Evaluation of the Effect of Entrepreneurship Education on the Development of Students’ Entrepreneurial Traits and Entrepreneurial Mindset

Abstract

Integrating entrepreneurship into higher education is a core pillar of the Moroccan university reform. However, empirical literature lacks rigorous evaluations of the actual effect of entrepreneurial culture modules on students' psychological profiles in North Africa. This exploratory study investigates the evolution of entrepreneurial traits and mindset among 68 third-year undergraduate students at Mohammed V University of Rabat following a mandatory 50-hour module based on green project-based learning. The research design follows a single-group pre/post-test quasi-experimental approach, complemented by comparison with external reference norms (entrepreneurs and general population). Data were collected using Gasse's entrepreneurial inventory (128 items assessing 15 traits across 5 dimensions). The findings demonstrate statistically significant positive evolutions across 13 of the 15 traits, most notably for power motivation (score increasing from 52 to 62; Cohen's d = 0.95), autonomy (52 to 62; d = 0.92), and innovation (51 to 61; d = 0.88). Conversely, need for achievement remained stable (50 pre and post), while attitude toward competition experienced a slight decline (50 to 48), reflecting the collaborative nature of team-based project work. The paper discusses pedagogical implications for curriculum design and highlights the need for controlled experimental designs to confirm causal impacts.

JEL Classification: L26; I23; A22; M13.

Paper Type: Empirical Research