Can Universities be a Gleam of Hope During COVID-19? Entrepreneurial Intentions Approach for Academia in Pakistan

Abstract

The COVID-19 epidemic has wreaked havoc on the economics of several countries. Downsizing, job shortages, and unemployment are among the significant effects. The markets are supported by the need to train and educate our youth to be job producers rather than job seekers. This study sought to investigate the role of universities in the formation of students’ attitudes toward entrepreneurship by analyzing the influence of locus of control, extracurricular activities, and curriculum on entrepreneurial intention among Pakistani university students. This study collected data from 536 students across 15 universities in Pakistan through a weblink questionnaire. SPSS and AMOS were used to test the theoretical model. Results confirmed that locus of control positively affects entrepreneurial intentions and is the strongest predictor among the other two variables. Extracurricular activities positively affect entrepreneurial intentions, and curriculum is also positively affecting entrepreneurial intentions. This study concluded that entrepreneurial education and acquaintance are essential in bringing entrepreneurial intentions among students. Locus of control is found to be the most substantial element in developing entrepreneurial intentions among students. Educational institutions can play a critical role by proactively contributing through their efficient and proficient curricula, professional and experienced teachers, and locus of control by combining curricular and co-curricular activities.

Does creative thinking contribute to the academic integrity of education students?

“…More so, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that creativity is essential for adapting to unexpected events or situations (e.g., other pandemics, conflicts, and earthquakes). For example, creative adaptability has been related to coping behaviors in stressful situations ( Orkibi, 2021 ), or to preparing students to deal with unknown scenarios ( Li et al, 2021 ). Creative teaching for overall learning and development has been established in recent research ( Levanon, 2021 ).…”

The impact of entrepreneurial education on the propensity of business students to support new ventures: A moderated mediation model

“…The study’s target audience was students of public and private universities who have already studied entrepreneurship. The selection of university students for this study was based on the fact that universities are regarded as the key cultural determinant ( Li et al, 2021 ). The city of Lahore was chosen for data collection as it is the center of Pakistan’s educational system because it is home to some of the nation’s most prominent, renowned, and prestigious universities ( Noor et al, 2020 ).…”

“… Shinnar et al (2018) claimed that university graduates who have obtained entrepreneurship education are more likely to pursue entrepreneurial careers. Realizing the need of the hour, few universities in Pakistan are entirely dedicated to the study of entrepreneurship ( Li et al, 2021 ).…”

An Analysis of the Entrepreneurial University in the Faculties of Education in Spain: Self-Perception among Deans

“…It is precisely for this reason that self-employment and entrepreneurship will favour economic recovery and job creation [53]. Universities are considered to be the formative force of any culture and prepare students to face any unknown scenario that may arise in the future [54]. Thus, there is a need to adapt curricula to the economic demands of the future [55], to develop the competence to lose the fear of entrepreneurship [56], and to use entrepreneurial strategies and policies to reactivate economic growth [57].…”