MASTERS OF ART IN DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the determinants of TVET students’ entrepreneurial intention in Gurage Zone TVET colleges. Descriptive and explanatory research designs along with quantitative and qualitative approach were employed. 350 TVET students have been participated. However, for triangulation purpose 20 college instructors and 14 Gurage Zone TVET department officers were participated. Simple random sampling, proportionate stratified and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select TVET colleges, to set the number of students, and to select instructors and Gurage Zone TVET department officers. The study used questionnaire, interview, focus group discussion, and document review to collect primary data and secondary data. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as correlation coefficient as well as multiple linear regression model were used to analyze the quantitative data with the help of Statistical Package for Social Science version 20. As to the qualitative data analysis, it was narrated systematically using content analysis approach and supported the quantitative data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that prior experience to self – employment, family monthly income, students’ job preference after graduation, environmental factors, entrepreneurship education and emotional intelligence were significantly and positively influenced the entrepreneurial intention of TVET students in the selected Gurage Zone TVET colleges, where entrepreneurship education has the greatest influence among all. However, the entire determinant factors have 75.9% capacity in explaining the variations in the entrepreneurial intention at 5% level of precision. Therefore, this study suggests that at macro level the government policies, strategies and programs should consider infant business by subsidizing beginners, facilitate business startup and by allocating appropriate budget. Beyond this Gurage zone TVET department have a responsibility on hiring well educated and qualified college trainers and officers, strengthen bondage with stake holders especially with the industrial and manufacturing sectors and support and follow up for the colleges are among the major.