Graduate Entrepreneurship Research Articles

Cultivating Future Graduate Entrepreneurs: A Holistic Exploration of Vital Entrepreneurial Skills from a Tripod-Based View and Evidence

Purpose- This study aimed to examine essential entrepreneurial skills as perceived by students, practicing entrepreneurs, and employers in Tanzania, focusing on the ecosystems of Dar es Salaam and Mwanza.Design/Methodology- A qualitative cross-sectional design was employed, using stratified random sampling and purposive sampling to conduct in-depth interviews with students, entrepreneurs, and employers. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the qualitative data.Findings- The study identified ten critical entrepreneurial competencies: communication, problem-solving, adaptability, resilience, teamwork, creativity, initiative, networking, leadership, and customer focus. There was consensus among all groups regarding the importance of these skills, with students emphasizing curricula that incorporate real-world challenges, and entrepreneurs and employers stressing the need for practical experience, financial literacy, strategic thinking, innovation, and ethical decision-making.Practical Implications- The study offers recommendations for enhancing entrepreneurial education by integrating hands-on learning, internships, case studies, mentorship, and practical experience into academic programs. It also suggests a unified framework for curriculum enhancement, incorporating the perspectives of students, entrepreneurs, and employers to improve entrepreneurial education.

Policy Implementation for Graduate Entrepreneurship in Hometowns: A Case Study from Hebei

Aims: The study aimed to investigate the publicity and implementation of national and local policies encouraging graduates to “start businesses in hometowns” and college students' awareness of these policies. Methodology: The study took college graduates majoring in foreign languages in Hebei Province, China, as the survey subjects. The research methods such as questionnaires and interviews were used to collect the data. Results: The results showed that governments are vigorously promoting relevant policies, but college students have low awareness of these policies and have higher demands for policy implementation. Based on the survey findings, several suggestions and countermeasures are put forward to help college students “start businesses in their hometowns”, including strengthening policy publicity and interpretation, improving market research and analysis capabilities, encouraging innovation and differentiated competition, strengthening entrepreneurship training and guidance, and improving the policy support system. Conclusion: Although the government has issued a series of policy measures to support returning to their hometowns to start businesses, there are still many challenges and shortcomings in the actual implementation process, such as a lack of policy publicity and interpretation, insufficient market research and analysis capabilities, a lack of entrepreneurship training and guidance, and a shortage of policy support system. Significance: The study is the first one in China to focus on foreign language graduates' perspectives and awareness of policy implementation of entrepreneurship in their hometown.

The Relationship between Family Support and Entrepreneurial Interest of PKW Sewing Fashion Graduates in LKP Kasih Bunda Pesisir Selatan

This research is motivated by the low interest in entrepreneurship for PKW graduates sewing dressmaking at LKP Kasih Bunda Pesisir Selatan. One reason is the low family support. The purpose of this study was to describe family support and interest in entrepreneurship for PKW graduates sewing dresses at LKP Kasih Bunda Pesisir Selatan and to see the relationship between family support and interest in entrepreneurship for PKW graduates sewing dresses at LKP Kasih Bunda Pesisir Selatan. This study uses a quantitative approach to the type of correlational research. The population of this study were 50 PKW graduates sewing fashion at LKP Kasih Bunda in 2021. The sample of this study consisted of 35 people using cluster random sampling technique. Data collection techniques and tools using a questionnaire. Data analysis techniques use percentage and product moments. The results of this study indicate that (1) the support provided by the family is low; (2) the interest in entrepreneurship for PKW graduates in sewing fashion at LKP Kasih Bunda Pesisir Selatan is low; and (3) there is a significant relationship between family support and the interest in entrepreneurship for PKW graduates sewing fashion at LKP Kasih Bunda Pesisir Selatan.

From Classroom to Career: A Tracer Study on The Acchievements and Employment Patterns of BS in Accountancy, BS in Accounting Information System and BS in Entrepreneurship Graduates

This study evaluates the achievements and employment patterns of BS Accountancy, BS in Accounting Information Systems, and BS in Entre-preneurship graduates from Sorsogon State University Bulan Campus (2019-2023). It assesses the extent of Program Educational Objec-tives (PEOs) achievement, analyzes employment rates, and gathers employer feedback on graduates' competencies. Using a descriptive-survey design, data were collected from recent graduates, employers, and notable alumni. Findings indicate high success in achieving PE-Os, strong employment rates, and positive employer evaluations. Recommendations include curriculum updates, enhanced industry partnerships, and expanded career services to further support grad-uate success.

