Abstract
This paper joins the debate about how best to assess entrepreneurial training interventions, using a case-study. Contextual secondary literature about the structure and content of such interventions is briefly reviewed. Based on this review, a framework is developed and applied to the Provincial Skills Development Pilot Project’s current New Venture Creation Learnership programme. This in-depth case study uses an evaluation instrument based on the entrepreneurial assessment model proposed by Pretorius (2001: 264). Results show that the chosen programme exhibits certain limitations, which restricts its success in developing entrepreneurs in line with the National Skills Development Strategy. However, the programme possesses many strengths and its limitations are easily remedied. The proposed assessment method successfully identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the programme.
Highlights
In 2004 South Africa’s total entrepreneurial activity (TEA) rate was estimated at 5.4 per cent, against a total average of 9.4 per cent amongst all countries participating in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) programme (Orford, Herrington & Wood, 2004: 3)
The literature study was based primarily on the South African context, with articles obtained from academic journals, conference proceedings and government sources such as the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Labour
Our analysis is restricted to the activities and achievements of a single programme, the Provincial Skills Development Pilot Project Phase II, which is presented by the Support to Education and Skills Development (SESD) initiative
Summary
In 2004 South Africa’s total entrepreneurial activity (TEA) rate was estimated at 5.4 per cent, against a total average of 9.4 per cent amongst all countries participating in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) programme (Orford, Herrington & Wood, 2004: 3). Considering that the average TEA rate for developing countries is 21 per cent, South Africa is one of the least “entrepreneurially active” nations among its peers. The South African government has instituted the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) to improve the labour force’s level of skills through training interventions and learnership programmes. This strategy has raised expectations as to the development of individuals capable of creating sustainable entrepreneurial ventures. The NSDS has developed ambitious expectations of the New Venture Creation Learnership (NVCL) programme in assisting to close this gap
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