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Examining the perceived value of extracurricular enterprise activities in relation to entrepreneurial learning processes

Sarah Preedy, Paul Jones Orcid Logo, Gideon Maas, Hilary Duckett

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Volume: 27, Issue: 7, Pages: 1085 - 1105

Swansea University Author: Paul Jones Orcid Logo

Abstract

This study contributes towards increased understanding of the perceived value of extracurricular enterprise activities from an entrepreneurial learning perspective. Past decades have witnessed a global increase in the provision of enterprise and entrepreneurship education alongside a growing suite o...

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Published in: Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
ISSN: 1462-6004 1462-6004
Published: Emerald Publishing, UK Emerald 2020
Online Access: Check full text

URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54746
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Abstract: This study contributes towards increased understanding of the perceived value of extracurricular enterprise activities from an entrepreneurial learning perspective. Past decades have witnessed a global increase in the provision of enterprise and entrepreneurship education alongside a growing suite of extracurricular enterprise activities. However, there is a paucity of research examining how entrepreneurial learning might be understood in the context of these activities. The study draws on an empirical study of student and educator participants across 24 United Kingdom (UK) universities using semi-structured surveys and in-depth interviews. Three main learning theories drawn from the entrepreneurial learning literature; experiential, social and self-directed learning provided a conceptual framework to frame the research phenomenon. Findings posit that extracurricular enterprise activities provide perceived value in the experiential and social learning opportunities afforded for students. However, these activities are restricted in enabling the experiential learning cycle to be completed due to limited reflection opportunities. Positioning these extracurricular activities outside the main curriculum also empowers participants to self-direct aspects of their learning and develop their autonomous learning capabilities.The existing literature focuses upon the entrepreneurial learning processes of established entrepreneurs rather than latent and nascent entrepreneurs within a Higher Education (HE) setting. The limited literature examining HE entrepreneurial learning does so by concentrating upon entrepreneurial learning resulting from in-curricular activities. This study offers novel insights into students entrepreneurial learning processes, highlighting the importance of experiential, social and self-directed learning opportunities to the entrepreneurial learning process and the perceived value of extracurricular activities as a platform for these types of learning.
Keywords: Enterprise education; entrepreneurship education; entrepreneurial learning; extracurricular activities
College: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Issue: 7
Start Page: 1085
End Page: 1105