Abstract

This research addresses the entrepreneurial landscape in Ecuador, specifically focusing on the students of the Faculty of Administration and Economics at the Technical University of Manabí (FCAE-UTM). The Technical University of Manabí (UTM) recognizes the importance of understanding the entrepreneurial intentions of its students. To address the uncertainties surrounding the university’s role in entrepreneurship, this research aims to explore the entrepreneurial intentions of current UTM students. The primary objective is to examine the components influencing these intentions and construct a Structural Equation Model (SEM) that aids UTM authorities in understanding and measuring entrepreneurship learning needs. Drawing on a literature review, the study integrates insights from various models, including the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (ESE) scale. It adapts and validates the ESE scale, identifying six dimensions crucial for entrepreneurial success. Methodologically, a structured questionnaire, based on a prior study, was administered to 1105 virtual education students at FCAE-UTM. Principal component analysis and SEM techniques were employed for data analysis. Results reveal six main components: Entrepreneurial Intention, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Entrepreneurial Attitude, Information from Relevant Others, Support for Entrepreneurial Training, and Structural Support. The SEM model demonstrates a robust fit, indicating two pathways influencing entrepreneurial intentions: one through entrepreneurial attitude, supported by training and information, and the other through increased entrepreneurial self-efficacy, primarily influenced by structural support.

Keywords: entrepreneurship, intension HEI, scale validation, SEM

Authors:

Omar Aldo Maluk Salema
Faculty of Entrepreneurship
Business and Economics
UEES Espiritu Santo University
Guayas, Samborondon 092301, Ecuador

Silvia Amira Maluk Uriguen
Faculty of Social and Humanistic Sciences,
FCSH, ESPOL, Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral,
Guayas, Guayaquil 090112, Ecuador

Kerly Cruz Arteaga
Faculty of Administrative and Economic Sciences
UTM Universidad Tecnica de Manabi,
Manabi, Portoviejo 130101, Ecuador

Jaime Meza
Department of Information Systems
Faculty of Computer Science,
UTM Universidad Tecnica de Manabi
Manabi, Portoviejo 130101, Ecuador

Eliza Zambrano
Faculty of Administrative and Economic Sciences
UTM Universidad Tecnica de Manabi,
Manabi, Portoviejo 130101, Ecuador