Bending Moments to Business Models: Integrating an Entrepreneurship Case Study as Part of Core Mechanical Engineering Curriculum

Abstract

This is a pilot study of an instructional technique that teaches important solid mechanics concepts within the context of an entrepreneurship case study and lab. Students were tested pre-and-post the case study/lab experiences to determine changes in engineering and entrepreneurial content knowledge, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and career intent. Results show that students can increase their knowledge of targeted entrepreneurship concepts without diminishment of learning core engineering concepts. While the case study experience did not significantly change entrepreneurial career intentions it did grow students' perceived entrepreneurial self-efficacy (as measured by confidence in business skills), which can be a precursor to changing career intent. The case study experience also appealed to a broad spectrum of students with career interests ranging from working for a start-up to working for an established global business. The implications of entrepreneurial case study instruction are discussed.