University students' perceptions about the impact of entrepreneurship education on entre

Abstract

The research sought university students’ perceptions on the impact of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intentions in Zimbabwe. It was anchored on the Theory of Planned Behaviour whose three main tenets are, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behaviour control. These tenets together with other factors believed to influence entrepreneurship were tested during the study. The target population was 246 BUSE students. The sample size was 30 postgraduate students from the Faculty of Science Education at Bindura University of Science Education. Purposive sampling was used. The study used a mixed methods approach. The study used a self - constructed Likert questionnaire to solicit knowledge of entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intentions together with in depth interviews to collect data. Students showed knowledge of entrepreneurship education. However, the students showed a low risk appetite. Subjective norms had insignificant effect on entrepreneurial intentions of students. Perceived behaviour control positively influenced entrepreneurial intentions of students. Entrepreneurship Education had a significant influence on entrepreneurial intentions of students as it shaped their mind-sets and prepared them to take entrepreneurship as a career option. The students believed that the entrepreneurship education programme boosted their confidence and made them ready to spring into new venture creation. The entrepreneurship course was generally highly rated by the students. However, students bemoaned that the entrepreneurship course was largely theoretical as it lacked practical exposure. Students had low ratings on facilities and access to mentors. The study recommended introducing that entrepreneurship course early in the degree programmes to allow mentorship and exposure to incubation hubs. Funding should also be availed to students who want to take entrepreneurship as an option during work related learning.