Definition and Testing of a Skills Framework to Evaluate the Effect of a Pedagogical Program in Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Our work aims at contributing to research on entrepreneurship pedagogy by designing and testing a skills framework to evaluate the outcomes of pedagogical programs in entrepreneurship. A literature review was conducted to clarify the concept of skills. The first part of this article describes the components of the 17 main entrepreneurial skills identified in the literature (both transversal and specific to entrepreneurship). A post hoc experimental plan was chosen so that the results may be replicated. Data were collected online among business students and 444 completed forms were returned. The survey instrument was tested empirically by comparing the experimental group (265 participants of an entrepreneurship seminar) with the control group (179 non-participants). Results show the value of using a complete evaluation grid when evaluating a pedagogical program in entrepreneurship. Indeed, many transversal skills may evolve positively, not just the skills that are specific to entrepreneurship.