Studying temporal change using Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) allows researchers to examine complex and dynamic causal pathways between configurations of time-based conditions and a desired outcome. No comprehensive QCA technique currently addresses complex temporal changes in a unified manner. To remedy these shortcomings, we introduce Growth Pattern QCA—a mixed-method technique for studying complex growth dynamics. We integrate a quantitative computational toolkit for calculating growth slopes with QCA and demonstrate it using an illustrative multiyear panel. We offer practical guidance for researchers to apply these mixed methods for analyzing and forecasting complex growth patterns in various entrepreneurship research settings. We also review existing techniques and provide a decision roadmap of time-related QCA methods for researchers to use the best option for their research objectives.

中文翻译：

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乘着变革的浪潮：利用定性比较分析来分析创业中复杂的增长模式


使用定性比较分析 (QCA) 研究时间变化使研究人员能够检查基于时间的条件配置与期望结果之间复杂且动态的因果路径。目前还没有全面的 QCA 技术能够以统一的方式解决复杂的时间变化。为了弥补这些缺点，我们引入了生长模式 QCA——一种用于研究复杂生长动态的混合方法技术。我们将用于计算增长斜率的定量计算工具包与 QCA 集成，并使用说明性的多年面板进行演示。我们为研究人员提供实用指导，以应用这些混合方法来分析和预测各种创业研究环境中的复杂增长模式。我们还审查现有技术，并提供与时间相关的 QCA 方法的决策路线图，以便研究人员为他们的研究目标使用最佳选择。