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Associate Professor
Business Administration 
gadomdza@ashesi.edu.gh

  • Ph.D. in Management of Technology, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
  • M.A.Sc in Management Science, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada                                
  • M.A. in Applied Economics, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada          
  • Graduate Teaching Certificate, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada          
  • B.A. in Economics, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana                                                              
  • ACIM, Professional Diploma in Marketing, Chartered Institute of Marketing, London, UK        
  • Certificates in Case Method Teaching Part I & II,  Harvard Business Publishing with HBS. Boston, USA                        

Teaching Statement

It is not that difficult, these days, to find information on a subject of interest. You can easily find complex literature on any subject or translated versions (e.g. ‘Subject for dummies’), instructional videos (e.g. How To videos, MOOCs) or even info-taining videos (e.g. from ‘Youtube artists’). You get eased into the content and come away with some (sometimes a really good) understanding of the subject area. In a world where information is so abundant and available in desirable and engaging media format, how do we engage students and hold their attention long enough to achieve learning goals? This is the question that drives my approach to teaching.

I situate my approach in the analogy of a “Coach with a Toolbox”. A coach presents a unifying goal and helps his/her students to systematically develop the skills and abilities they possess to meet this goal. With activities and hurdles, the coach trains the students to harness their own individual and collective ability to become a formidable champion team with talented stars. Drawing from the role of a coach, I endeavor to identify theoretical lenses, tools and frameworks for the toolbox and appropriate activities for illustration. The use of this analogy often helps the class gain a sustained interest, practice critical thinking, empathy and intuition in problem solving and provides mastery of course concepts and their application.

For illustration, consider the high rate of venture failure in entrepreneurship. This tells us that we cannot continue to focus entrepreneurial teaching on business development while assuming that the students will bring quality ideas that only need evaluation. To apply the analogy, I have directed my teaching interest at the front-end of the entrepreneurial process by employing design thinking tools that harness students’ creativity to clearly define and understand problems, user needs and opportunity spaces before developing entrepreneurial ventures on them.

I know the coach with the toolbox analogy works and I get reminded quite frequently when I receive emails from past students. They will often be emailing from an internship or a new job somewhere on the planet and want to share how they are applying concepts we learned in class or how they are seeing it applied. That kind of feedback not only encourages me to continue to fill the toolbox and find new training drills, but it is also a reminder that how we engage students in the courses we teach is extremely important.

 

Research Statement

My research interests are at the intersection of social psychology and entrepreneurship in the development and pursuit of new venture ideas. I study the individual-opportunity nexus in the process of entrepreneurial opportunity identification and validation – essentially how entrepreneurs come up with ideas and pursue them. To better understand how opportunities are identified, I explore the effectiveness of user and market research methods (with emphasis on design thinking methods), in identifying unique value propositions for products, services and business models. At the startup level of analysis, my interest is in the role accelerators play in the identification and validation process. For instance, I conducted a research project with the world’s largest accelerator, MassChallenge, based in Boston, to understand their impact on the entrepreneurial process for startup founders and their businesses. I am currently extending that research to the African context, studying the work of local accelerators such as MEST, in Ghana.

 Opportunity identification and validation is not limited to the startup stage. It also pertains to corporations looking to innovate. Hence, at the corporate level, I focus on knowledge brokering for the discovery of new product and service ideas in different types of firms. Knowledge brokering refers to how ideas are captured, kept alive and used to identify yet new ideas –a processes that lends itself very well to the design thinking methodology. Many corporations generate terabytes of data every day but do not have a system of processing this information to generate new ideas. My goal is to understand how firms build and sustain innovation capabilities.

 My third research interest is in combining my interests in new idea development at the startup stage and at the corporate level to explore corporate participation in new venture creation for social impact. I see opportunities for corporations to realize long term brand equity by innovating their corporate social responsibility programs to motivate and support entrepreneurs in developing new ventures in the adjacencies of their core offering. My research interests here are in understanding how corporations can play the role of accelerators for new venture creation as a social impact strategy.

