FACULTY OF ARTS AND EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF TEACHER DEVELOPMENT

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN EDUCATION

PGDE215: ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN EDUCATION

Abridged model answer

May/June 2013

1. Discuss any four factors that influence entrepreneurial development

ITEM DESCRIPTION SCORE
A Introduction 5
A brief and focused outline of how the answer shall unfold
B Definition of terms:
 Entrepreneurial development
A programme of activities to enhance the knowledge, skills, behavior and attitudes of
individuals and groups to assume the role of entrepreneurship.
 Factor 10
An influence that contribute to a result or outcome.

Any two key terms x 5 marks each

C Discussion of factors that influence entrepreneurial development
 Socio-cultural factors
 -People traditionally engaged in business have a pro-business attitude and disdain
working for other people. This encourages entrepreneurial development.
-The culture of consumerism encourages entrepreneurship as there are greater returns
in doing business than in formal employment.
-People in formal employment encourage their children to find secure jobs. This
discourages entrepreneurial development
-A culture where people are risk averse discourages entrepreneurial development.
 Political factors
-Government policies encourage and discourage entrepreneurial development.
-Political stability such as peace encourages entrepreneurial development.
-Bureaucratic rigidities in the form of complex requirements stifle entrepreneurial
development.
-Government fiscal policies such as taxation encourage or discourage entrepreneurial
development.
 Economic factors
-Income levels and economic prosperity determine purchasing capabilities of people.
-Availability of natural resources offers entrepreneurial opportunities.
-Economic instability such as rampant inflation discourages entrepreneurship.
-A stable financial sector encourages entrepreneurial development by making capital
available and by making financial investments secure.
-The existence of physical infrastructure and public utilities encourages
entrepreneurial development.
 Technological factors
-Good information and technologies enable investors to do business effectively.
-Some local entrepreneurs have been overwhelmed by competition from foreign
products.

A discussion of any 4 factors x 20 marks each 80

D Conclusion 5
A brief summary of main points raised

2. Evaluate the benefits of vocational and technical education.

ITEM DESCRIPTION SCORE
A Introduction 5
A brief and focused outline of how the answer shall unfold
B Definition of terms:
 Vocational and technical education
Education and training to acquire practical skills know-how and understanding
necessary for employment in particular occupations or trades. 10
 Benefits
An advantage that promotes or enhances well being .
An two key terms x 5 marks each
C An evaluation of benefits of vocational and technical education
 Positive contributions
-It provides skilled and experienced manpower to industry.
-It is a mechanism for responding to changing skills and labour requirements during
periods of economic change.
-Graduates form vocational technical education can start new businesses contributing
to the economic development of a country.
-Earnings made by vocational education graduates from self employment contribute to
 economic empowerment and social mobility.
 Negative contributions
-There are huge numbers of unemployed youths from vocational education
institutions.
-The quality of training is too theoretical with due emphasis on certification than skills
proficiency resulting in production of poorly skilled graduates.
-Vocational Technical Education programmes are supply driven than demand driven
as a result some graduates are unemployable after training.
-Public perceptions that technical vocational education is for academically inferior
lead to lack of its support from communities. 80
D Conclusion 5
A summary of main positive and negative contributions and a judgment.

3. Analyse the significance of resource utilization in entrepreneurial strategy formulation.

ITEM DESCRIPTION SCORE
A INTRODUCTION 5
A brief and focused outline of how the answer shall unfold
B Definition of terms:
 Resource utilization
Identifying resources strategically in line with the organisation‘s plans and objectives.
 Strategy formulation
A set of decisions and actions used to formulate and implement strategies that will
provide a competitively superior fit between the organisation and its environment 10

Any two key terms x 5 marks each

C An analysis of the importance of resource utilization in entrepreneurial strategy
formulation
 Human resources:
-People are the organisation‘s primary source of competitive advantage and are
therefore a key tool in strategy formulation.
-The success of an organisation is determined by the decisions which employees
make.
-People are an organisation‘s primary source of talents that have to be aligned with the
organisation‘ entrepreneurial strategies.
 Financial resources:
Financial resources determine the organisation‘s ability to procure material and to
remunerate its human resources.
-Financial resources enable the organisation to hire, train develop and compensate its
personnel.
-Financial resources enable the organisation to repair worn out physical resources,
equipment and machinery.
-Financial resources are critical in establishing quality work environments.
 Material resources
-Physical asserts are what the organisation is worth.
80
 -Physical asserts such as buildings and vehicles make things happen and determine the
success of its strategies.

