scholarly journals A tale of two universities: graduates perceived value of entrepreneurship education

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 689-705 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Jones ◽  
David Pickernell ◽  
Rebecca Fisher ◽  
Celia Netana

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate career impact of entrepreneurship education (EE) considering evidence drawn from a quantitative study of alumni within two UK higher education institutions (HEIs) from a retrospective perspective. The findings inform the value of the EE experience and its impact on both self-employability and wider employability career choices. This study will be of relevance to both enterprise support agencies and government policy makers. Design/methodology/approach This research study considers evidence drawn from an online quantitative survey of EE within two UK HEIs. The survey evaluated a range of issues including course design, programme satisfaction, impact, career outcomes and respondents demographics. Over 80 respondents completed the survey in full which was analysed using a range of bivariate techniques. Findings The evidence suggested here indicates that EE programmes provide value both in terms of helping to enable business start-ups and also in supporting other career paths, through the enterprising knowledge and skill sets graduates acquire during their specialised studies. This study contributes to the literature by recognising and measuring these contributions. For example, this study enables discernment between different EE course components and their value for different career outcomes. Research limitations/implications The study recognises the limitations of this survey data in terms of the size of the sample, number of HEIs evaluated and its point in time design. Practical implications The HEI sector must evaluate its practices and measure the effectiveness of its graduates in terms of achieving sustainable business start-up. In course design, the evidence suggested that students value both the enterprising and entrepreneurial skills and knowledge components and discern value between them in their later careers. The findings suggest that EE graduates typically experience portfolio careers with multiple occupations in different sectors and roles within both employment and self-employment. Thus it is important that EE programme design includes both enterprising and entrepreneurial components to meet the future requirements of their graduates postgraduation. Originality/value This study contributes new evidence regarding the value of EE in UK HEIs. This evidence should inform course design and policy makers regarding the value of EE in creating self-employment and creating enterprising employees.

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 584-612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm J. Beynon ◽  
Paul Jones ◽  
Gary Packham ◽  
David Pickernell

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate student motivation for undertaking an entrepreneurship education programme and their ultimate employment aspirations through a novel data mining technique. The study considered what relationship certain motivation characteristics have to students’ aspirations, specifically in terms of their intention to be self-employed or employed. Design/methodology/approach – The study examined enrolment data of 720 students on an entrepreneurial education programme, with work statuses of full-time, part-time or unemployed and have known aspirations to either employment or self-employment. The Classification and Ranking Belief Simplex (CaRBS) technique is employed in the classification analyses undertaken, which offers an uncertain reasoning based visual approach to the exposition of findings. Findings – The classification findings demonstrate the level of contribution of the different motivations to the discernment of students with self-employed and employed aspirations. The most contributing aspirations were Start-Up, Interests and Qualifications. For these aspirations, further understanding is provided with respect to gender and student age (in terms of the association with aspirations towards self-employed or employed). For example, with respect to Start-Up, the older the unemployed student, the increasing association with employment rather than self-employment career aspirations. Research limitations/implications – The study identifies candidate motivation and the demographic profile for student's undertaking an entrepreneurial education programme. Knowing applicant aspirations should inform course design, pedagogy and its inherent flexibility and recognise the specific needs of certain student groups. Originality/value – The study contributes to the literature examining motivations for undertaking entrepreneurship education and categorising motivating factors. These findings will be of value to both education providers and researchers.


2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Gabaldon ◽  
Celia De Anca ◽  
Concepcion Galdón

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate alternative measures to better understand and measure success for self-employed mothers in addition to the usual financial indicators. Design/methodology/approach – The present study is a comparative analysis of time spent at work and undertaking childcare by female workers with children in Spain between 2009 and 2010, using a combination of descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis based on the Time-Use Survey 2009-2010. Findings – The results of the paper indicate that self-employed working mothers tend to spend more time with their children when these are under the age of ten, and that they work longer hours than salaried mothers. Research limitations/implications – This paper has some limitations due to the quantitative approach to secondary data. Further qualitative research could clarify some of the findings; moreover the study is based on Spain, so extending to other countries would help validate the results. Social implications – Policy makers, in general – but more specifically in high unemployment scenarios – can facilitate self-employment for both men and women to reduce unemployment and to offer workers the prospect of a more balanced life. Originality/value – This research contributes to the existing literature, which fosters a more holistic approach to the analysis of female-run ventures by measuring performance using not only economic indicators, but also personal achievements.


