The effectiveness of entrepreneurship education in developing entrepreneurial intentions among Malaysian university students: (a research findings on the structural equation modeling)

Abstract

he current rate of unemployment among graduates in Malaysia has initiated the Malaysian government to look into entrepreneurship as a possible solution and this has led to the introduction of entrepreneurship education in most of the higher educational institutions. The research topic is, ‘Effectiveness of entrepreneurship education in developing entrepreneurial intentions among the Malaysian university students’. A theoretical framework has been proposed to identify the research issues and gaps. The research design is purely quantitative using a structured questionnaire which was tested among 4 entrepreneurial-focused universities. The study investigates entrepreneurship education variables of curricula, teaching methodologies, universities roles against entrepreneurial intentions using attitude and stakeholder support systems as mediating variables. Data was collected from 396 respondents and analysed using the SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 22.0. The structural model was tested using a two-stage process. The model was tested using a CFA for goodness-of-fit indices and the direct and indirect effect of the mediating variables on the exogenous variables towards the endogenous through the application of a path analysis technique. Data analysis has been discussed, together with the implications and theory and practice. The paper discusses the conclusion and findings of the study and theoretical, methodological and practical contributions.