Case Study of a Social-Venture Planning Course : Focusing on Characteristics of Social Problem-Solving Processes and the Effects on Entrepreneurial Competency

Abstract

This study developed an educational program, the “Social-Venture Planning Course”, to tackle social issues and aimed to identify features of the social problem-solving processes of students and to scrutinize changes in their entrepreneurial competencies. The course was designed as a liberal arts class for undergraduate students. Various qualitative data were gathered throughout the program, and entrepreneurial competency was assessed before and after the course and then analyzed. The study revealed three key characteristics in the students' problem-solving processes. First, students demonstrated a nuanced understanding of social problems, recognizing their complexity beyond a simple dichotomy of solver and affected stakeholder. Second, they showed a practical and feasible approach to solutions, prioritizing real-world applicability over idealistic perfection. Third, students displayed creativity by adapting existing solutions and presenting their own unique approaches, showcasing their ability to think innovatively within practical constraints. The Social-Venture Planning Course led to significant improvements in students' entrepreneurial competencies. Notably, substantial enhancements in problem-solving competency and management knowledge indicated the course's effectiveness in these areas, while interpersonal skills and idea generation competency remained unchanging. The study's conclusions and discussions offered valuable insights for the effective implementation of the Social-Venture Planning Course, highlighting its potential to foster a wide range of entrepreneurial competencies.