Exploring the role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy into performance of graduate-owned small and medium-sized enterprises in Tanzania

PurposeThe study assessed the role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) in the performance of graduate-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Specifically, the paper focused on how graduate owners’ confidence in identifying and commercializing new business opportunities and create new commodities according to the market demand influences both, the financial and non-financial performance of graduate-owned SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a cross-sectional survey design, in which 228 SME graduate owners majored in entrepreneurship were involved through online structured questionnaires. The relationship between the variables was determined by using partial least squares structured equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe results indicate that entrepreneurial self-efficacy of graduate SME owners influence the financial and non-financial performance of their SMEs. Specifically, financial performance values have a ß-value of 0.576 and a p-value of <0.0001, non-financial performance values have a ß-value of 0.275 and a p-value of <0.0001.Practical implicationsIn order to improve the performance of graduate-owned SMEs, universities should strive to equip graduates with self-confidence, which will enable them to utilize their entrepreneurial competences acquired through the entrepreneurship course programs. This will enable them to tackle business environmental challenges and be able to run successful businesses.Originality/valueThe results of this study extend the use of the self-efficacy theory in explaining the performance of graduate-owned SMEs in Tanzanian. Further, the study focused on ESE as a specific domain developed from entrepreneurship learning for entrepreneurial outcomes. Therefore, the study engaged graduate entrepreneurs who majored in entrepreneurship, which has not been the focus in most studies.

Lifelong Learning and Sub-Saharan Africa's Dream of Economic Emancipation

Sub-Saharan Africa having remained economically poor throughout its more than sixty years of independence, and relying on the finding that the acquisition of a high level of digital and entrepreneurship skills tends to create wealth for nations in modern times, this study investigates the extent to which sub-Saharan Africa's higher education institutions may leverage the facilitation of the learning of digital technologies and entrepreneurship for Africa's economic emancipation through lifelong learning. The work carried out at the level of eight (8) lifelong learning outfits of eight (8) premier universities drawn from the four (4) regions of sub-Saharan Africa is scrutinised through the administration of a six (6)-item questionnaire with a view to establishing whether or not Africa's higher education institutions are currently facilitating the learning of digital technologies and entrepreneurship through lifelong learning to a level that may promote Africa’s economic emancipation. The findings of the current study are that sub-Saharan Africa i). possesses very few higher education institutions in comparison to the global average, ii). is yet to prioritise lifelong learning both nationally and at the higher education level and iii). is incapable to produce the needed population of digital and entrepreneurship graduates that may propel its economic emancipation as a result of its current level of neglect of lifelong learning. Received: 22 May 2024 | Revised: 12 July 2024 | Accepted: 25 July 2024 Conflicts of Interest The author declares that he has no conflicts of interest to this work. Data Availability Statement The data used to support the findings of this study are available upon request to the corresponding author. Author Contribution Statement Idowu Biao: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Data curation, Writing - original draft, Writing - review & editing, Visualization, Supervision, Project administration.

Entrepreneurship Education as Panacea to Job Creation among University Graduates: A Case of ZCAS University

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact that entrepreneurship education can have on entrepreneurial outcomes by the graduates from ZCAS University. The author aimed to investigate the perceived influence that various entrepreneurship education courses have had on a cohort of 76 graduates from the University’s School of Business that were pesuing Bachlor’s degree in Business Administration, Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneusrhip, bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance, bachelor’s degree in Accountaning. Methodology: A questionnaire with semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews was administered to 75 responsents via google forms. Findings and results indicate that entrepreneurship education is slowly having an impact on graduate entrepreneurship intentions as a progressive number of graduates accounting for 33% engaged themselves in entrepreneurship which ultimately has the potential to create jobs and and have a positive impact on economic development. Findings: The findings provide valuable insights for educators, policy makers and graduate entrepreneurs. Stakeholders such as government, local authorities and sponsors/parents could use this study to make better choices in relation to the education of future graduate entrepreneurs. The study therefore recommends among others inclusion of significant course content on entrepreneurship and investment in non-business and management related programmes of study. Unique Contribution to theory, practice and policy: This study provides an empirically rigorous insight into a relatively neglected area of entrepreneurship education research. It provides valuable data for stakeholders involved in both the supply and the demand side of the entrepreneurship education process. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact that entrepreneurship education can have on entrepreneurial outcomes by the graduates from ZCAS University. The author aimed to investigate the perceived influence that various entrepreneurship education courses have had on a cohort of 76 graduates from the University’s School of Business that were pesuing Bachlor’s degree in Business Administration, Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneusrhip, bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance, bachelor’s degree in Accountaning. Methodology: A questionnaire with semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews was administered to 75 responsents via google forms. Findings and results indicate that entrepreneurship education is slowly having an impact on graduate entrepreneurship intentions as a progressive number of graduates accounting for 33% engaged themselves in entrepreneurship which ultimately has the potential to create jobs and and have a positive impact on economic development. Findings: The findings provide valuable insights for educators, policy makers and graduate entrepreneurs. Stakeholders such as government, local authorities and sponsors/parents could use this study to make better choices in relation to the education of future graduate entrepreneurs. The study therefore recommends among others inclusion of significant course content on entrepreneurship and investment in non-business and management related programmes of study. Unique Contribution to theory, practice and policy: This study provides an empirically rigorous insight into a relatively neglected area of entrepreneurship education research. It provides valuable data for stakeholders involved in both the supply and the demand side of the entrepreneurship education process.