D Conclusion 5
A summary of main points analysed

4. Discuss the management skills needed at various levels of management.

ITEM DESCRIPTION SCORE

A Introduction 5
A brief and focused outline of how the answer shall unfold
B Definition of terms:
 Management skills
The ability to make decisions and lead subordinates within an organisation
 Management 10
A process of getting activities completed efficiently and effectively with and through
other people.

Any two key terms x 5 marks each

C A discussion of management skills at different levels of management:
 Technical skills:
-First line managers need competency in using tools, procedures and techniques of
trade as they supervise people doing actual work. Lack of such skills affects
production.
-First line managers need proficiency in technical skills because they train new
employees. Lack of skills development at lower levels affects the organisation‘s
competitive advantage.
-Top managers need an appreciation of technical skills for effective planning. They do
not have to use the skills in their day to day work.
 Human skills
-All levels of management need human relation skills such a motivation,
communication, listening, empathizing. Lack of managerial human skills affects
worker moral.
-All levels of management need human skills as they interact and work with
subordinates, peers, customers, and suppliers.
 Conceptual skills
-Top level managers have overall responsibility of the organisation‘s performance and
hence in greatest need of conceptual skills.
-Senior management needs skills to view the whole organisation in abstract and relate
all its component parts.
-Conceptual skills enable senior managers to view the organisation as an open system
and how it relates to the outer environment.
-Senior managers need conceptual skills to plan strategically for the organisation‘s
entrepreneurial success.
-First line managers only need appreciation of conceptual skills to help them
understand that they do not operate in isolation. 80

D Conclusion
A brief summary of main points raised 5
 4. Outline the weaknesses of unsuccessful programmes to integrate entrepreneurship in education.
Explain how each of these weaknesses can be overcome.
ITEM DESCRIPTION SCORE
A Introduction
A brief and focused outline of how the answer shall unfold 5
B Definition of terms:
 Entrepreneurship
A process by which people pursue opportunities, fulfilling needs and wants through
innovation without regard to resources they currently control.
 Programme
A plan of action aimed at accomplishing objectives with details of what work is to be
done by whom, where and when. 10

Any two key terms x 5 marks each

C  Weaknesses of unsuccessful programmes of integrating entrepreneurship
education:
-Unsuccessful programmes are usually poorly structured with little practical content.
-Instruction in unsuccessful programmes is usually rushed theoretically as crush
programmes.
-Time allocated to programmes that become unsuccessful is usually too little for the
content to be completed in prescribed time.
-Unsuccessful programmes are poorly supported by stake holders.
-Unsuccessful programmes have instructors with little or no relevant knowledge and
skills.
-Unsuccessful programmes are characterized by lack of role models of successful
former trainees.
 How each of the weaknesses can be overcome
-Entrepreneurship education programmes must adopt a vocational training approach.
-Entrepreneurship education programmes must utilize professionals in industry as
‗‘teachers in industry for education support.‘‘
-Entrepreneurship education programmes must have a philosophy of life long
incremental approach.
-A national programme for funding entrepreneurial education must be put in place.
-A critical mass of entrepreneurial teachers who can transmit entrepreneurial culture 80
in all areas of education must be developed.
Complementary support from existing entrepreneurs is required.
D Conclusion
A brief summary of main points raised 5
E Conclusion

A summary of the issues discussed in the answer. 5

FACULTY OF ARTS AND EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF TEACHER DEVELOPMENT

Abridged Model Answer

AUGUST-DECEMBER 2014

PGDE 215: ENTREPENEURSHIP IN EDUCATION

1. Discuss any four factors influencing the growth of entrepreneurship in a country of your
choice

ITEM DESCRIPTION SCORE

A Introduction 5
A brief and focused outline of how the answer shall unfold
B Definition of terms:
Entrepreneurship
A process by which people pursue opportunities, fulfill needs, and wants
through innovation without due regard to resources not available.
Factors 10
Influences that contribute to entrepreneurship results or outcomes.

