Towards Entrepreneurial Learning Competencies: The Perspective of Built Environment Students

Kissi Ernest,Somiah K Matthew,Ansah K Samuel

doi:10.5539/hes.v5n1p20

Abstract

This paper sought to discuss entrepreneurial learning competencies by determining the outcome of entrepreneurial learning on the views of built environment students in the university setting. In this study, three relevant competencies were identified for entrepreneurial learning through literature, namely: entrepreneurial attitude, entrepreneurial skills and knowledge of entrepreneurship. On this basis, questionnaire was designed and administered to graduate students in built environment. In all, a total of 124 questionnaires were administered to respondents. Out this, 84 were retrieved representing a response rate of 68% and were further subjected to analysis using Relative Importance Index (RII). The findings from the study highlighted on competencies factors that have great impact on entrepreneurs in dealing with tasks and problems related to entrepreneurial learning processes. These key entrepreneurial competencies as perceived by the built environment students were ranked as: entrepreneurial attitude, knowledge of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial skill. The findings may help stakeholders in the building industry including up-coming graduate students. Thus, it could help in their journey into entrepreneurial terrain affiliated to advancement of their career, as a way to increase private wealth and the pursuit of a more balanced life.

Highlights

Entrepreneurship is considered as a major contributor to global economic growth (McStay, 2008)
At the first stage of the data collection process, qualitative approach was used to identify the relevant competencies needed for the learning of entrepreneurship among built environment students through a literature survey
The entrepreneurial learning competencies were of prime importance in this paper

Summary

Introduction

Entrepreneurship is considered as a major contributor to global economic growth (McStay, 2008). Entrepreneurship as an academic discipline is still considered as relatively new its origin can be traced back to the seventeenth century, when economist Richard Cantillon (Ibid) coined the term, “entrepreneur”. Since the introduction of entrepreneurship education by the United States in the 1940s, the concept has been adopted and integrated into education in many countries as a component of new economic strategy for fostering job creation (McMullan et al, 2001). It has become such an important part of education. UNESCO World Conference (1998), recognized the value of entrepreneurship and advocated for cultivating entrepreneurship and skills in higher education

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