"Prospects and Perspectives: Personal Context Shaping Growth Intentions in Graduate Entrepreneurship across Malaysia"

Entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of economic development, particularly in nations such as Malaysia, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a dominant role. However, despite its pivotal importance, a mere 5% of graduates opt for entrepreneurship as their career path. This disengagement may reflect the perception that entrepreneurship lacks attractiveness or viability as a career choice, potentially dissuading future graduates and impacting growth intentions. This study delves into the personal context shaping growth intentions among graduate entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Through a comprehensive examination, including a literature review and empirical analysis involving 152 university graduates surveyed via questionnaires, this research explores how individual traits, contextual circumstances, and external influences mold entrepreneurial aspirations. The findings highlight significant correlations between personal context factors—such as promotion skills, leadership qualities, technological adeptness, and risk-taking propensity—and growth intentions among entrepreneurs. By elucidating the nuanced interplay between personal context and growth intentions, particularly within the realm of graduate entrepreneurship, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge. Its implications extend to policymakers, educators, and practitioners striving to catalyze economic growth, alleviate unemployment, and enhance prospects for recent graduates. Stakeholders can advance innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic development by furnishing entrepreneurs with essential support, skills, and conducive environments. Continued research in this domain is imperative for nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem conducive to sustained prosperity and societal advancement.

The roles of entrepreneurial university and regional conditions for graduate entrepreneurship: a configurational approach

ABSTRACT This study conceptualizes graduate entrepreneurship as a spatial phenomenon. Specifically, we explore how combinations of university-related (knowledge exchange intensity and entrepreneurship support) as well as regional conditions (economic prosperity and entrepreneurial culture) might explain the presence or absence of high graduate entrepreneurship as possible (or likely) explanations based on a configurational approach. We applied fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to a dataset using HE-BCIS (Higher Education-Business Community Interaction Survey) survey and the UK’s ONS (Office for National Statistics) data for England covering a five-year period, combined with map-based analysis to identify distinct pathways that explain the presence or absence of graduate entrepreneurship across different regions. Findings demonstrate that university-related and regional conditions can complement each other in different ways to explain high levels of graduate entrepreneurship, but absence of one can also suppress the effect of the other, resulting in the absence of high graduate entrepreneurship.

A Conceptual Paper in Developing Model of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems to Boost Graduate Entrepreneurs Through Longitudinal Study

High unemployment among university graduates in Malaysia is concerning. Factors contributing to the university ecosystem that support the creation of student and graduate entrepreneurs remain debatable. The OCDC Entrepreneurial Ecosystems framework is the reference for most universities, and evaluating the weaknesses and strengths in the ecosystem pillars at the university level allows for clarity on relevant variables. The main objective of this study is to reconsider the model in the context of Malaysian universities that will enhance student entrepreneurial growth to create jobs and generate income while lowering unemployment and improving GDP. The study will use a longitudinal qualitative multiple-case study approach through a focus group using semi-structured questions with three groups of participants. Samples will be selected using a purposeful random sampling technique. Two top management, three students involved in business while studying, and three entrepreneur alumni from UiTM, UPM, and USM will be interviewed since these universities were awarded the MOHE Entrepreneurial Awards. Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis via NVivo software. This study will contribute to implementing an entrepreneurial ecosystem model according to Malaysia's public university setting. Recommendations to the university and MOHE will be provided based on the findings to enhance students’ involvement in entrepreneurship while still at university. The government can improve on appropriate regulations in providing resources and budget based on this research findings so that the university can serve as an ‘incubator’ for driving university students to become job creators.

