Intermittent prolonged observation & subsequent analysis of the ELC experience

1. An exploration of evolving learning communities in the micro-firm rural tourism environment- a multi-country study David Aylward: email: 20032953@mail.wit.ie • Introduction • Micro-firm tourism research acknowledges the value of collaborative learning networks and the learning relationships within • Learning networks are considered pivotal in sustaining rural development, where network activity is sustained over a long period of time • Despite significant investment, their value and sustainability over time remains poorly understood • This research departs from the prevailing learning network literature by providing insight into evolutionary learning communities • First multi-country study of its kind – Canada & Wales • Research aim • Explore the elements and relationships that influence entrepreneurial learning in ELCs in the micro-firm rural tourism context in Canada and Wales • Compare these findings to that of a longitudinal study carried out in Ireland (2003-ongoing) Key literature themes • Research objectives • To present a preliminary ELC framework based on a comprehensive literature review &established research outcomes in Ireland; • To apply the framework to a learning event in an ELC in Canada & Wales; • To refine the framework based on the findings of the Canadian &Welsh ELC studies. • Theoretical base Methodology Iterative Process • Intermittent prolonged observation & subsequent analysis of the ELC experience • Using the case study as the research method allows the researcher to understand the phenomenon in-depth facilitating rich description • Learning events provide the context for the researcher to map the elements & relationships that influence entrepreneurial learning (Devins et al., 2005; Kelliher & Reinl, 2009) Micro-firm entrepreneurial learning Interviews Collaborative learning strategies (Florén. 2003; Halme, 2001) Facilitated tourism networks (Man, 2007; Morrison et al., 2004) Communities of practice (Lave &Wenger, 1991; Wenger, 1998) (Reinl & Kelliher, 2014; Halme, 2001) ELC Acknowledgements: The author would like to acknowledge the contribution of Dr Leana Reinl & Dr Felicity Kelliher, W.I.T; ProfMarion Joppe, U.G; Dr Gareth Griffiths, B.U (research supervisors). This research study is funded by Institutes of Technology Ireland (IOTI).