Predicting entrepreneurial intentions from entrepreneurial self‐efficacy and entrepreneurs’ personal characteristics : a Botswana perspective

Abstract: Research has shown that the promotion of entrepreneurship in tertiary institutions is now viewed as a seedbed of innovation, employment creation and economic growth. In order to extend the literature on entrepreneurial intentions, this study focuses on the exploration of the nexus of relationship between entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurs’ personal characteristics in the context of the need for achievement, locus of control, selfconfidence, and risk‐taking propensity among Batswana youth. This study was underpinned by the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Social Cognitive Career Theory, based on a descriptive and explanatory research design among the sampled 520 tertiary students with 500 questionnaires fully complete and returned for further statistical analysis. The major findings of the study indicated that entrepreneurial self ‐efficacy is significantly and positively associated with entrepreneurial intentions; the need for achievement is significantly and positively associated with entrepreneurial intentions, while locus of control and risk‐taking propensity are significantly and positively associated with entrepreneurial intentions. This study had limitations to the extent that it only focused on university students (education sector), whose recommendations may not be generalised to other sectors of the economy. However, the paper offers practical and managerial implications for Botswana policy‐makers by providing a strategic direction and environment that will help facilitate youth empowerment and resourcefulness in an era of environmental munificence and entrepreneurial orientation

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

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

Use of Employer Branding as a Tool for Attracting and Retaining Talent: Evidence from Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) in Botswana

The purpose of this research was to examine how employer branding is used as a tool for attracting and retaining talent in private higher education institutions. Literature shows that employer brand is very important if well implemented and communicated in highlighting an institution as an attractive employment destination, that is, as an employment destination of choice. A structured questionnaire, that employed a five-point Likert scale, from strongly agree to strongly disagree was used as a data collection instrument. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse and interpret data. Results of the study showed that private higher education institutions deploy a number of employer branding strategies to attract and retain talent. Furthermore, results also showed that biographical factors such as age and education are critical issues authorities in PHEIs should look at when designing, implementing and communicating their brands as these have an effect on how talent perceive the PHEIs as attractive workplaces as well as on how long talent will remain as an employee at the institutions. Keywords: Talent, employer branding, private higher education institutions, employer branding strategie

Challenges facing Micro, S0mall and Medium Enterprises in accessing private equity and venture capital financing in Windhoek, Namibia

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the engines of economic growth, propelling job creation, industry developments and innovation. However, there are major challenges facing MSMEs in accessing the much-needed financing from VC and PE financiers. Using a qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews, this study explored major challenges facing MSMEs in accessing equity financing in Khomas Region, Namibia. Various MSMEs owners and owner-managers, as well as VCs and PEs financiers were interviewed to solicit their views on the subject. The main findings indicate that factors such as information asymmetry, poor MSME investment readiness and awareness, adverse selection and moral hazards, high risks and uncertainties as well as investments management challenges are some of the contributing elements to inability to access VC and PE financing. The data collected were categorised into various themes and sub-themes based on the frequency and relevance of the data provided by the participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the information, draw out conclusions and proffer recommendations for consideration by MSME and relevant stakeholders. The study greatly contributes to the MSME financing field as it unpacked the challenges faced by MSMEs in accessing equity financing in Namibia and further provides recommendations and areas for future research

Financial inclusion challenges and prospects during the Covid-19 pandemic: insights from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe

Financial inclusion is a process that enables the ease of access, availability and usage of formal financial services for all members of an economy. It is a United Nations Sustainable Develop Goal (SDG) earmarked to alleviate poverty and income inequality. As such, financial inclusion has attracted the attention of many researchers and policymakers. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the whole world to a standstill. It has impacted many facets of the economy. The pandemic has reshaped the financial services sector. Financial inclusion is one facet of the economy that has been affected positively and negatively by the pandemic. This chapter explores the literature on financial inclusion and its challenges and opportunities induced by COVID-19. The chapter further explains the challenges and prospects of financial inclusion due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It concludes by illuminating future research directions

African Business Schools: do they promote entrepreneurship?

The Entrepreneurship competence is critical to the attainment of the UN Agenda 2030 goals and AU Agenda 2063 strategies on the African continent. This study explores the role of six selected, prominent African Business Schools in promoting entrepreneurship on the African continent, underpinned by the Theory of Planned Behaviour. An exploratory research design was used with a systematic literature review of secondary data on entrepreneurship in twelve Scopus rated journals. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. It was found that African Business Schools do not fully promote entrepreneurship education in Africa, due to the absence of entrepreneurship related modules in their curricula, as well as entrepreneurship related degree programmes at postgraduate level. Government was also found not to be supportive of business schools’ financial needs as evidenced by the lack of funding. The study was limited in that it only focused on a review of literature in the domain of entrepreneurship. Therefore, it can be recommended that business schools in Africa should offer compulsory entrepreneurship modules at undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as masters’ programmes with specialisation in entrepreneurship. Future research should therefore be empirical in nature, based on mixed methods to overcome the weaknesses of the other research method

Precursors and outcome of customer satisfaction/ delight in business-to-consumer relationships in Botswana

Purpose: This study examines the degree and the extent to which the satisfaction/delight of cellular network customers in Botswana is affected by the service delivery skills of network employees, the value received from offerings of the network and the trust that they have within a service environment. In addition, the effect of customer satisfaction/delight (CSD) on their loyalty is established. Design/methodology/approach: The research design applied was descriptive, and self-administered survey instruments were used to collect data from satisfied cellular network customers. For the data analysis, 350 completed questionnaires were used. In addition, the testing of proposed models was secured. Findings/results: Perceived employee service delivery, perceived value and trust have a significant positive influence on the satisfaction/delight experiences of customers, while such experiences influence customer loyalty significantly and positively. Practical implications: This study guides cellular providers towards establishing how service delivery, value and trust could improve customer satisfaction/delight among cellular customers in Botswana, leading to sustainable customer loyalty and a competitive advantage for the firm. Originality/value: Few other studies have investigated CSD experiences in relation to the stated precursors and outcome in an emerging African market

Predicting entrepreneurial intentions from entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurs’ personal characteristics: a Botswana perspective

Research has shown that the promotion of entrepreneurship in tertiary institutions is now viewed as a seedbed of innovation, employment creation and economic growth. In order to extend the literature on entrepreneurial intentions, this study focuses on the exploration of the nexus between entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurs’ personal characteristics in the context of the need for achievement, locus of control, self-confidence, and risk-taking propensity among Batswana youth. This study was underpinned by the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Social Cognitive Career Theory, based on a descriptive and explanatory research design among the sampled 520 tertiary students with 500 questionnaires fully complete and returned for further statistical analysis. The major findings of the study indicated that entrepreneurial self -efficacy is significantly and positively associated with entrepreneurial intentions; the need for achievement is significantly and positively associated with entrepreneurial intentions, while locus of control and risk-taking propensity are significantly and positively associated with entrepreneurial intentions. This study had limitations to the extent that it only focused on university students (education sector), whose recommendations may not be generalised to other sectors of the economy. However, the paper offers practical and managerial implications for Botswana policymakers by providing a strategic direction and environment that will help facilitate youth empowerment and resourcefulness in an era of environmental munificence and entrepreneurial orientation