Courses taught at Ashesi: Foundations of Design and Entrepreneurship

 

Publications

Refereed Journal Publications, Cases and Proceedings

 

Refereed Conference acceptances

  • Adomdza, G. K. and Asare, T. P. (2016) “Experiential Learning as an Intervening Model between Design Thinking and New Product Development” Innovation Conference – Ghana (ICG2016) La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra, Ghana. Sept 27 – Sept 28, 2016. – Accepted.
  • Brown-Pobee, J-P. Y. and Adomdza, G. K (2016) “Digital Tools To Improve International Collaboration And Distant Education”, International Conference on Education, Development and Innovation (INCEDI 2016) under the theme: ‘Education Delivery and New Learning Technologies’ Tang Palace Hotel, Accra, Ghana. Aug 28 – Aug 31, 2016 – Accepted
  • Wanye, E. D., Adomdza, G. K. and Asare, T. P. (2016) “Experiential Education Platform To Study The Agricultural Value Chain” International Conference on Education, Development and Innovation (INCEDI 2016) under the theme: ‘Education Delivery and New Learning Technologies’ Tang Palace Hotel, Accra, Ghana. Aug 28 – Aug 31, 2016 – Accepted
  • Mudasir, F. A., Ofosuhene, S., Adomdza, G. K., and Beem, H. (2016) “Teachers As Grassroots Entrepreneurs: Modeling The Dissemination Of Local Stem Innovation In Ghana”. International Conference on Education, Development and Innovation (INCEDI 2016) under the theme: ‘Education Delivery and New Learning Technologies’ Tang Palace Hotel, Accra, Ghana. Aug 28 – Aug 31, 2016 – Accepted
  • Zanu, C. K. K., Adomdza, G. K. and Asare, T. P (2016) “Field Research Design As An Educational Platform For Exploring New Concepts”. International Conference on Education, Development and Innovation (INCEDI 2016) under the theme: ‘Education Delivery and New Learning Technologies’ Tang Palace Hotel, Accra, Ghana. Aug 28 – Aug 31, 2016 – Accepted
  • Adomdza, G. (2016) “Design Thinking The Management Of Sustainable Development Goals” 2016 School of Social Science International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals and Good Governance, Accra, Ghana. April 14-15, 2016. Accepted
  • Marcelle, G. and Adomdza, G (2016) “The Role of Intermediaries In Innovation Ecosystems In Developing Countries” ISPIM Innovation Forum: Charting the Future of Innovation Management - Boston, MA, USA, 13-16 March 2016. Accepted.
  • Adomdza, G., McDonough III, E. F., Lin, H., Hu, B. (2014) “Funder Monitoring Actions and Firm Performance: The Moderating Role of Innovation Capabilities” Academy of Management Meeting, Vancouver, British Columbia,  August 7 - August 11, 2015. Accepted
  • Adomdza, G., Dedeke A. and Huang, T. Y. (2013) “Event-generated Affect : Implications for Small Business and High Growth Ventures Goals” Academy of Management Meeting, Lake Buena Vista (Orlando), FL  August 9 - August 13, 2013. Accepted
  • Adomdza, G. and Schjoedt, L. (2013) "Goal Setting, Goal Striving, And Goal Attainment: A Longitudinal Study Of Entrepreneurs’ Motivation” 2013 BCERC, Écully, France June 5-8, 2013 Accepted
  • Huang, T. Y. and Adomdza, G. (2013) "Owning for love: A study of entrepreneurial passion, core-self evaluation and psychological ownership of venture", 2013 BCERC, Écully, France June 5-8, 2013 Accepted.
  • Adomdza, G. and Marion, T., (2012) “Creative and Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy: Understanding the Entrepreneurial Capabilities of Creative People” Product Innovation Management Annual Global Conference, Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa, Orlando, Florida, October 20 - 24, 2012. Accepted. 
  • Adomdza, G. and Astebro, T. (2012) “The Effect of One’s Cognition on Others in Resource Acquisition for Commercialization of Inventions” Academy of Management Meeting Boston, MA., August 3 – 7. Accepted.                                                                                                  
  • Adomdza, G., Meyer, M., and Marion, T., (2012) "Innovation through Constraints: A Framework for Using Roadblocks to Foster Creativity", 19th International Product Development Management Conference, The Product Development and Management Association (PDMA), University Of Manchester, U.K., June 17-19, 2012. Accepted.
  • Adomdza, G. (2012) "Studying The Impact Of Multiple Expert Evaluations On Start-up Strategic Progress", 2012 BCERC, Babson College, Fort Worth, TX, June 6-9, 2012 Accepted.
