Boosting entrepreneurial competences beyond business and management–related disciplines. The case of engineering programs
ISSN: 0040-0912
Article publication date: 22 January 2024
Issue publication date: 19 February 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study addresses the challenge of integrating entrepreneurial competences development into the traditionally structured engineering curriculum, recognizing its potential contribution to job creation. Specifically, this study proposes a course design that intersects project management and entrepreneurial disciplines, adopting a challenge-based learning approach.
Design/methodology/approach
Considering a list of common features that entrepreneurs and engineers—in the role of project managers—should excel at, and building upon the principles of experiential learning, this study proposes and describes a course design that is expected to help engineering students develop entrepreneurial competences. Through a series of assessment instruments and descriptive statistics, the study evaluates its implementation in a pilot test applied in a Project Management course at a Spanish university.
Findings
The results demonstrate a significant improvement in students' entrepreneurial competences after completing the course. Noteworthy variations in receptiveness to skill development among different personality profiles are observed. Gender differences are minimal, with the exception of women exhibiting heightened self-perception in the autonomy dimension.
Originality/value
This study explores the common features shared by two often-disconnected disciplines, namely engineering and entrepreneurship. It suggests that integrating both perspectives through a challenge-based course design can enhance entrepreneurial competences among engineering students without compromising the specific knowledge gained from engineering programs. Engaging students in such pedagogical experiences not only fosters entrepreneurial competences but also contributes to their professional and personal growth.
Keywords
Citation
Berbegal-Mirabent, J., Gil-Doménech, D. and Manresa, A. (2024), "Boosting entrepreneurial competences beyond business and management–related disciplines. The case of engineering programs", Education + Training, Vol. 66 No. 1, pp. 107-126. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-11-2022-0439
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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