The development of students’ entrepreneurial identity within entrepreneurial education: a study of Northumbria University’s business clinic

Latheef, Fauhan Abdulla (2024) The development of students’ entrepreneurial identity within entrepreneurial education: a study of Northumbria University’s business clinic. Doctoral thesis, Northumbria University.

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Abstract

This thesis explores the process by which entrepreneurial education develops entrepreneurial identity of students. In particular, the research investigated the entrepreneurial identity development of students enrolled on a consultancy programme where they had the opportunity to work with entrepreneurs. Therefore, the influence of interactions between students and entrepreneurs have been researched.

This study follows a qualitative approach and utilises semi-structured interviews and observations. The participants of the study were undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in The Business Clinic at Northumbria University. 20 students who were working with entrepreneurs based in the North East of England were interviewed at the beginning of their project and after the final submission of their report. The data was collected over a seven-month period from December 2019 to June 2020.

A thematic analysis approach was taken to analyse the findings of the data collected. The findings highlight the students’ expectations prior to meeting their entrepreneurs and starting the project. It explores the different types of conflict faced by students and actions taken whilst working on the project. This is followed by a reflection stage where students discuss the skills that they have learnt and improved upon.

The findings of this thesis contribute towards existing research on entrepreneurial identities. A conceptual framework that outlines the entrepreneurial identity development process in students has been proposed. This thesis also draws upon existing theories such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Identity Conflict Theory to expand on how students’ expectations of entrepreneurship evolve when they interact with entrepreneurs in an educational environment. The main aim was to contribute towards existing literature, but practical contributions of this research which can be implemented in entrepreneurial education have also been provided.

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