established the importance of effectuation and causation in entrepreneurship, less is known about the factors influencing students’ use of these logics within the fast-paced, experiential learning setting of Venture Creation Programs (VCPs).

Aim of the Study
The study examines what factors influence entrepreneurship students’ decision-making in a Venture Creation Program (VCP). It assesses contextual influences, such as uncertainty, collaboration, mentorship, and emotions, as factors influencing those decisions.

Research Question
What factors influence entrepreneurship students’ decision-making in a Venture Creation Program?

Methodology
The study employed a qualitative abductive approach, collecting data through eleven semi-structured interviews. The sample included students from the 2024–2025 cohort of Lund University’s Master’s Program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (EAGEI). Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and patterns in the data.

Key Findings
The findings reveal several factors influencing students’ decision-making, including lived experience, team dynamics, and the VCP structure, which shaped the shifts between effectuation and causation. Emotional, ethical, and identity-related dimensions also emerged as key influences.}},
  author       = {{Mahmood, Mawj Ahmed and Imaro, Tulus}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Effectuation and Causation Decision-Making in Entrepreneurship Students: A Qualitative Study on Decision-Making in Venture Creation Programs (VCPs)}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}