Any two key terms x 5 marks each

C Discussion of factors influencing the growth of entrepreneurship in
Zimbabwe
 Socio-cultural factors
-Many people are now engaged in small businesses and have pro-business
attitudes of not wanting to work for other people. This is encouraging growth
of entrepreneurship

42
 -The culture of consumerism is encouraging growth of entrepreneurship as
there are greater returns in running businesses than in formal employment.
-However there are people encouraging their children to pursue secure jobs in
the formal sector. This discourages growth of entrepreneurship.
-There is still a culture where people are risk averse. This discourages growth of
entrepreneurship.
 Political factors
-Government policies are encouraging entrepreneurship growth eg ZIMASSET.
-Political stability, peace and security are encouraging growth of
entrepreneurship.
-Bureaucratic rigidities in the form of complex requirements to secure funding
stifle growth of entrepreneurship.
-Government fiscal policies eg taxation, indigenization and empowerment
policies encourage or discourage entrepreneurship.
 Economic factors
-Income levels and economic prosperity is determining purchasing capabilities
of people eg liquidity crunch.
-Availability of natural resources eg land, minerals and wildlife is offering
entrepreneurial opportunities.
-Economic instability such as closer of companies is discouraging
entrepreneurship.
-A stable financial sector is encouraging entrepreneurship by making capital
loans available and by making financial investments secure.
- Physical infrastructure and public utilities eg roads, and electricity is
encouraging and discouraging growth of entrepreneurship. 80
 Technological factors
-Good information communication technologies is enabling entrepreneurs to
do business effectively eg cell phone and internet networks.
-Some local entrepreneurs are being overwhelmed by competition from
foreign products negatively affecting growth of entrepreneurship.

A discussion of any 4 factors x 20 marks each

D Conclusion 5
A brief summary of main points raised

2. Critically analyse the benefits that accrue to educational institutions managed as business
enterprises

ITEM DESCRIPTION SCORE

Introduction 5
A brief and focused outline of how the answer shall unfold
Definition of terms 10
Educational institutions

43
 Private or public organisations whose main goal is to provide teaching and
learning
Business enterprise
A venture established to produce services and products at a profit

Benefits that accrue to educational institutions managed as businesses

- Heads of educational institutions become alerted of winds of change,
opportunities and threats to viability of their organisations
-As service providers, educational institutions with business strategies and
marketing techniques cope with changing public demands
-Due to intense competition educational institutions using business
promotional strategies attract the wanted learners
-Institutions managed as businesses can channel resources towards results
producing areas
-Institutions run as businesses can easily make pupils as customers, the basis
for all their activities
- Business culture can inculcate the spirit of entrepreneurship among teachers
and pupils who in turn will carry out income generating projects for the
institution.
- Making an educational institution a business enterprise will promote business
minded attitudes among stakeholders [parents, pupils, and teachers] to
generate income from its environment.
-Graduates from a business oriented institution can turn their acquired
business knowledge and skills into further business ventures where the
institution is a stake holder.
-Re investing funds generated from levies at the institution can accrue to other
spill over benefits eg trust funds and community share ownership schemes.
Challenges that can offset these benefits
-Educational institutions are traditionally viewed as none businesse
organisations with social and ethical responsibilities.
-Too much emphasis on business can downplay achievement of academic goals
-Managing educational institutions as business enterprises can create power
conflicts between teachers and parents 80
-Challenges of accountability of profits and capital can arise due to lack of
business management skills.
Conclusion 5
A brief summary of main points raised and a justification

3. Justify the relevance of strategy formulation in entrepreneurship.

ITEM DESCRIPTION SCORE

A  Introduction 5

44
 A brief and focused outline of how the answer shall unfold
B  Definition of terms 10
Strategy formulation
A set of decisions and actions used to formulate and implement strategies that
provide a competitively superior fit between an enterprise and its environment
so as to achieve goals.
Entrepreneurship
A process by which people pursue opportunities, fulfill needs, and wants
through innovation without due regard to resources not available.

