Linking entrepreneurship education and training with students and graduates entrepreneurial intention

Recognising the relevance of entrepreneurship, most African universities have made significant input into delivering Entrepreneurial Education in Higher Educational Institutions. However, the rising number of graduate unemployment raises concerns with regard to quality of educational content, and programmes. This study sought to investigate the impact of entrepreneurship course content on entrepreneurial intention and the mediation of individual entrepreneurial characteristics and also to investigate if graduates’ exposure to extra entrepreneurship training and university programme type does account for differences in individual entrepreneurial characteristics. A context-specific framework that explains entrepreneurial intention as a function of course content, programmes type, and extra entrepreneurial training is tested based on data from 400 undergraduate students and 400 graduates from eight Ghanaian universities. Evidence from the model reveals that entrepreneurial course content did impact entrepreneur Intention, however, this impact is partially mediated by the attitudes, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms of Ghanaian students and graduates. Again, while it was found that extra entrepreneurial training did account for differences in individual entrepreneurial characteristics and entrepreneurial intention of graduates, the difference due to programme type was not significant. Theoretical, policy and practical implications findings of this study are discussed

Evaluating the Benefits of Computer Aided-Design (CAD) in Fashion Education, the Case of Accra Polytechnic

The main purpose of this research was to evaluate the introduction and use of Computer-Aided Designing (CAD) in Fashion Education in Accra Polytechnic over a three - year period (2009-2012). It was revealed that some level of CAD has been inculcated into Fashion Education in the institution in the three specializations (Fashion production, Textiles and Fashion design) as they use the softwares available to draw garments, developing motifs for textiles prints and also to draw human figures. However, there were some challenges confronting the department and the students as well, some of which include insufficient computers and the requisite software equipment. It was recommended, that a CAD Resource Centre for Fashion Education should be set up in Accra with a state-of-the-art hard and software which will provide a suitable environment for teaching and learning for the training of Fashion Design and Textiles students. Also, CAD should be introduced early so that it will motivate students to search for and learn the commands that allow for actions and operations in CAD to enhance creativity and innovation. Keywords: Computer Aided Design (CAD), Skills, Nuffi

Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Fashion Design Programme of Accra Polytechnic from 1995 to 2010

The competence of an employee in any dynamic workforce is the ability to efficiently perform industry-related tasks, function professionally in a range of roles and situations and to have the capacity for continuous learning, development and change. The researchers attempted to assess the competence/skills acquired by students in fashion designing in relation to the performance expectations of the fashion industry.  It was established that, the industry needs students who are practically inclined and as such students needed more practical lessons that is, theory and practice should go hand in hand to contribute to the effectiveness of the Fashion Design programme. Again, freehand cutting should be incorporated in the curriculum to equip students for specific skills on the job. It was also revealed that competences/skills do not come by easily unless it is taught or experienced personally. In the light of this, the study recommended that: Lecturers should link practice with theory and provide sufficient Industrial Attachment. Students must learn freehand cutting in addition to Flat Patternmaking. Teaching assistants with practical skills should assist students with their practical work. Keywords: Competence, Freehand cutting, Flat pattern making

An Assessment of the Apprenticeship System as a Means of Acquiring Sewing Skills in Ghana

The purpose of the study was to investigate the current state of the apprenticeship system in acquiring sewing skills in Ghana. The study area was Kaneshie Market in Accra. The proportional random sampling technique was used to select forty (40) master-craftsmen and fifty-four (54) apprentices respectively. A structured interview questionnaire was used to interview the respondents. The Microsoft excel software was employed to analyze the data and the results represented in frequency, percentage distribution tables, bar and pie charts. It was revealed in the study that not many people would like to go into sewing apprenticeship in recent years. The result showed that, majority of the apprentices dropped out in the first year of apprenticeship compared to the second and third years and there were no clear cut methods of training apprentices. It is suggested that the government should provide support to members of the National Tailors and Dressmakers Association to upgrade their skills in collaboration with the technical institutes and be assisted to develop a common curriculum and teaching methods for members to adopt in training apprentices. Keywords: assessment, apprenticeship, sewing skill

Appraising the Use of Computer Technology in Garment Production Firms in Accra/Tema Metropolis

The main objective of the study is to investigate the activities of garment production in relation to computer technology, expose garment producers to some useful computer applications and also to sensitize them to take advantage of the advancement in Computer Technology. The findings of the study revealed the plight and burden of the garment producers. Most of the garment producers had the basic equipments that are just necessary to stay in business but not sophisticated machinery that can be used to produce to meet international standards. Three major problems confronting the garment producers were (a) inability to produce on a large scale (b) inability to produce at competitive prices and (c) inability to satisfy quality standards. Garment producers found in the Accra-Tema metropolis did not have much knowledge of computer technology, but they were delighted about the information that would relieve them of their problem of speed and productivity. Although they listed some disadvantages that may be related to CAD, the advantages outweighed the disadvantages. The study makes recommendation to incorporate computer technology in the fashion curriculum to equip students with the skills ready for the world of work. Keywords: African Growth and Opportunity Act, Computer Aided Design,

The Production and Exportation of Garments under the AGOA Initiative: Challenges Facing Garment Producers in Ghana.

The study investigated the problems faced by garment producers in the production and exportation of garments under the AGOA initiative. The proportionate random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 100 non-exporters and 10 exporters respectively from Accra and Tema. Data was collected using a well structured interview questionnaire and observation guide. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data and the results presented in frequency and percentage distributions, bar charts and cross-tabulations. The non-exporters lacked finances; market; skilled and reliable workers; information and sensitization; and had difficulty in adhering to the guidelines of the initiative. The problems faced by the exporters were cumbersome export processing procedures; customs officials’ lack of education on AGOA; high cost of production; lack of raw materials to satisfy buyer specifications; and lack of good quality packaging materials. The Chi-square one-variable method indicated a relationship between the type of training and problems encountered in the production of garments under the AGOA initiative. It is suggested that garment producers form clusters and pool their resources together to effectively deliver good quality garments on schedule. Keywords: Challenges, Garment production, AGO

Linking entrepreneurship education and training with students and graduates entrepreneurial intention

Recognising the relevance of entrepreneurship, most African universities have made significant input into delivering Entrepreneurial Education in Higher Educational Institutions. However, the rising number of graduate unemployment raises concerns with regard to quality of educational content, and programmes. This study sought to investigate the impact of entrepreneurship course content on entrepreneurial intention and the mediation of individual entrepreneurial characteristics and also to investigate if graduates’ exposure to extra entrepreneurship training and university programme type does account for differences in individual entrepreneurial characteristics. A context-specific framework that explains entrepreneurial intention as a function of course content, programmes type, and extra entrepreneurial training is tested based on data from 400 undergraduate students and 400 graduates from eight Ghanaian universities. Evidence from the model reveals that entrepreneurial course content did impact entrepreneur Intention, however, this impact is partially mediated by the attitudes, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms of Ghanaian students and graduates. Again, while it was found that extra entrepreneurial training did account for differences in individual entrepreneurial characteristics and entrepreneurial intention of graduates, the difference due to programme type was not significant. Theoretical, policy and practical implications findings of this study are discussed