2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 841-856 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isla Kapasi ◽  
Galina Grekova

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions and perspectives of students with regards to self-determined learning in an entrepreneurship education (EE) context and its potential contribution to employability. Design/methodology/approach This research used a mixed-methods approach with a sample of 25 students currently attending a UK higher education institute. The students had access to participation in EE modules but self-determined learning-informed modules or programmes were not currently offered. Students were invited to attend focus groups and as a result of emergent themes, a business school-wide survey was developed. Findings This research makes two tentative contributions to the EE field. First, the findings of this student cohort are similar to those found throughout the UK and the EU with regard to the perception of the value of a degree by students; its contribution to the hidden curriculum; and the importance of practical experience. The research also adds to the field by considering the value of a self-determined learning approach to developing the capabilities and competencies of graduates. This approach to learning in a context of EE was in general well received by potential students, particularly the applied aspect of the programme. However, there is a perception of risk about this approach to learning and students are concerned about the value of a programme like this to employers in general. Originality/value The study contributes to discussions on the value of EE on perceived employability and in particular self-determined learning through entrepreneurship activity.


2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (9) ◽  
pp. 1081-1094 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ifeoluwa Damilola Adeoye ◽  
Wayo Seini ◽  
Daniel Sarpong ◽  
Ditchfield Amegashie

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of the different components of off-farm income on multi-dimensional poverty. Furthermore, the study aims to measure multi-dimensional poverty and also identify the determinants of multi-dimensional poverty in Nigeria. The paper reveals the different contributions of the dimensions of education, health and living standard. Design/methodology/approach The study focuses on rural farm households in Nigeria. Data are obtained from the Nigeria General Household Survey, 2013. The survey covers both urban and rural areas of the 36 states of Nigeria. Owing to the interest of this study in the rural farm household’s sub-sector, a nationally representative sample of 836 rural farm households are selected for the study after the data merging process. Rural farm households in this paper earn 50 percent of their total income from crop and livestock production. The paper employs the Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) to measure multi-dimensional poverty across the six different geographical zones of Nigeria. The probit regression model is used to estimate and analyze the effect of off-farm income components on multi-dimensional poverty and also to identify the determinants of multi-dimensional poverty. Findings The results of the study show that among the off-farm income components, the non-farm wage income and non-farm self-employment income have negative association with multi-dimensional poverty. Findings show that multi-dimensional poverty is high in Nigeria with deprivations in health contributing the most. Northern Regions have a higher estimate. Results reveal that sex, age, number of adults, formal credit access, access to extension services and location characteristics are key determinants of multi-dimensional poverty. The MPI for Nigeria averaged 47 percent. Across regions, deprivation in the health dimension contributes about 44 percent to multi-dimensional poverty. Deprivation in living standards contributes 40.5 percent, while deprivation in education contributes 15.5 percent to multi-dimensional poverty. Research limitations/implications Due to the nature of the data used, the health indicators (nutrition and child mortality) are absent but proxies are used instead. Future research could introduce gender dimensions. Practical implications Improving the involvement of rural farm households in non-farm self-employment sector could improve their livelihoods and prevent migration to urban centers, especially among the youths. Social implications Improving the quality of health, education and living standards will lead to lower poverty levels in Nigeria. Farmers can best reduce their multi-dimensional poverty by engaging in more off-farm jobs. Originality/value This paper provides information to policy makers on the effect of different components of income from the off-farm sector on multi-dimensional poverty alongside with the determinants of multi-dimensional poverty at a national level for the rural farm households. By using MPI, the contribution of the different dimensions used in computing the MPI across the six geographical regions within the country is revealed. This provides policy makers with more information for development purposes.