Any two key definitions x 5 marks each

C Justification of strategy formulation in entrepreneurship

-Strategy formulation allows the enterprise to position itself effectively within
its environment to reach maximum potential
-Strategy formulation allows the enterprise to define where it going and how it
is going to get there
-Strategy formulation leads to development of a strategic plan which if
communicated to other members provides a clear vision ,mission and
objectives
-Entrepreneurs can examine the prospects for change, opportunities and
threats to their enterprises rather than wait until environmental forces compel
them to.
-Strategy formulation steers available resources (human, financial and
material) into results producing areas in the organisation. 80
-Through strategy formulation, desired results are specified making it easier for
the organisation to move forward.
-The enterprise can express its priorities best through goals and objectives
which are very important elements for the organisation’s success

Any four points x 20 marks each

D  Conclusion 5
A brief summary of key points raised

4. Analyse any four common characteristics that define a successful entrepreneur

ITEM DESCRIPTION SCORE

A  Introduction 5
A brief and focused outline of how the answer shall unfold

B  Definition of terms 10
Entrepreneur
A person, who organizes, manages and assumes the risks of business

45
 enterprises.
Characteristics
Features that help distinguish traits of entrepreneurs
C

 Characteristics that define a successful entrepreneur

1.A successful entrepreneur is self motivated
-has mental drive to achieve their objectives
-is a self starter with clear goals in mind
-is self confident that goals will be achieved by self
-is self disciplined driven by hope for achievement
2.A successful entrepreneur is self persistence
-has a mental attitude of refusing to give up in the face of challenges
-has a strong motivation of hope
-is able to find new paths when old ones are blocked
-is able to rise each time he/she falls
3.A successful entrepreneur is a risk taker
- does fear losses when taking undertakings.
-has great faith in himself/herself
-is able to minimize risks
-is able to pass on risks to others
-is able to bear the risk
4.Asuccessfull Entrepreneurs are creative
-they are able to identify business ideas
-they are able to convert ideas into action 80
-they are able to draft methods of operation and production to produce goods
and services require by the market.
 Other characteristics that can be discussed are that entrepreneurs are
visionary, flexible, ethical, moral and focused

Discussion of 4 characteristics x 20 marks each

D  Conclusion 5
A brief summary of the four characteristics discussed

5. Discuss the relevance of the four principle factors in Timmons model of entrepreneurship

ITEM DESCRIPTION SCORE

A Introduction 5
A brief and focused outline of how the answer shall unfold
B Definition of terms
Model

46
 A simplified representation of reality used to understand entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship
A process by which people pursue opportunities, fulfill needs, and wants
through innovation without due regard to resources not available.
10
C Key features of the model
-Timmons model serves as a standard guide that potential entrepreneurs can
follow to succeed in their ventures
-The principle factors of the model are: Entrepreneur, Founding team,
Opportunity, Resources
-Effectiveness of the model in understanding entrepreneurship depends on the
fit between the four factors
Relevance of four principle factors of the model
-Opportunity factor
-The entrepreneur deliberately search for opportunities in the environment
-Entrepreneurship starts with the discovery of an opportunity
-Opportunities are developed into business ideas after being tested for viability
-Opportunities are shaped until they become high potential ventures
-However, some opportunities may need to be created instead of being
discovered and also not all ventures develop form opportunities discovered.
Team factor
-Team work effectively unlocks the full potential of the opportunity than
individual effort
-The success of the venture depends on effectiveness of team work
-The team provides leadership to manage available resources
-However, sometimes teams may not be as effective as sole entrepreneurship
or may create dysfunction.
Resource factor
-Resources enable the venture to start up
-Resources can be manipulated to make the venture develop a competitive
advantage
-Resources can be manipulated to drive down operational costs
-Resources can be used to create creativity by seeking to achieve results with 80
minimal resources
The entrepreneur factor
The entrepreneur:
-identifies the opportunity and shapes it into a potential venture
- conjures the realm required for success
-coaches the team members as and when needed
-draws up the business plan and provides the resources.
However the entrepreneur needs entrepreneurial competencies and attributes
lack of which can lead to the failure of the venture.
D Conclusion 5
A brief summary of the four characteristics discussed

47