Entrepreneurship education and training: can entrepreneurship be taught? Part I

Abstract

PurposeDespite a growing body of literature in the field, there is still considerable uncertainty as to whether entrepreneurs are born or made, which has led to an ongoing debate in the entrepreneurship academy about whether we can actually teach individuals to be entrepreneurs. With this in mind, this two‐part paper aims to address the question of whether or not entrepreneurship can be taught.Design/methodology/approachIn part I the importance of entrepreneurship in a modern, constantly changing environment is outlined, and the various ways in which entrepreneurship programmes can be categorised are considered. Attention is given to the various difficulties associated with the design of programmes, as well as their objectives, content and delivery methods. Part II of the paper focuses on the difficulties associated with programme evaluation and the various approaches adopted to determining and measuring effectiveness. This leads to a discussion on whether or not entrepreneurship can be successfully taught.FindingsDespite the growth in entrepreneurship education and training programmes, the paper reports that little uniformity can be found. Attention is drawn to the art and the science of entrepreneurship, with the consensus that at least some aspects of entrepreneurship can successfully be taught.Originality/valueThe authors highlight the need for evaluating programmes and for educators and trainers to have a fuller understanding of what they wish to achieve from their programme from the outset in order to ensure a more accurate assessment of the outcomes.

A Systematic Framework for Entrepreneurship Education within a University Context

“…Two other similar studies were also conducted. One focused on teaching methods (Tan & Ng, 2006) and the other one focused on learning process in both the classroom and the real world (Henry et al, 2005). …”

“…They argued the importance of entrepreneurial traits, competence, and managerial skills to promote successful entrepreneurs. Henry, Hill, and Leitch (2005) conducted research on learning process in different situations, which were the classroom and the real world. They mentioned about the criteria of success for both situations.…”

Developing entrepreneurial leadership: the challenge for sustainable organisations

“…Harrison, Leitch and McMullan have made substantive contributions to the field, posing implications for education and development and addressing team-based learning and leadership (Harrison & Leitch, 1994;Henry, Hill and Leitch 2005). Leitch, McMullan & Harrison (2009) addressed the application of action learning to leadership in the small firm context, with a focus on the effectiveness of learning outcomes and proposing the integrated development of personal identity, social interaction and organisational development in the learning process.…”

The Effect of Perceived Corruption on Entrepreneurial Intention: Evidence from Italy

“…This has caused a radical change in individual work preferences, with many now favoring self-reliant employment options (Baruch, 2004;Gibb, 2002;Hall, 2002). Further literature about entrepreneurial intention has focused on issues such as social contexts (Martin & Osberg, 2007;Abu-Saifan, 2012), personality traits (Zhao & Seibert, 2006;Aranha et al, 2017) and personal experiences (Zhao et al, 2005) to explain the reasoning behind and individual's intention to become an entrepreneur (Dyer, 1994;Henderson & Robertson, 1999;Henry et al, 2005;Gozukara & Colakoglu, 2015). Moreover, much of the research that seeks to explain entrepreneurial intentions (EI) is flawed (Mitchell et al, 2007).…”