Curriculum of Entrepreneurship in Institutions of Higher Learning: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

UGC has recognised educational institutions for teaching vocational courses with Entrepreneurship as one of the subjects. The role of Teacher-Training will be very important in implementing Entrepreneurship subject in their respective institutions. It is imperative that educational institutions provide training on Entrepreneurship to selected teachers by way of their participation in Teachers' Training Programme (TIP) I Faculty Development Programme (TTP). This apart, at least one member (teacher) must be trained in a longer duration Entrepreneur Trainer-Motivators' Programme. Subsequently, these teachers may opt for further training in specialised areas of Entrepreneurship such as, Business Opportunity Guidance (BOG), Project Report Preparation, Selection & Motivation, Management inputs, etc. In order 'to create an environment within the educational institution for promoting entrepreneurship among the students, the following initiatives are envisaged; 1. Teachers will be required to get out of the classroom for establishing institutional networking and establishing contacts required for getting external support. 2. High level of involvement of teachers is an essential aspect in developing Entrepreneurship among the students. This in turn calls for putting in additional .hours of effort on the part of the teachers apart from normal working hours. 3. There is a need to establish a strong network among various organisations and agencies involved in finance, infrastructure, technology upgradation, etc. Such support system agencies are to be taken into confidence while implementing ED activity in the educational institution. 4. Establishing contacts with entrepreneurs and industry associations would be beneficial while organising industrial visits, getting information on various products and also in placing the students in the industrial units for the preparation of project reports. 5. A strong follow-up mechanism is to be set up by the teachers. This will require a different type of approach through the Alumni Association since the students in science and engineering streams are at the national level. 6. A series of seminars can be organized based on the needs of the students who have just established or on the verge of establishing their enterprises. These short duration seminars can cover recent management techniques, export procedures, patent rules, etc.