An investigation of higher education student's entrepreneurial intention in Ethiopian universities: technology and business fields in focus

Purpose: purpose of this study aims at seeking to identify whether entrepreneurial intentions exist among university students. Methodology: Survey research method was employed involving total of 210 students from four public universities found in the Ethiopia. Sample of respondents from selected Universities were drawn by using systematic sampling techniques. The study used both primary and secondary data. Pertaining to data analysis both qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques mainly descriptive analysis using percentages, tables and graphs were employed. From inferential statistics multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify which variables are significant for the model. Regression analysis was used to explain the effect of independent variables on a dependent variable. Additionally mean scores and standard deviations were calculated to identify the most importantfactors that determines students Entrepreneurial intentions in the selected Universities Findings: the study proposes jive factors contributing to the development entrepreneurial intention in selected universities. Accordingly subjective norms, perceived self efficacy, university environment, perceived educational support and students attitude toward entrepreneurship were significant determinants for entrepreneurial intention in selected public universities. Practical implications: thefinding specifically imply that the universities are advised to give attention to the impact of social influences, identify the way to enhance students confidence toperform entrepreneurial roles and tasks, allow university stakeholder participations such as Supervisor and Lecturer to guides students well and encouraged students to pursue their own ideas. Finally, Ethiopian ministry of education is expected look at university environment to create environment which can boost entrepreneurial intention of the students. viii