  • Mitteness, C. R., Adomdza, G., and Moore, G., (2012) "A Multilevel Examination of the Effect of Start-up Assistance Providers on Start-up Gestation Activity", 2012 BCERC, Babson College, Fort Worth, TX, June 6-9, 2012. Accepted.
  • Onwuegbuzie, H. N. and Adomdza, G. (2012) "Nike Davies-Okundaye: Building a Family Social Enterprise", USASBE 2012, The United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE), New Orleans, Louisiana, Jan 12 – 15, 2012.
  • Adomdza, G. (2011) “Avoiding the pitfalls of co-creation: A framework for customer participation in the NDP process to generate breakthrough innovations” 35th Annual Product Innovation Management Annual Global Conference. Phoenix, AZ, October 27 -November 3, 2011
  • Adomdza, G. and Dedeke A. (2011) “Entrepreneurial intentions: Integrating insights from research on appraisal dimensions of affect” Academy of Management Meeting San Antonio, Texas, August 12 – 16
  • Adomdza, G. and Maxwell A. (2011) “Affect Regulation of Entrepreneurial Passion” Academy of Management Meeting San Antonio, Texas, August 12 – 16
  • Adomdza, G. (2010) “Discrete affect in entrepreneurship research: the multidimensionality of affect ” Academy of Management Meeting, Montreal, Quebec, August 6-10, 2010
  • Allen, M., Adomdza, G., and Meyer, M. (2010) “Managing for innovation: the role of managerial control in supporting corporate venturing” Academy of Management Meeting, Montreal, Quebec, August 6-10, 2010
  • Adomdza, G., Allen, M., and Meyer, M. (2009) “Managing career risk in corporate ventures: Analysis from the field” Academy of Management Meeting, Chicago, Illinois August 7-11, 2009
  • Adomdza, G. (2008) “The role of psychological attachment and control preferences in commercialization decisions” Academy of Management Meeting, Anaheim, California August 8-13, 2008
  • Adomdza, G. and Maxwell A. (2008) “Caught in the act: Analyzing real-time business angel investor decisions to invest” Academy of Management Meeting, Anaheim, California August 8-13, 2008
  • Scott, J. and Adomdza, G. (2008) “Incentive Vividness and Improved Performance” Academy of Management Meeting, Anaheim, California August 8-13, 2008
  • Adomdza, G. (2007) “Investigating Psychological Ownership of New Ideas for Scientists in Industry and Academia” Graduate Research Conference, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON. April 2007.
  • Adomdza, G. (2007) “Investigating Reference Points for Entrepreneurial Decision-making” Southern Ontario Behavioural Decision Research Conference, Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, ON, May 11, 2007.
  • Jeffrey, S. and Adomdza, G. (2007) “The Role of Incentive Mind Share in Improved Performance” Southern Ontario Behavioural Decision Research Conference, Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, ON, May 11, 2007.
  • Adomdza, G. Control Orientation: The Role of Affect in Commercializing New Ideas. 14TH Annual Consortium on Competition and Cooperation (CCC), College of Management, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta. GA. April 13-15, 2007.
  • Astebro, T., Scott, J., and Adomdza, G. (2006) “Inventor Perseverance After Being Told to Quit: The Role of Overconfidence and Optimism” Academy of Management Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia August 11 -16, 2006 (G. Adomdza presented).
  • Also presented at the 22nd Annual Conference of the Canadian Council for Small Business & Entrepreneurship. Waterloo, ON, October 27-29, 2005; at the Southern Ontario Behavioural Decision Research Conference, University of Waterloo, ON April 29, 2005; at the 10th Schumpeter Society conference, Università Bocconi, Milan, June 9-12, 2004; and at DRUID Summer Conference 2004, June 14-16, 2004.
  • Adomdza, G. (2005) “Why Do Inventors Continue When Experts Say Stop? The Effects of Overconfidence, Optimism and Illusion of Control” Graduate Research Conference, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON. 2005
  • Adomdza, G., Astebro, T. and Scott, J. (2004) “Inventors' Intentions to Invent: Delusional and Biased or Opportunistic Bayesians?” 9th Behavioural Decision Research in Management Conference, The Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina April 15-18. http://faculty.fuqua.duke.edu/bdrm/location.htm

