Enhancing graduate employability through work‐based learning in social entrepreneurship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possible benefits of a work‐based learning (WBL) model in “social entrepreneurship” for enhancing graduate employability and an appreciation for “responsible” entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approach – Pre‐ and post‐course experience surveys were conducted with the yearly cohorts, followed by focus group discussions with students in each semester between 2008 and 2011. In addition, ten not‐for‐profit (NFP) industry partners were interviewed for their feedback on the enhanced curriculum.Findings – The findings strongly validate the adoption of WBL curriculum for social entrepreneurship in enhancing graduate employability and opportunities for responsible entrepreneurship education. The case study also provides insights into how to overcome the key challenges relating to designing and implementing WBL models through a curriculum innovation in social entrepreneurship.Research limitations/implications – Further research with longitudinal data is ne...

[1]  Jim Gallacher,et al.  Employer–university ‘partnerships’: a key problem for work‐based learning programmes? , 2005 .

[2]  Allan Gibb,et al.  Can We Build ‘Effective’ Entrepreneurship through Management Development? , 1999 .

[3]  B MilesMatthew,et al.  Qualitative Data Analysis , 2018, Approaches and Processes of Social Science Research.

[4]  Paul Hannon,et al.  Philosophies of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Education and Challenges for Higher Education in the UK , 2005 .

[5]  David Rae,et al.  Entrepreneurial learning: a narrative‐based conceptual model , 2005 .

[6]  Maryellen Weimer,et al.  Learner-Centered Teaching: Five Key Changes to Practice , 2013 .

[7]  C. Hartshorn.  Understanding Notions of Enterprise in the Higher Education Sector , 2002 .

[8]  Thomas M. Duffy,et al.  Problem Based Learning: An instructional model and its constructivist framework , 1995 .

[9]  J. Cope,et al.  Toward a Dynamic Learning Perspective of Entrepreneurship , 2005 .

[10]  Ian J. Murdoch.  Developments in the Evaluation of Work-Based Learning , 2004 .

[11]  Gurnam Singh,et al.  Social entrepreneurship in the social policy curriculum , 2008 .

[12]  George T. Solomon,et al.  THE STATE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES: A NATIONWIDE SURVEY AND ANALYSIS , 2002 .

[13]  D. Kolb.  Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development , 1983 .

[14]  Peter A. C. Smith.  Action Learning and Reflective Practice in Project Environments that are Related to Leadership Development , 2001 .

[15]  David Rae.  Entrepreneurship: From Opportunity to Action , 2007 .

[16]  E. Chell.  Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship , 2007 .

[17]  Developing career management skills within the HE Curriculum: a review and evaluation of different approaches , 2007 .

[18]  Jean Hartley,et al.  Case study research , 2004 .

[19]  Ewart Keep,et al.  Voice without accountability: the changing relationship between employers, the state and education in England , 2004 .

[20]  Colm O'Gorman,et al.  What is “enterprise education”? An analysis of the objectives and methods of enterprise education programmes in four European countries , 2004 .

[21]  C. Noble.  Researching Field Practice in Social Work Education , 2001 .

[22]  Joseph A. Raelin,et al.  A Model of Work-Based Learning , 1997 .

[23]  Carolin Kreber.  A Course‐based Approach to the Development of Teaching‐scholarship: a case study , 1999 .

[24]  A. Gibb.  In Pursuit of a New 'Enterprise' and 'Entrepreneurship' Paradigm for Learning: Creative Destruction, New Values, New Ways of Doing Things and New Combinations of Knowledge , 2002 .

[25]  David Rae.  CONNECTING ENTERPRISE AND GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY CHALLENGES TO THE HIGHER EDUCATION CULTURE AND CURRICULUM , 2007 .

[26]  C. V. D. van der Vleuten,et al.  Problem‐based learning: future challenges for educational practice and research , 2005, Medical education.

[27]  J. Biggs,et al.  Teaching For Quality Learning At University , 1999 .

[28]  David Rae,et al.  Understanding entrepreneurial learning: a question of how? , 2000 .

[29]  D. Gilbert.  From chalk and talk to walking the walk: Facilitating dynamic learning contexts for entrepreneurship students in fast‐tracking innovations , 2012 .

[30]  Work‐based learning and continuing professional development , 2007 .

[31]  Chris Hughes,et al.  Practicum Learning: perils of the authentic workplace , 1998 .

[32]  Philip C. Candy,et al.  Self-Direction for Lifelong Learning: A Comprehensive Guide to Theory and Practice , 1991 .

[33]  L. Shulman,et al.  The Scholarship of Teaching: New Elaborations, New Developments. , 1999 .

[34]  David Guile,et al.  A Connective Model of Learning: The Implications for Work Process Knowledge , 2003 .

[35]  G. Gorman,et al.  Some Research Perspectives on Entrepreneurship Education, Enterprise Education and Education for Small Business Management: A Ten-Year Literature Review , 1997 .

[36]  David Rae,et al.  Riding out the Storm: Graduates, Enterprise and Careers in Turbulent Economic Times. , 2008 .

[37]  J. Cope,et al.  Learning by doing – An exploration of experience, critical incidents and reflection in entrepreneurial learning , 2000 .

[38]  Ray Dwerryhouse,et al.  Real work in the 16‐19 curriculum: AVCE business and Young Enterprise , 2001 .

[39]  Ern Reeders,et al.  Scholarly Practice in Work-based Learning: Fitting the glass slipper , 2000 .

[40]  Timothy J. Kloppenborg,et al.  Project Management in Local Nonprofit Organizations: Engaging Students in Problem-Based Learning , 2004 .

[41]  Peter Ashworth,et al.  Managing Work Experience , 1990 .

[42]  K. Eisenhardt.  Building theories from case study research , 1989, STUDI ORGANIZZATIVI.

[43]  Paul Hager,et al.  Graduate attributes, learning and employability , 2007 .

[44]  David Rae,et al.  Universities and enterprise education: responding to the challenges of the new era. , 2010 .

[45]  L. McAulay,et al.  Management Learning as a Learning Process: An Invitation , 1995 .

[46]  A. Gibb.  Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management: Can We Afford to Neglect Them in the Twenty-first Century Business School? , 1996 .