E-Learning for EnterpriseStudies: the case of Enterprise College Wales

Paul Jones, Dr. Gary Packham and Dr. Christopher Miller
Welsh Enterprise Institute, University of Glamorgan Business School

ABSTRACT

e-College Wales (ECW), designed by the University of Glamorgan, is an on-line, Web based degree in Enterprise, aimed at creating and improving entrepreneurial and managerial capacity in the European Union (EU) Objective One Areas of Wales. This distance learning platform has been created with the aim of aiding individuals and communities to generate their own economic development solutions, through the tools of entrepreneurship and promotion of entrepreneurial behaviour. The project is being undertaken with local partner Further Education colleges located throughout the Objective One areas.

This paper examines the need for increasing entrepreneurial activity and capacity, and considers the reasons for undertaking this through the platform of Web-based learning, and the characteristics of the first cohort of students undertaking the course. Finally, conclusions are drawn and the requirements for a future research agenda are given aimed at determining the ultimate success or otherwise of ECW.

Key words: E-Learning, Enterprise, Economic Development