Gauging the Impact of the Digital Ecosystem and Skill on SMEs’ Performance

Mastering the digital ecosystem has become crucial to a business’s continued success in recent years. Therefore, Malaysia has started producing entrepreneurial graduates with high entrepreneurial characteristics. To assess the effectiveness of the Malaysian university curriculum in entrepreneurship, this paper therefore tries to gauge the impact of the digital ecosystem and digital skills on the performance of university graduates in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Primary data was collected from 321 university alumni who are entrepreneurs using purposive sampling. Findings demonstrated that digital ecosystem factors such as knowledge management, e-readiness, and ICT utilization influence SME performance. Digital skill also depicts a positive significant relationship with SME performance. Overall, the findings imply that management involvement in fostering the empowerment of the digital ecosystem and digital skill in business management is required. In addition, universities’ curricula must prioritize the focus areas and strategies for developing a more positive digital ecosystem and digital skill.

University Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Graduate Entrepreneurship

This article addresses the measurable outcomes of a university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem in an emerging economy beyond entrepreneurial intention, patents or academic spin-offs. A logit model with fixed effects by decades was applied to data from over 17,000 alumni who graduated between 1943 and 2017 to identify the existence of a structural change in the rates of entrepreneurship before graduation and up to five years after graduation. This structural change was related to each stage in the evolution of the university entrepreneurial ecosystem. Findings show that as the ecosystem elements were introduced, the probability of founding a business before graduation increased with each decade. Additionally, results suggest that the strategies to redefine and expand academic functions, adapt organisational structures and diversify the university’s curriculum supported a significant increase in the entrepreneurship rate of alumni. This evidence contributes to our understanding of the impact of strategic decisions to drive entrepreneurship from intention to action.

Social Networks and Graduate Entrepreneurial Success: A Conceptual Exploration

This paper develops the Comprehensive Graduate Entrepreneur Network (CGEN) model, a conceptual framework designed to guide graduate entrepreneurs in overcoming the unique challenges they face, such as social isolation, financial constraints, and limited access to resources. Drawing on Social Network Theory (SNT), the Resource-Based View (RBV), and Institutional Theory, the CGEN model offers a structured approach comprising four components: Network Assessment, Network Building, Network Leverage, and Network Evaluation. These components collectively facilitate the transition from isolation to integration within the entrepreneurial ecosystem by enabling graduate entrepreneurs to systematically develop, optimize, and utilize their social networks. The model addresses the need for both strong and weak ties, highlighting how diverse connections can be leveraged to access critical resources such as funding, mentorship, and business partnerships. This paper discusses the theoretical and practical implications of the CGEN model, suggesting its potential to inform entrepreneurship education, policy design, and support programs. While the model provides a robust theoretical foundation, future empirical research is needed to validate its applicability across various contexts. The CGEN framework represents a significant contribution to the literature on graduate entrepreneurship, offering practical guidance for enhancing the success of graduatepreneurs through strategic network development.

Identification and Ranking of Entrepreneurial Development Indicators with an Industrial Employment Approach for University Graduates Using Meta-Synthesis Approach

The primary objective of this article is to identify and rank the indicators of entrepreneurial development with an industrial employment approach for university graduates using the meta-synthesis approach. The statistical population of this research consists of experienced managers and experts in the field of entrepreneurial development in the industry, as well as entrepreneurship graduates. A purposive sampling method, which is a non-probability sampling method, was employed, and the perspectives of 16 industrial entrepreneurial development experts were utilized. To familiarize and gain insight into the entrepreneurial development model with an industrial employment approach for graduates of Islamic Azad University branches in Yazd province, as well as for better coordination and identification of research variables, interviews were conducted with several experts. This method yielded acceptable and influential results in identifying the components. Qualitative data content analysis was performed using the meta-synthesis method with the help of MAXQDA software to synthesize studies obtained from a systematic review centered around the topic of this research. To screen the identified indicators and select the main indicators, the fuzzy Delphi technique was used. The interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique was employed to determine the appropriate activities for public companies, rank their importance, and identify relationships between the indicators. From the extracted indicators in related articles, after eliminating synonymous and frequently recurring indicators, and ultimately categorizing and grouping the final indicators, 12 categories and 64 codes were obtained. Furthermore, based on the frequency of codes, the highest repetition was attributed to the highest entropy. The innovation infrastructure in the field of information security had the highest entropy.

