Universities as Training Grounds of Entrepreneurial Activities in Developing Nations: A Case Study of Fort Hare, South Africa

Abstract

This paper assessed informal entrepreneurial activities demonstrated by post-graduate business management students at the University of Fort Hare (South Africa). To achieve this objective, literature on entrepreneurship, formal and informal entrepreneurial activities was reviewed. A survey was carried out among 40 post-graduate business management students (Honours and Masters). Data was collected through the use of self-administered questionnaires. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test of association. The empirical results obtained indicate a strong concurrence with other empirical papers. The findings of the paper confirm the existence of informal entrepreneurial activities. Informal entrepreneurs enjoyed both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards though their degree of preference varied on individuals. Further, results indicate that informal entrepreneurial activities were of different types and informal entrepreneurs (post-graduate business management students) were being rewarded by profits. The paper recommends that post-graduate business management students should plan their activities in order for them to succeed both academically and entrepreneurially.