Entrepreneurial skills and training needs for business management students: A South-African ODeL institution perspective
Thea Visser · Ntsieni Fitzgerald Ramasimu · Sharon Rudansky-Kloppers · Ronny Shibiti · Dumisani Mabasa · Zandile Ngwenya · Khanyile Mamatu ORCID ↗
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026 · Vol. 8 / Issue 3 · 294-312
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Observed 21 Oct 2026, 00:14 UTC
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Abstract
The challenges faced by university students in acquiring entrepreneurship skills, knowledge, and training necessitate consideration. This study identifies the profile and business information of student entrepreneurs, together with their skills and training requirements. The research is conducted from the viewpoint of an open distance and e-learning institution. A positivist philosophical approach was adopted, employing a quantitative survey design through an online questionnaire disseminated to students enrolled in four modules within an academic department. Descriptive statistics and contingency tables were employed to summarise the data and examine response patterns among various subgroups. Marketing, financial management, and business management are essential competencies and training requirements for entrepreneurs. They have obstacles in formalising their enterprises, possess constrained financial resources and training, and tax compliance constitutes a regulatory burden for small businesses. Entrepreneurship education programs must encompass a varied array of skills and training to guarantee business creation, growth, and sustainability. The research enhances comprehension of entrepreneurial competencies and training requirements. Insights are provided regarding entrepreneurial education and subsequent skills and training for students in entrepreneurship programs. An effective university entrepreneurship ecosystem cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset, promotes lifelong learning, and fosters innovation to meet the demands of the digital era.
Keywords: {'name': 'Entrepreneurship, skills, training, students, universities, business management'}
Authors & affiliations
Thea Visser
Department of Business Management, University of South Africa
Ntsieni Fitzgerald Ramasimu
Associate Professor, University of South Africa
Sharon Rudansky-Kloppers
Department of Business Management, University of South Africa
Ronny Shibiti
Department of Business Management, University of South Africa
Dumisani Mabasa
Affiliation not supplied
Zandile Ngwenya
Affiliation not supplied
Khanyile Mamatu
Affiliation not supplied
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