https://doi.org/10.1177/02734753221141637
Journal of Marketing Education
1–21
© The Author(s) 2022
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DOI: 10.1177/02734753221141637
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Article
Extant research on experiential learning suggests that real-
world experience, in conjunction with critical thinking exer-
cises, are essential elements in the learning process and
knowledge development (Kolb, 1984; Payne et al., 2011;
Petkus, 2000). Experiential learning allows educators,
including marketers, to create learning environments that can
foster active learning (Wrenn & Wrenn, 2009). Daly (2001)
found experiential learning offers “a dimension of reality
lacking in simulations,” which are common in marketing
courses (Daly, 2001, p. 204).
Numerous scholars have lauded the relevance of experi-
ential learning in the design of marketing and business cur-
riculum (Bobbitt et al., 2000; Frontczak & Kelly, 2000; Kolb
& Kolb, 2005; Peltier et al., 2008; Singh et al., 2022; Wrenn
& Wrenn, 2009). For instance, Bobbitt et al. (2000) designed
and implemented an experiential learning project to facilitate
collaboration and knowledge exchange between student
teams taking three different marketing courses.
Petkus (2000) extended Easterling and Rudell’s (1997)
experiential learning model by proposing a comprehensive
model to support the design and implementation of service-
learning projects in the marketing curriculum. Likewise,
Metcalf (2010) proposed a framework for implementing
international service-learning projects to strengthen student
learning outcomes and reinforce both marketing-related
courses and relevant business competencies acquired from
previous coursework.
Despite the recent popularity of experiential pedagogy
among educators in marketing and across different disci-
plines, a dearth of research exists in the literature in relation
to refining and improving the experiential learning process
(Lastner et al., 2016). From service learning to capstone
projects, innovative educators have implemented a variety of
activities (Bobbitt et al., 2000; Daly, 2001; Graeme Duffett
and Henry Cromhout, 2022; Metcalf, 2010; Petkus, 2000),
but the findings from Schaller (2020) suggested that the
1141637JMD XX X 10.1177/02734753221141637Journal of Marketing EducationOyedele et al.
research-article 2022
1
University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA
2
St. Cloud State University, MN, USA
3
University of the Incarnate Word, Campus Bajio, Irapuato, Guanajuato,
Mexico
4
Venn Foundation, Saint Paul, MN, USA
Corresponding Author:
Adesegun Oyedele, Associate Professor, Marketing and International
Business, H-E-B School of Business and Administration, University of the
Incarnate Word, 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209, USA.
Email: oyedele@uiwtx.edu
Using Classroom-Run Virtual Startup
Incubator to Facilitate Experiential
Learning Experiences and Global
Marketing Alliances
Adesegun Oyedele
1
, Emily Goenner
2
, Maria Guadalupe Alba Aguilar
3
,
and Robert H. Scarlett
4
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to fill the gaps in the literature in terms of understanding how marketing and international
entrepreneurship educators have responded to the impact of the pandemic on experiential learning pedagogy in developing
countries. To address these gaps in the literature, this article conceptualizes a Classroom-run Virtual Startup Incubator
(CVSI) program as a virtual learning space for seamless collaboration, networking and relationship building among multiple
stakeholders across borders to inspire students to create startups and marketing alliances in marginalized communities. This
article extends the KNOW-DO-BE model to include the OPERATE dimension to encourage innovation, experimentation,
failure, and collaboration opportunities among the participants on the CVSI platform. Also, the study shows that relational/
network approaches such as the resource dependence theory are important lenses for understanding participants’ experiences
on the CVSI platform. These theoretical contributions are based on the analysis of the qualitative case studies gathered from
the experiential learning experiences of students and mentors who participated in the CVSI program.
Keywords
experiential learning, pedagogy, developing countries, indigenous, incubator, marginalized communities