Exploring Entrepreneurial Inclination among Female Students in Colleges of National Capital Delhi: An Analysis of the Role of Higher Educational Institutions in Nurturing Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the factors influencing entrepreneurial inclination among female students. Specifically, it critically evaluates the role of higher educational institutions, particularly colleges in the National Capital, Delhi, as platforms for promoting female entrepreneurship. The study analyzes the linkage between entrepreneurial inclination and various factors, including the syllabi and pedagogy offered by the colleges, industry internship programs, entrepreneurial motivation, resource constraints, curriculum gaps, and the demographic characteristics of female students.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objectives, a well-designed questionnaire was distributed among female students. A sample size of 896 students, enrolled in various courses across twelve randomly selected colleges was chosen. The students were asked to complete the questionnaire by self-rating on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree for each statement. After data compilation, factor analysis using the principal component method was conducted in SPSS, which extracted five variables based on the factor loadings. The data was further analyzed using ANOVA, correlation, and regression analysis.

 Findings

The study finds that the internship programs offered by colleges motivate female students to incline towards entrepreneurship. However, the syllabus and pedagogy require thorough revision. Despite having a positive relationship with entrepreneurial inclination, the current syllabus and pedagogy do not effectively motivate female students to pursue entrepreneurship. There is a lack of motivational factors. An interaction program with successful female entrepreneurs, lectures by top industry icons, and a coordinated effort by the government, financial institutions, and colleges to implement promotional and motivational policies for female entrepreneurship can help motivate female students. Additionally, modern teaching techniques and simulation programs should be introduced to enhance the learning process and inspire female students to become entrepreneurs. The dearth of resources remains one of the biggest demotivating factors for female entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The study identifies the gaps in syllabi and pedagogy, resources needed for promoting entrepreneurship, gaps in planning and implementation, and lack of coordination among the agencies involved in promoting women entrepreneurship. It suggests that revision of syllabi, adopting modern teaching learning methodology including AI, incorporating more motivational factors, coordinated efforts from higher institutions, government agencies and financial institutions to promote women entrepreneurship.

 Key Words:   Inclination, Entrepreneurship, Internship Programs, Curriculum