Do entrepreneurial education programs impact the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention?

Abstract

Purpose Since the number of Entrepreneur Education Programs (EEPs) is constantly increasing, there is an ongoing debate on their effectiveness on entrepreneurial intention, but mixed results were found. This paper aims to analyse the impact of an EEP on the antecedents of the entrepreneurial intention in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach Following the theory of planned behaviour, we analysed the impact of the EEP on 30 participants of the “E4impact MBA” managed in Accra (Ghana), using an explanatory approach with a mixed-method quasi-experimental design featuring pre and post-testing as well as methods for measuring students’ self-perceived change. Findings Results show that EEPs strongly and positively affect some physiological characteristics, skills, and knowledge of participants, which are antecedents of entrepreneurial intentions. Originality/value The study offers a perspective of EEPs programs in a fast-expanding market, covering the lack of studies on entrepreneurship in these areas, and it is focus on a post-graduate program covering the lacks of studies on these level of education.

The Analysis of the Effect of Entrepreneurship Education, Perceived Desirability, and Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy on University Students’ Entrepreneurial Intention

“…These results are consistent with previous studies (e.g. Müller, 2011; Zhang et al, 2014; Küttima et al 2014;Pedrini et al, 2016Pedrini et al, & 2017Puni et. al., 2018).…”

“…The approach used to examine two important assumptions is Cronbach's alpha -because it is believed to be the most common measurement of reliability scale (Andy, 2005). [79] In this condition, alpha values range from 0.826 to 0.919 (Table 2). Therefore, surveys can be considered reliable.…”

“…While education generally helps equip people with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values they need to live and function well in society; educational programs that concentrate on entrepreneurship play an important role in influencing student attitudes toward EI and behavior. [30] The results show that EEP (entrepreneurship education program) strongly and positively influences some of the physiological characteristics, skills, and knowledge of participants, which is an antecedent of entrepreneurial intentions (Pedrini, Langella and Molteni, 2016). [31] According to the European Commission (2012), "EE in higher education enhances students 'basic competencies in entrepreneurship to strengthen students' Entrepreneurial Intention (EI)".…”

“…[31] According to the European Commission (2012), "EE in higher education enhances students 'basic competencies in entrepreneurship to strengthen students' Entrepreneurial Intention (EI)". [32] Empirically, research shows that EE can influence the development of EI (Pedrini et al, 2017). [33] Küttima et al (2014) also showed that students participating in EE in 17 European countries had the intention to engage in entrepreneurship.…”

“…Schmutzler et al, 2018). [68] Empirical studies show a significant positive relationship between the two constructs (e.g. Shahab et al, 2018).…”