Towards a model of the learning needs of the effective entrepreneur
by Zineb Aouni, Bernard Surlemont
International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business (IJESB), Vol. 8, No. 3, 2009

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to provide a unifying framework identifying the main learning needs of potential entrepreneurs. Based on the competency based theory, these learning needs are defined as the competencies to be effective at each step of the entrepreneurial process. In order to achieve this, the paper pays great attention to defining the central concepts of 'entrepreneur', 'entrepreneurship' and 'the entrepreneurial process'. The purpose is to arrive at a clear specification of the entrepreneur's role in the entrepreneurial process. This provides the basis for identifying the key 'entrepreneurial competencies' needed to be effective in the entrepreneurial process. This analysis relies on cognition research and entrepreneurship learning literature in order to understand how those entrepreneurial competencies are acquired through time and ultimately to highlight the individual variables influencing their acquisition. The paper closes with a preliminary model of the learning needs of effective entrepreneurs. The paper's main practical contribution is to underline the key dimensions that entrepreneurship programmes should incorporate.

Online publication date: Tue, 12-May-2009

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