Unravelling the conundrum: Are Entrepreneurship Education and Personality Traits Influential for Entrepreneurial Intentions in University Students

Abstract

Purpose: The research objectives were to analyze the demographical factors that influence the entrepreneurial intentions of university students; To analyze the relationship between students Personality traits and the students’ entrepreneurial intentions and to analyze how Entrepreneurship education, affects entrepreneurial intentions. Design/methodology/approach: The data was collected through a questionnaire to evaluate variables that affect entrepreneurial intentions. The samples of the study included randomly selected, 254 undergraduate students, and the analysis was done using SPSS. Findings: The study revealed that the Personality traits (Students’ Attitudes) had an impact on the Entrepreneurial intention of the students. It is also revealed that the Perception of the students after Entrepreneurship education changes them and influenced their entrepreneurial intentions. Further, it is also confirmed that all the demographic factors did not influence the Entrepreneurial intention of the students but only the factors – Nationality and Residence influenced the Entrepreneurial intention of the students. Research limitations/implications: It is recommended to offer a variety of technical/vocational courses to help entrepreneurs to overcome challenges, as well as a funding structure for students who pitch unique business ideas. Also, to have strong, leading, and social personality training, to make decisions, and to have crisis skills training in marketing, project development, business acceleration, customer service, etc. will also help the future interested entrepreneurs. Social Implications: The formation of a community-wide culture of proper entrepreneurial practices, as well as its inclusion in the school curriculum, will help to build human capital towards embracing entrepreneurship in Oman. Educating future generations about entrepreneurship, developing its concept, encouraging pioneers, giving them all types of support, and creating the right investment climate will help them to become successful future entrepreneurs. Creating a national innovation system will open the door to a wider range of funding options as it provides a financial environment to students who propose unique ideas for new projects. Originality / Value: The study was restricted to the selected variables such as Perception (after Entrepreneurship Education), Personality Traits (Students’ Attitudes), and Entrepreneurial intention to Start a New Business. The study can be extended to all the other socio-economic factors. The study was dealt with students who had a basic knowledge of Entrepreneurship. Similar studies can be extended to all students who were not having Entrepreneurship Education etc. Keywords: Entrepreneurship Education, Perception after Entrepreneurship Education, Students’ Attitudes, Personality Traits, Entrepreneurial Intention