University of Twente Student Theses
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How AI Supports Entrepreneurial Decision-Making in Start-Ups at Different Stages in a VUCA Environment
Ebels, S.C. (2025) How AI Supports Entrepreneurial Decision-Making in Start-Ups at Different Stages in a VUCA Environment.
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| Abstract: | This study explores how entrepreneurs use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their decision-making across different stages of their start-up’s life cycle. Depending on the decision-making approach causal, effectual, or hybrid, entrepreneurs apply AI in different ways. Using a qualitative research design with semi-structured interviews and a validated survey, this research shows how AI is used for both creative and strategic tasks. The findings show that in early stages, where effectuation is more common, AI helps mostly by saving time and improving communication or idea generation. In more stable phases, where causal logic becomes more dominant, AI supports data analysis, forecasting and planning. This research also expands on the hybrid decision-making framework proposed in prior scholarly work. Through mapping AI applications that can help to explore new ideas (effectuation) and then structure them into plans (causation) in the same action. The research also adds to effectuation theory by connecting new theoretical insights to practical AI use. Finally, the study offers practical guidance for entrepreneurs and highlights barriers like trust issues and data privacy, which impact impactful AI adoption. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | International Business Administration BSc (50952) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106901 |
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