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Entrepreneurial Intentions of Agricultural Students: Levels and Determinants |
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| Authors: | Mahtab Pouratashi |
| Institution: | Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This paper examined levels and determinants of entrepreneurial intentions amongst agricultural students. Methodology: The statistical population comprised students in colleges of agriculture at University of Tehran. By use of a random sampling method, a sample of 120 students participated in the study. The instrument for data collection was a pen and paper questionnaire. The validity and reliability of questionnaire were determined through calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient and opinions of scientific board members. Findings: The findings revealed that about a half of the respondents had medium entrepreneurial intentions. There were differences in entrepreneurial intentions between students who had attended entrepreneurship courses and those who had not. Also, there were differences in entrepreneurial intentions between students who had self-employed parents and those who had not. According to the findings, education support, personality traits and skill were the three factors that influenced the entrepreneurial intentions of students. Practical Implications: Since education support has a significant impact on students' intention to start their own businesses, it is essential for agricultural colleges to integrate entrepreneurship education into their educational programs through curriculum development. It is also recommended that agricultural colleges introduce entrepreneurship ideas as a starting point for students to motivate them. |
| Keywords: | Entrepreneurship Intention Student Theory of planned behavior Agriculture |