Secondly, unlike prior studies and models that examine the influence of EE, individual factors and contextual factors in isolation from each other, this study develops and validates a multi-level integrated model to explore how these factors jointly shape EI. Specifically, it establishes that effectiveness of EE mediates the effects of individual and institutional factors on perceived feasibility and desirability of entrepreneurship i.e.
Firstly, against the backdrop of mixed conclusions in prior research about the effect of EE on EI, this study finds that the effect of EE should be examined in conjunction with factors at individual and institutional levels. The study contributes to knowledge in four major areas. Thirdly, and more importantly, individual and institutional factors indirectly exert their impact on perceived feasibility and desirability via EE. Secondly, individual and institutional factors directly influence perceived feasibility and desirability of entrepreneurship. Research results suggest that, firstly, EI is primarily a function of perceived feasibility and desirability of entrepreneurship. For the quantitative study, 452 useful responses were received from final year undergraduate students. For the qualitative study, 13 interviews were conducted and interviewees included final year undergraduate students, educators and practitioners in enterprise support organisations. Primary data were collected from Zambia via qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey. This was intended for model testing and in-depth understanding of the research issues in the Zambian context. To avoid bias from utilising one particular methodology, this study purposely employed a concurrent triangulation strategy. Secondly, it explores whether EE affects the relationships between EI and its individual and institutional determinants. The current study, by considering EE as the kernel, firstly examines individual and institutional determinants of EI. Moreover, literature on the effect of EE on EI shows mixed conclusions. In exploring the determinants of EI, prior studies investigate the effects of individual factors, contextual factors and entrepreneurship education (EE) in isolation from each other. Understanding the determinants of entrepreneurial intention (EI), therefore, becomes important.
This requires young graduates to consider entrepreneurship and self-employment as a viable career option. University education is no longer a passport to secure employment for graduates.
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