ENHANCING MIXED METHODS APPLICATION TO business incubation and university business incubation STUDIES: A REVIEW AND FUTURE RESEARCH AGENDA

Abstract

Generally, qualitative and quantitative methodologies are the two most widely used research methods in management research, however the mixed method research has been gaining traction among management researchers although it has been applied more frequently in other branches of research (health, medicine and nursing, social sciences and education). Business Incubation(BI) and University Business Incubation(UBI) reviews have shown the dearth of Mixed Methods approaches in UBI studies over the years and most researches have been streamlined to majorly adopting quantitative or qualitative approaches (single or mono methods) with the later having a higher percentage. UBI Scholars have also identified a methodological gap in the adoption of Mixed Method Research(MMR) in UBI studies. While there could be benefits in a single or mono-method approach as applied to a study, there are collective benefits that can be derived from the combination of both methodologies via a mixed method. This article advances the use of Mixed Methods in BI and UBI studies by evaluating and reviewing UBI studies from 2000 to 2022. This is firstly elucidated by identifying the methodological gap in the use of MMR in UBI studies. Secondly based on an extensive literature review including past reviews where mixed method is mentioned in BI and UBI literatures, this paper examines adherence to MMR standards and best practices of articles that have applied mixed method research designs in BI and UBI studies via open coding and the accompanying categorization with Atlas.ti and Codes Co-occurrence coefficients analysis. These selected articles were classified based on: rationale and purpose of using mixed method research, mixed method design typology, data collection, integration and analysis, paradigms or worldviews and sampling. Finally, this article also addresses how mixed method designs can enhance BI/UBI studies to have more integrated, justifiable and conclusive research. Further research agenda are also proffered that could contribute to the advancement and enhancement of the use of MMR in BI and UBIs studies.