An Analysis of Entrepreneurship Curriculum Content: A Case study of the University of Zimbabwe Faculty Of Commerce

The research investigates the role of curriculum in the development of entrepreneurs in the University environment, focusing on the Faculty of Commerce at the University of Zimbabwe. Curriculum plays a vital part in shaping student development and it is vital to recognise the underlying factors and policy developments both at global and national level which necessitate the paradigm shifts towards entrepreneurial education.  These include socio transformation due to globalisation, effects of sanctions, HIV/AIDS, reduced economic activity and high unemployment have necessitated a from the worker oriented graduate to an entrepreneurial mind-set that can create economic value and jobs. This study sought to investigate lecturer perspectives on the current state of the curriculum and determine the extent to which it is aligned to the said paradigmatic shifts in development thinking. The researchers used mixed methods to gather qualitative and quantitative data. The survey questionnaire was used to gather systematic responses from lecturers. The following are key highlights. From the survey 93.3% of the respondents indicated that they are given orientation training for curriculum development in the department; 67.7% disagree that entrepreneurship content undermines academic standards; 68.7% think there is entrepreneurship content; 40% think its adequate). The survey results recommended courses like Entrepreneurial Skills Development, Business Administration, Business Management (twice), Project Management, Project Management and Business Operations Business Marketing, Marketing and Economics to be systematically incorporated from the first year. Keywords: knowledge management, university industry linkage (UIL), curriculum, entreprenuershi

A Comparative Study of Entrepreneurship Curriculum Development and Review at the University of Zimbabwe and Botho University, Botswana

The purpose of this research was to make comparative study of the development and review process of the entrepreneurship curriculum at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) Faculty of Commerce and Botho University, (BU) Faculty of Business and Accounting in Gaborone, Botswana.  The study focused on the processes and influences of curriculum development and review as well as on what skills graduates of the programme are expected to have after successfully completing the programme. A sample of 16 staff members from the UZ and 23 staff members from BU participated in the study. Results of the study showed that lecturers at the two institutions are the main drivers of curricula development and review. Major factors considered in curriculum design included students, industry needs, legislation, competition as well as external examiners. The findings also recommended courses which should be taught from first year which include Small Business Management, Entrepreneurial Skills Development, Introduction to Finance and Economics. Keywords: entrepreneurship, curriculum, review process, critical skills, foundational course

An Investigative Study into Perspectives and Experiences of Incubates at the Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Centre at the Kenyatta University

The study presents results from an investigative study undertaken at the Kenyatta University (KU) Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Centre. A total of 10 incubates representing 10 projects were engaged in face to face interviews. The incubates were appreciative of the value that incubation centre such as the one at KU contributed to stimulation and nurturing of innovation and creativity. The findings from the study re-affirms the role of incubation centres play as social capital networking platforms, providing access to infrastructure (space and equipment), access to seed funding,  expertise, mentorship,  leveraging access to markets, business skills development. The study findings identified areas that need attention which include improvement and re-alignment of general curriculum towards innovation and creativity. This approach thus departs from the pro left brain approach balancing with a right brain approach promoting creativity and innovation. Keywords: University Industry Linkages, 21st Century Knowledge Economy, Knowledge Management, Scientific Management, Evidence Based Practice, International Economics, Business Incubatio

Solving local needs through innovation: small and medium enterprises in Harare, Zimbabwe

There is inadequate information with respect to the impact of innovations developed in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and how they benefit specific population segments in Zimbabwe. A study was conducted among purposively selected informal innovators to explore the benefits of their SMEs to some social groups in Zimbabwe. In-depth interviews and observation methods were used in the collection of primary data. The study findings indicated that informal innovations eased inefficiencies in crop threshing, unemployment and labour shortages through the development of affordable and efficient technologies. This study concluded that informal innovations resulted in improved income and productivity among small-scale farmers and informal innovators. The significance of the study lies in its contribution to the field of informal innovations in SMEs