55

This text sets out a representations research methodology that establishes parameters and models to help understand and prepare for entrepreneurial practice. The proposed methodology, referred to as systemic modeling methodology or SMM, is based on a qualitative research process that can be applied at three levels, namely: (1) life stories (description and analysis), (2) human and organizational activities (connections and hierarchies—description and analysis) and (3) conceptual thinking (preparation of models and identification of concepts for the design and performance of human activities). The proposed methodology makes empirical use of the soft systems method developed by Peter Checkland, which includes an analysis and comparison of the organizational actor’s real world and subjective world. The methodology proposed here can be used to identify parameters, models, or meta-models for use in educating and training future practitioners. In this text, the focus is on entrepreneurial actors.