2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 674-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sirje Ustav ◽  
Urve Venesaar

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of metacompetencies in entrepreneurship education through students’ expressions of metacompetencies in their learning processes, aiming to provide assistance embedding metacompetencies in entrepreneurship education.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical study is based on qualitative data retrieved from students’ reflections throughout the course, and measures the constructs of metacompetencies in parallel with the acquisition of entrepreneurship course outcomes. The phenomenological analysis is coded to apply Bayesian modelling and statistical validation measures to establish interrelations between metacompetency components and conceptual validity.FindingsDifferent degrees of appearance of students’ metacompetencies and significant correlations between all three components of metacompetencies are identified. An empirical model of connection between metacompetencies and entrepreneurship education is created, which shows a strong relationship between students’ metacompetencies and changes in attitudes, emotions, intentions and interest towards entrepreneurship.Practical implicationsPractical implications are connected with the entrepreneurship course design, supporting the development of students’ metacompetencies and self-awareness.Social implicationsSocial implications bring learners’ physical participation in the courses into the spotlight, influencing students’ attitudes towards entrepreneurship. Enhancing metacompetencies as a tripartite model assures that cognitive, conative and affective aspects of learning are in corresponding change.Originality/valueThis paper provides a step forward from theorising metacompetencies, putting this concept in the middle of practice. The empirical model establishes a direct connection between metacompetencies and entrepreneurship education, demonstrating how students’ awareness creation through metacompetencies influences changes in interest and intention towards entrepreneurship.


2005 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul D. Hannon ◽  
Lorna A. Collins ◽  
Alison J. Smith

There is a strong interest in knowledge-based economies in increasing the levels of graduate entrepreneurship. The role of higher education in this context is crucial in enhancing the motivation and capability of graduates to engage in entrepreneurial activity. However, traditional pedagogical approaches in business and management as applied to entrepreneurship education may be limiting the opportunities for students to develop entrepreneurial skills, knowledge and behaviour. If the need for increased levels of graduate entrepreneurship is to be met, it is important to develop more innovative and entrepreneurial approaches. Shifting the underpinning paradigm to one derived from a humanist philosophy suggests a co-learning approach in which both learner and educator participate in the learning process. This paper highlights the need for innovation in the supply of entrepreneurship education in UK higher education institutions to enhance graduate entrepreneurship. The authors reflect on and examine the experience of piloting a collaborative co-learning approach to entrepreneurship education that engages university students from a range of disciplines, local entrepreneurs and educators in the learning and development process. Finally, they explore the challenge that embedding such an approach poses to the development of entrepreneurship education in UK HEIs. The paper adds to the body of knowledge in the area of graduate entrepreneurship and raises important issues for policy makers, practitioners, educators and entrepreneurs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suni Mydock III ◽  
Simon James Pervan ◽  
Alanoud F. Almubarak ◽  
Lester Johnson ◽  
Michael Kortt

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which consumer purchasing behaviour is influenced by advertised information that a product is made with renewable energy. It also seeks to identify why some consumers might respond more favourably. Design/methodology/approach Three experiments were conducted using two samples of university students enroled in Australia. The first experiment tested the main effect of this research, the second tested the potential amplifying effect of locus of control and the third tested the temporal orientation. Findings Consumer respond favourably to products promoted as made with renewable energy. The possible explanation for this is that future temporal orientation (FTO) influences attitude towards the brand, attitude towards the advertisement, purchase intention and willingness to pay a premium for brands. The observed interaction effect between perceived greenness of the advertisement and FTO is also robust to scepticism. Research limitations/implications Results presented here are also derived from responses made by students at a regional Australian university. Although atypical in their profile with most over 30 years of age, findings cannot reliably be generalised to the larger population. Determining how much importance a renewable energy appeal has when it is positioned among other green appeals would reveal the relative usefulness of the focal promotion to marketers. Practical implications Promoting a firm’s use of renewable energy presents an important opportunity to achieve desirable outcomes, and the efficacy of this is magnified within individuals that habitually focus on the future. Social implications These findings benefit society because they contribute towards increasing the frequency of sustainable business practices. It should also encourage policy-makers to implement policy changes (e.g., removing subsidies that prevent renewable energy from attaining cost parity with non-renewable sources of energy), which can result in beneficial economic outcomes. Originality/value This research is the first of its kind to be conducted in an Australian context, providing findings that assist both firms’ and policy-makers’ decision-making.


