Investigators Reflections on the Process and Experience of a Mini-Ethnographic Case Study Research in Nigeria

Authors

Ezenwayi C. Amaechi Ph.D., Johnson & Wales UniversityFollow
Patricia I. Fusch Ph.D., Walden UniversityFollow

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the investigator's reflections, both prospective and retrospective, on the process and experience of conducting a mini-ethnographic case study research in Nigeria. The research titled “Exploring barriers to women entrepreneurs in Enugu State Nigeria” was written to add to the body of knowledge on barriers facing some small-scale women entrepreneurs in the marketplaces in Nigeria. A mini-ethnographic case study design was used for this study, this methodology is a combination of ethnography and case study research that can assist a researcher to gain an in-depth understanding of a phenomenon. The data collection methods used for this study included open-ended semi-structured interviews, direct observation, reflective journaling, and field notes. Reflection enables investigators to engage in self-analysis throughout the research process. Reflections and experiences in the three marketplaces where the research took place, including interactions with the gatekeepers as well as the women entrepreneurs who shared their lived experiences, will be discussed.

Keywords

Investigators Reflection, Ethnography, Qualitative Research, Mini-Ethnography, Case Study, Women Entrepreneurs, Small Scale Women Entrepreneurs

Author Bio(s)

Dr. Ezenwayi C. Amaechi is an Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and the Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship (e-Center) Faculty Consultant at Johnson & Wales University. She is also a Social Entrepreneur whose research focuses on entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, women in leadership, ethnographic design, case study design, as well as women economic development, leadership, and sustainability in developing nations. Her publication can be found in American Journal of Strategic Leadership. Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to: ezenwayi.amaechi@jwu.edu.

Dr. Patricia Fusch is contributing faculty in the Ph.D. in Management program at Walden University. Her research focuses on leadership, manufacturing, women in business, ethnographic design, case study design, change management initiatives, focus group facilitation, and organizational development. Her publications can be found in The Qualitative Report, The International Journal of Applied Management and Technology, The International Journal of Business and Management, and in The Journal of Social Change. Correspondence regarding this article can also be addressed directly to: patricia.fusch@mail.waldenu.edu.

Publication Date

3-10-2019

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2019.3097

Recommended APA Citation

Amaechi, E. C., & Fusch, P. I. (2019). Investigators Reflections on the Process and Experience of a Mini-Ethnographic Case Study Research in Nigeria. The Qualitative Report, 24(3), 550-558. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2019.3097