Assessing the Impact and Challenges of Entrepreneurship Education in a University of Technology in South Africa

Abstract

In recent years, South Africa has placed significant emphasis on improving educational standards, enabling more young people to meet the qualifications sought by employers. However, despite these advancements, many graduates struggle to secure employment due to a lack of practical work experience and mismatches between their skills and market demands. This manuscript examines the impact and challenges of entrepreneurship education in higher education institutions in South Africa, with a focus on the Faculty of Management Sciences at Durban University of Technology (DUT). The study seeks to explore how entrepreneurship education contributes to economic development, while also identifying the barriers faced by both students and educators in effectively delivering and receiving this education. Utilising a quantitative method approach, the research integrates the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to assess attitudes, perceptions, and intentions related to entrepreneurship among students and educators. Data was collected through questionnaires, providing a comprehensive understanding of the current state of entrepreneurship education at DUT. The results underscore the critical role entrepreneurship education plays in equipping students with essential skills for business creation and self-employment, thus offering a potential solution to the unemployment crisis. However, the study also reveals significant challenges, including insufficient training materials, a shortage of qualified educators, and a lack of practical, hands-on experience opportunities for students. The study concludes that while entrepreneurship education has the potential to drive economic development and reduce youth unemployment, there is a need for substantial improvements in curriculum design, educator training, and resource allocation. Recommendations are provided to enhance the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education and to better align it with the needs of the current labour market.