Crowdsourcing practise in Start-Up development

Table of Contents

1. Literature review and Theoretical framework

1.1. Crowdsourcing

1.1.1. Crowdsourcing beneficieries

1.1.2. Forms of crowdsourcing

1.1.3. Conceptual model of crowdsourcing

1.1.4. The crowdsourcing process

1.2. Open innovation

1.3. Social network theory

1.4. Sharing economy

1.5. Start-ups

1.5.1. Crowdsourcing in Start-ups

1.6. Research gap

1.7. Theoretical framework

1.7.1. Dependent and independent variables in research

1.7.2. Development of research question

2. Description of investigation, analysis and interpretation of results

2.1. Description of investigation

2.1.2. Findings from survey

2.1.3. SPSS Software results

2.3. Analysis of case study

2.4. Crowdsourcing platforms

2.4.1. Crowdsourcing Platforms and what is needed to join

2.4.2. Observation of crowdsourcing platform

Conclusion

Recommendation

Research Objectives and Core Topics

This master's thesis aims to identify the factors influencing why start-up companies underutilize crowdsourcing opportunities in their business development. By conducting a literature review, developing a theoretical framework, and performing empirical analysis through both surveys and case studies, the research explores how start-ups can effectively integrate crowdsourcing principles.

• Awareness of crowdsourcing opportunities as a tool for business development.
• Application of crowdsourcing models (e.g., crowd contests, microtasking, crowdfunding) in start-up environments.
• Evaluation of influential factors such as cost-efficiency, time management, and human resources.
• Practical implementation strategies through analysis of real-world case studies and platforms like Upwork and LEGO Ideas.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Literature review and Theoretical framework: This chapter reviews existing academic literature on crowdsourcing, open innovation, and start-up dynamics to establish a conceptual foundation.

2. Description of investigation, analysis and interpretation of results: This section details the methodology, analyzes quantitative data from surveys and qualitative evidence from case studies, and interprets these findings to answer the research questions.

Keywords

Crowdsourcing, Start-up, Business development, Open innovation, Collective intelligence, Crowdfunding, Microtasking, Macrotasking, Case study, Survey, SPSS, Entrepreneurship, Problem solving, Human Resources, Platform economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this research?

The research focuses on investigating the factors that influence start-up companies regarding their utilization of crowdsourcing as a tool for business development.

What are the central thematic areas?

The core themes include crowdsourcing strategies, open innovation, start-up growth dynamics, and the practical application of crowdsourcing platforms.

What is the main research question?

The thesis addresses two questions: To what extent are start-ups aware of crowdsourcing opportunities, and how can start-ups apply these principles to their development?

Which research methodology is employed?

The author uses a deductive research approach, combining quantitative methods (online survey of 350 respondents) and qualitative methods (case studies and platform observations).

What topics are discussed in the main body?

The main body covers theoretical definitions, the conceptual model of crowdsourcing, start-up limitations, an analysis of empirical survey results, and practical case studies of companies like Airdog and LEGO.

Which keywords define this work?

Key terms include Crowdsourcing, Start-up, Business development, Open Innovation, and Collective Intelligence.

How does crowdsourcing impact cost efficiency in start-ups?

The study indicates that crowdsourcing allows start-ups to access specialized skills and labor at lower costs compared to traditional hiring, making it a highly cost-efficient tool for product development.

What did the analysis of the LEGO case study reveal?

The LEGO case demonstrates how mature companies successfully leverage long-term crowdsourcing platforms to generate new product ideas from their community, fostering innovation through fan engagement.

Why are start-ups sometimes hesitant to use crowdsourcing?

The research identifies barriers such as lack of information, fears regarding the loss of intellectual property or idea theft, and concerns about the quality control of crowd-submitted work.