Entrepreneurship Education on Developing Entrepreneurship Competencies in University Students: KwaZulu Natal Government Funded Universities’ Case Study

Abstract

South Africa as a developing country has a high rate of unemployment, while the failure rate of start-up businesses is also high. These issues have triggered the South African government’s efforts to help solve the unemployment crisis through the promotion of entrepreneurship. Critical questions remain, however, such as whether entrepreneurship education in universities is effective enough to develop an entrepreneurship mindset in students, and how effectively these institutions can influence students to value self-employment and create their own businesses rather than remain job seekers. Therefore, the aim of the study ought to explore the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education on promoting entrepreneurship competencies in university students. A mixed method approach was used to collect data from 223 respondents. The data collected, coded, and captured was analysed in order to draw inferences. Data collected using close-ended questions was analysed by means of Statistical Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. A series of relevant statistical analysis methods including descriptive and inferential analysis were then conducted. NVIVO 10 software was used to analyse the data obtained using open-ended questions and from the interviews helping to uncover trends. The findings indicated that lack an inclusive model that meets the quality standards required for successful teaching of entrepreneurship despite the dedication of many instructors. Resource constraints were identified as serious inhibiting factors including especially a lack of experienced and trained teachers of entrepreneurship. At this phase more students’ awareness about entrepreneurship was achieved. The study recommends that further education in subsequent phases of student life and learning experience, should be focused on additional development of their competences and required skills, abilities and knowledge needed later in the market context.