A Structured Approach to Mentoring Tertiary Level Entrepreneurship Students: A Literature Review

The form, structure, and manner of mentorship engagement in industry and colleges have been presented in some literature as discreet, disparate, and sometimes ad hoc events. This paper sought to establish the dominant form, structure, and coherent approach to mentorship that would form the basis for adoption, with appropriate adaptation, for entrepreneurship training in tertiary colleges in Kenya. Specifically, this study sought to delineate specific functions of mentorship in the instruction of entrepreneurship students; examine the nature of engagement of mentor and mentee in the mentoring relationship within an instructional setting; and explore the relationship between mentorship and graduate entrepreneurship student business outcomes. The study was based on a desk review of literature covering key publications on mentoring and articles published in the last 40 years and available at libraries, the internet, and databases. The review has identified functions, forms and models, settings, resources, accountability structures, and outcomes that would persuade colleges in Kenya to adopt and modify to suit their specific situations to achieve effective mentorship results.

Employability study bachelor of science in entrepreneurship graduates of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology San Isidro Campus

The employability of graduates can be effectively measured by evaluating the efficacy of the programs given by various universities and institutes. the use of tracer studies, which are essential in offering insightful feedback on how relevant these initiatives are to the dynamic labor market. particular study was designed to ascertain the employment status of graduates who completed the Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship program between 2017 and 2021 at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, specifically at the San Isidro Campus. To achieve this goal, a descriptive research method was employed, utilizing a adopted survey questionnaire as the primary instrument for data collection. This approach was chosen for its effectiveness in gathering detailed information about the graduates' current employment situations. The results of the study were quite revealing, indicating that out of 505 graduates 365 alumni who participated, that graduates from batch 2019-2020, were majority were female, were 25-26 years of age, CSE professional eligible, were mostly not National Certificate holder, majority were employed, as accounting clerk, with monthly salary range of 10,000-19.999, assigned in accounting and finance department, having a position of marketing assistant. On the data on their first job, the results graduates find their job less than 1 year after graduation, stayed on their first job for less than 1 year, were on contractual basis and the reason for leaving their first job is for better salary. The factor that influence them to find their present job is from recommendation from relatives and friends. The reason for delay in employment is cause by delay in issuance of school credentials. And for competitive skills of the graduates communication skill is very important to be more competitive. These findings are significant as they offer insights into the employment trends and the market absorption rate of graduates from this specific program, thus providing a measure of the program's success in preparing students for the job market.

Re-viewing entrepreneurial universities through alumni engagement

The paper contributes to re-viewing entrepreneurial universities by expanding the understanding of the role and impact of alumni engagement in this context. Embedded in a stakeholder theory perspective, we develop and test a framework that identifies social, behavioural, cognitive and affective drivers of alumni engagement. We conducted statistical analyses to test hypotheses on a sample of 493 entrepreneurship graduates from Venture Creation Programs (VCP) at three major universities in Scandinavia. Our theorising and findings suggest that alumni engagement is multifaceted—encompassing providing and connecting functions. Furthermore, the analysis suggests social, behavioural and affective drivers to accelerate alumni engagement. Future studies of entrepreneurial universities should focus more specifically on how entrepreneurship education and university managers may prepare students for becoming engaged alumni.

Computer Based Technical Drawing Practical Competency Training (AutoCad 2022) for Students of SMK 1 Raksana Medan

The aim of PMKM is to provide training and assistance regarding computer-based technical drawing (AutoCad) which is useful for increasing students' competence in drawing. Training and assistance in computer-based technical drawing (Auto Cad) which is useful for increasing students' competence in technical drawing as a preparation for students to enter the world of work and entrepreneurship for vocational school graduates. The method used to resolve the problems that occurred was to use a survey method at SMK 1 Raksana Medan to obtain PMKM data, then the PMKM team formulated training materials, created a training implementation schedule related to time, arranged instructors who would provide training, created activity evaluation designs. The results of implementing PMKM are: Students understand the basic introduction to using AutoCad and the basic commands used for drawing, especially drawing machine components.

Exploring Intrapreneurial Activities in the Context of the Entrepreneurial University: An analysis of five EU HEIs

Exploring Intrapreneurial Activities in the Context of the Entrepreneurial University: An analysis of five EU HEIs

Aligning entrepreneurial universities' HEInnovate dimensions with entrepreneurs' needs: A graduate entrepreneur-centered perspective

Aligning entrepreneurial universities' HEInnovate dimensions with entrepreneurs' needs: A graduate entrepreneur-centered perspective