2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 797-811
Author(s):  
Shirley Mo-Ching Yeung

This study focuses on exploring the elements needed for entrepreneurship education in the future for generating economic, social and environmental sustainability for the community and for developing future leaders through understanding the existing entrepreneurship related policies, programmes, modules and the perception of teenagers of entrepreneurship skills to realise the importance of a mindset of entrepreneurship and the ways of integrating multidisciplinary knowledge for developing entrepreneurship spirit to meet the challenges of the future. This topic has not been comprehensively explored in the past. After conducting quantitative analysis on 95 undergraduate students of a postsecondary institution in Hong Kong on entrepreneurship skills, the regression results presented in this paper found “entrepreneurship skills include implementation skill” can explain about 33percent of the change in the dependent variable of “sustainable skill sets include building a positive mindset”. And, the mean scores of “entrepreneurship skills include creativity and risk-taking are the same as 4.02 out of a 5-point scale while “dislike handling paperwork with details”, “dislike facing people I don’t know” and “dislike being challenges” received the lowest scores of 2.6, 2.7 and 2.7 respectively. With regard to the qualitative analysis of existing entrepreneurship related programmes, it is found that business, management, finance and contemporary issues are the common elements in existing programmes of which the skills of creativity, risk-taking, socialization, handling details and challenges are lacking. When analysing the meeting notes of UNESCO, APEID in February, 2015 of nine countries (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, China Hong Kong, Japan, and Republic of Korea), there is a trend on the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation mindset with three common concerns, that is, a lack of competent teachers teaching entrepreneurship programmes, a lack of industry exposure and a lack of government support. This paper highlights the key elements of future entrepreneurship related programmes for sustainability. Both educators and policy makers not only need to respond to the ecosystem of entrepreneurship education, but also need to co-produce relevant and meaningful entrepreneurship related modules and programmes which focus on soft skills development for building a positive mindset for handling challenges of the future


Author(s):  
Babak Ziyae ◽  
Mehdi Tajpour

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the entrepreneurial university and to develop a theoretical framework relating entrepreneurship education in the third generation of universities. Therefore, the future research could be carried out to identify and apply the presented model. Design/methodology/approach – In terms of objective, this study is considered as an empirical one, and the research methodology is descriptive-correlative type. Sample population consists of 130 knowledge-based firms in the science and technology parks. In total, 100 knowledge-based firms were selected by using a stratified random sampling. The analysis of data obtained from the questionnaires and both descriptive and inferential parts was done through the application of SPSS, structural equation modeling technique and Smart PLS 3 software. Findings – The results suggested the positive and significant effect of the organizational, individual, institutional, and environmental factors on entrepreneurial university in the science and technology parks. Practical implications – The application of the research model provides an avenue for the practitioners to design accelerates and creative science and technology parks focussing on the commercialization education, entrepreneurial intuition and marketing to students and innovators. Social implications – The theoretical framework of the current study offers a different way forward for policy makers in thinking about those factors that may be critical for success of entrepreneurship education. Policy makers, in general can provide infrastructures to launch third generation of universities, entrepreneurial university, for young generation to increase effectiveness of academic education and to provide the prospect of a more business opportunity recognition. Originality/value – This research contributes to the existing literature in the field of entrepreneurship education. So far, a comprehensive model has been substantially neglected with respect to the entrepreneurial university in the science and technology parks. This new framework can be used to inform thinking and research design in the area of entrepreneurship education to promote entrepreneurial university thought.


2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 16-32
Author(s):  
Aeggarchat Sirisankanan

Purpose Financial development may be an alternative policy for controlling informal employment. However, there is still an ambiguous relationship between financial development and informal employment. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of financial development on informal employment. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on both the occupational choice model and on the concept of financial development and economic growth which can produce either a positive or negative relationship between financial development and informal employment. Consequently, the author formulated empirical specifications and applied an econometric technique to examine the actual relationship. Findings The empirical results indicated that financial development can reduce informal employment. The author also found that the relationship between financial development and informal employment varies, depending on the level of economic growth and development. Research limitations/implications Even though there are many types of informal employment, this paper uses only informal self-employment as a proxy of informal employment. To implement it properly, all types of informal employment should also be examined. Practical implications Becoming informal employment depends on several factors; policy makers for each country should carefully examine the specific relationship between financial development and informal employment for their own country. Social implications The paper presents alternative choices for policy makers to control informal employment by increasing financial development, especially in developing countries. This policy also includes promoting microfinance which will contribute to both formality and increasing the strength of the community. Originality/value From the two possible impacts of financial development on informal employment, this paper affirms that financial development can reduce informal employment.


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