Title: Innovation and entrepreneurship bootcamp: a descriptive study assessing the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education

Authors: Sio Hong Tih; Wan Mohd Hirwani Wan Hussain; Nik Mohd Hazrul Nik Hashim

Addresses: Henley Business School Malaysia, University of Reading Malaysia, Persiaran Graduan Kota Ilmu, Educity 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia ' Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia ' Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Abstract: This study investigates the implementation of an interactive-intensive structured innovation and entrepreneurship bootcamp among MBA students. A descriptive study was carried out immediately after the students participated in the bootcamp. It involved 118 postgraduate students newly enrolled in their studies. The results show that most of the participants were highly engaged in the program and gained new skills from the bootcamp although conducted within a relatively short period. Specifically, from the qualitative feedback, they felt that the bootcamp enhances their entrepreneurial thinking, inspire them to be more creative, promotes dynamic teamwork, and boosts their confidence as entrepreneurial leaders. In addition, based on participants' self-assessment and with reference to T-test results, there were significant improvements on the level of general knowledge and skills among the participants before and after attending the bootcamp. This study contributes towards understanding entrepreneurship education in higher learning and provides useful information in designing an effective bootcamp that enhances graduates' entrepreneurial thinking and skills, as well as team spirit and self-confidence.

Keywords: innovation; entrepreneurial thinking; interactive learning; MBA students.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2019.098735

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2019 Vol.22 No.2, pp.240 - 257

Received: 07 Feb 2017
Accepted: 18 Jun 2017
Published online: 02 Apr 2019 *

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