Course Title

Qualitative Research Methods in Management and Entrepreneurship Research: Approaches and Applications / Qualitative Research in Management and Entrepreneurship Studies: Approaches and Applications

Instructor: Prof. Dr. Julia de Groote, Chair of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Research, Jackstädt Center

Short Description

Qualitative research is gaining increasing importance in the fields of management and entrepreneurship. It enables a deep understanding of complex social phenomena, organizational processes, and individual experiences. At the same time, the demands for methodological rigor and theoretical grounding in qualitative studies are rising.

This course provides a practice-oriented introduction to qualitative research methods. It covers fundamental knowledge of various methodological approaches, including:

• Grounded Theory
• Case Study Research
• Ethnography
• Narrative Approach
• Qualitative Content Analysis

The focus is on the planning, execution, and analysis of qualitative interviews—from developing interview guides to coding and data analysis. Using concrete examples from management and entrepreneurship research, the entire research process is explored in a practical and applied manner.

In addition to in-person sessions, individual consultation hours will be offered to address participants’ specific projects and research questions.

Target Group

Doctoral candidates in business and economics (and related disciplines). Interested individuals who have already completed a doctorate, have not yet started one, or can only attend parts of the course are generally welcome. However, they should coordinate their participation with Prof. Julia de Groote (degroote@wiwi.uni-wuppertal.de) to be included on the participant list.

Learning Objectives

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• classify and critically reflect on different qualitative approaches,
• conceptually design and conduct qualitative interviews,
• systematically analyze qualitative data,
• design their own research projects using qualitative methods in a well-founded manner.

Format

• Two in-person days
• Individual consultation sessions (online or in person)
• Maximum number of participants: 15

Language: Materials will be provided in English. The language of the in-person sessions will depend on the participants.

Requirements

To receive a certificate, participants choose between developing and presenting a research design or submitting a reflection paper on their learning experiences and methodological challenges, and must attend the in-person sessions.

Further information will be sent by email shortly before the course begins.

Literature

Will be announced at the beginning of the course.

Dates

• July 16, 2026 – 09:00 to 17:00, Room M.11.16
• July 17, 2026 – 09:00 to 17:00, Room M.11.16

Registration

Registration, including contact details and student ID number, should be sent via email to entinno@wiwi.uni-wuppertal.de by July 11, 2026.

Instructor: Prof. Dr. Julia de Groote, Chair of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Research, Jackstädt Center

Course Description

The course provides a structured framework for the targeted development of participants’ own research projects. The focus is on the presentation and critical discussion of ongoing research as well as on developing skills in academic presentation and constructive feedback.

The course begins with an online kick-off session, during which the course concept is introduced and expectations are clarified. Participants then submit either a full paper, an extended abstract, or a description of their research design. Based on these submissions, discussant roles are assigned.

On the in-person workshop day, participants present their own research and serve as discussants for another project. Each presentation is complemented by structured feedback from the group. The workshop is deliberately practice-oriented and designed to support targeted preparation for specific academic contexts such as conference presentations, research workshops, or the doctoral defense.

Target Group

Doctoral candidates in the field of management and entrepreneurship (and related disciplines)

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• further develop their own research projects,
• present academic work effectively,
• provide structured and constructive feedback,
• prepare for academic presentation settings in a targeted manner.

Format

• Online kick-off session
• In-person workshop
• Maximum number of participants: 15

Language: Course materials will be provided in English. The language of the in-person sessions will depend on the participants.

Requirements

• To receive credit, participants must take part in all course components (submission of an abstract, paper, or research design; discussant role; presentation).
• Further information will be provided during the kick-off session.

Dates

• 17.04.2026, 14:00 to 15:30 (online kick-off)
• 08.05.2026 – 09:00 to 17:00, Room M.11.16
• 11.05.2026 – 09:00 to 17:00, Room M.11.16

Registration

Please register via email at entinno@wiwi.uni-wuppertal.de by April 15, 2026.