Title: Entrepreneurial intention among secondary students: findings from Portugal

Authors: Arminda Do Paco, Joao Ferreira, Mario Raposo, Ricardo G. Rodrigues, Anabela Dinis

Addresses: Department of Business and Economics, University of Beira Interior, Estrada do Sineiro, 6200-209 Covilha, Portugal. ' Department of Business and Economics, University of Beira Interior, Estrada do Sineiro, 6200-209 Covilha, Portugal. ' Department of Business and Economics, University of Beira Interior, Estrada do Sineiro, 6200-209 Covilha, Portugal. ' Department of Business and Economics, University of Beira Interior, Estrada do Sineiro, 6200-209 Covilha, Portugal. ' Department of Business and Economics, University of Beira Interior, Estrada do Sineiro, 6200-209 Covilha, Portugal

Abstract: This paper aims to identify some factors that may be explaining differences among secondary students in start-up intentions. For that, the study develops an entrepreneurial intention model sustained by the use of Azjen|s theory of planned behaviour (TPB). This theory is considered as a relevant tool to model the development of entrepreneurial intention through pedagogical processes and learning contexts. Using a sample of students aged between 14 and 15 years old, it was administrated a questionnaire based on the Linan and Chen|s entrepreneurial intention questionnaire (EIQ). Data was collected before the entrepreneurship education programme. The purpose is to test a model of entrepreneurial intention using structural equations, before the educational experience.

Keywords: entrepreneurship education; entrepreneurial intentions; theory of planned behaviour; TPB; Portugal; structural equation modelling; youth; young people; secondary education; start-ups.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2011.040418

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2011 Vol.13 No.1, pp.92 - 106

Published online: 11 Oct 2014 *

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