A mixed approach for studying effectual entrepreneurial opportunities: development and application to Tunisian context

摘要

The aim of this paper is to propose a combined approach for studying entrepreneurial opportuni-ties based on effectual variables. The proposed mixed approach is carried out in three phases. First, entrepreneur’s effectuation variables are selected via a cognitive map and MICMAC meth-od. Second, a Neural Network (ANN)-based model is performed to highlight the emergence of potential entrepreneur’s conception which rely on effectuation key variables with survival and performance. Finally, ANN model is applied based on effectuation variables. Indeed, many con-firmations and interesting findings have been concluded. The results of the proposed approach are essential to understand Tunisian entrepreneur’s thinking and acting in entrepreneurship pro-cess. We make enrichments to the way of theorizing and practicing entrepreneurship, avoiding the idea of mythic entrepreneur.