Quantitative validation of entrepreneurial opportunity competency model: AMOS-SEM approach

Abstract

Entrepreneurial opportunity competencies have been recognized as the initial stage of entrepreneurship and is seen as a critical competency needed by technical college students in their training as technicians that will lead them to improve their innovativeness and willingness to start their own enterprises after graduation. The objective of the study is to determine the important elements of entrepreneurial opportunity competencies required by technical college students for self-employment in Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design has been used for the collection of the data, which includes using a questionnaire to determine the respondents’ opinions and views. A structure questionnaire titled “Important elements of Entrepreneurial Opportunity Competencies required by Technical College Students for self-employment Questionnaire (IEOCTCSQ)” with 11 items was designed to collect data. The target population constitute 650 teachers and 241 entrepreneurs. The reliability of the instrument was determined through Cronbach’s alpha and the value obtained was .828. Accordingly, the data analysis was performed using AMOS version 23.0. The study established 8 important elements of entrepreneurial opportunity competencies in the model worthy for inclusion in the programs of technical colleges of Nigeria. It is recommended that the implementation of this EOC model by technical colleges should be closely monitored by college administrators. The impact of this model may include graduating students with entrepreneurial opportunity competencies who will become self-employed by starting up their own venture.