Refereed Conference acceptances

  • Adomdza, G., McBagonluri, F., Kemausour, F., Nygaard, I., Hansen, U. E. and Lauritzen, H (2016) “Exploring product development possibilities and alternative uses of PV solar cells in Ghana” Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, DTU Energy, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde. Report File no. 104.GHANA.809-200

 

Professional Affiliation

Academic and professional membership

  • Academy of Management (AoM)
  • United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE)
  • Product Development and Management Association (PDMA)
  • National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance (NCIIA)
  • Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM, UK)
  • Member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council
  • Member of the Editorial board: Journal of African Business Research
  • Member of the Editorial Board: Journal for Global Business Advancement

Ashesi University Community

  • Lead, The Ashesi Design Lab (2015 – date): A design lab that is focused on leading the development of capacity and experience for design thinking and making methodology to problem solving in Africa
  • Faculty Advisor, Ashesi Venture Accelerator (2015 – date): Student-led venture accelerator concept aimed at helping student ventures develop and test their business models

Northeastern University Community

  • Faculty Advisor (2008- date): University-wide Entrepreneurship Club housed in the D’Amore-McKim School of Business. Have recruited and mentored club leaders for the past 6 years. Very engaging students club, ranked 6th in the world and has an annual budget of $40,000 for programming
  • Coordinator, University-Wide Educational Programs at the Northeastern University Center for Entrepreneurship Education (NUCEE)
  • Member of the Social Enterprise Institute: develop and plan innovation curriculum on field study programs to Latin America and Africa
  • Faculty associate, Center for Emerging markets, www.damore-mckim.neu.edu/cem/
  • Member, Institute for Global Innovation Management, damore-mckim.neu.edu/igim/
  • Reviewer: Journal of Business Venturing, Entrepreneurship, Theory and Practice, Academy of Management (AoM) annual meetings

  

Experience

Teaching Experience

  • Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
  • CEIBS Africa, Accra, Ghana
  • Harvard University – Extension School, Cambridge, MA, USA
  • University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
  • Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON Canada

Professional Experience

  • Design Innovation Consulting, Boston: John Hancock - 2014
  • Research associate, Boston, Continuum Innovation Emerging Market Research Group 2009 - 2012
  • Research associate, Boston, Masschallenge Inc 2010 - 2012
  • Design Innovation Consulting collaboration, Boston 2009 - 2011
  • Research assistant for Dr. Tom Astebro, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto 2003 – 2008
  • New idea validation (Canadian Innovation Centre) 2004 – 2006

Academic and Professional Membership

  • Academy of Management (AoM)
  • United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE)
  • Product Development and Management Association (PDMA)
  • National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance (NCIIA)
  • Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM, UK)
  • Member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council
  • Member of the Editorial board: Journal of African Business Research
  • Member of the Editorial Board: Journal for Global Business Advancement

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