WEC EC Factors (ECs): Pre-post-analysis | Kenya 5
KRU
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Overview
Study Background
This is a continuation of the first analysis that was conducted and presented by Prof. Melodi Botha from Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria. The main objective of the experiment was to assess the change in learners’ level of Entrepreneurial Competency (EC) factors prior to and after they were exposed to the Wavumbuzi Entrepreneurship Challenge (WEC). In summary, herewith is a brief overview of the experiment.
- The study was a Pretest–Posttest experimental design, where measurements were taken prior to administering some treatment, followed by a posttest on the same measure after treatment occurs.
- The baseline (pre-test) sample was tested before exposure to the WEC and consisted of 16,728 usable surveys filled by high school learners from over 200 schools.
- The endline (post-test) sample was tested after the respondents were exposed to the WEC, and this sample size consists of 6,728 usable responses.
- Therefore, for this study, a sample of 6,728 respondents completed both surveys and are included in the inferential analysis.
- This experimental design enabled us to determine whether the respondents’ level of ECs improved after they were exposed to the WEC.
- Data were collected over a seven-week period from 4/4/2024 to 21/07/2024 (excluding weeks where the learners wrote exams) using an online, self-administered survey questionnaire which was hosted using Wavumbuzi AWS platform.
Experiment Results
Out of the 18 validated EC factors that were assessed, significant improvements were observed in 13 entrepreneurial factors. These changes were determined by calculating the average difference between the post-test (endline) and pre-test (baseline) scores for each factor. The entrepreneurial competency factors with statistically significant positive average differences between the baseline and endline scores are presented in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Statistically significant positive average differences between the baseline and endline scores.
The results indicate that there were statistically significant positive differences for all of the factors except for: “Positive entrepreneurial mindset (EM 1)”, “Structured tasks and following others’ rules (EM 2)”, “Need to achieve”, “Need for autonomy”, and “Values Driven”. Pre- and post-test analysis were conducted to compare the baseline and endline findings. From the mean score comparisons, it is evident that most of the mean scores of the factors are higher for the endline than the baseline samples, which indicates that the WEC did improve the baseline respondents’ level of ECs. It is interesting to note that the paired samples test conducted for this intake show a greater improvement in ECs between the baseline and endline as when the same analyses was conducted for the previous intakes (2021 and 2022) where only five ECs had statistically significant differences..
Scope and Objective
As this is a continuation of the initial analysis, the objective of this secondary analysis is centered around questions and suggestions discussed during the presentation. The three main recommendations are outlined below:
- Descriptively analyse the respondents who completed both the baseline and endline surveys.
- Domain plurality: Assess the level of engagement and intensity of gameplay within study participants.
- Domain specificity: Examine the correlation between the type of quests and statistically significant entrepreneurial factors.
- Compare the number of statistically significant ECs between engaged and disengaged respondents.
Summary
Summary statistics of ECs and other covariates
Table 1: Summary statistics of Quests and other covariates | ||||
| Engagement Level |
| ||
Variable | Overall, N = 6,7281 | Engaged, N = 6,5481 | Not Engaged, N = 1801 | p-value2 |
Age | 15.9 (1.9) | 15.9 (1.9) | 16.0 (1.8) | 0.8 |
N/A | 139 | 134 | 5 | |
Gender | 0.2 | |||
Female | 3,355.0 (49.9%) | 3,257.0 (49.7%) | 98.0 (54.4%) | |
Male | 3,197.0 (47.5%) | 3,122.0 (47.7%) | 75.0 (41.7%) | |
Prefer not to say | 94.0 (1.4%) | 91.0 (1.4%) | 3.0 (1.7%) | |
Prefer to self-describe | 82.0 (1.2%) | 78.0 (1.2%) | 4.0 (2.2%) | |
Education | 0.3 | |||
Lower Secondary/High school (Form 1 and 2; 0 Level; Grade 7-9) | 3,922.0 (58.3%) | 3,807.0 (58.1%) | 115.0 (63.9%) | |
Other | 146.0 (2.2%) | 144.0 (2.2%) | 2.0 (1.1%) | |
Upper Secondary/High school (Form 3 and 4; A Level; Grade 10 - 12) | 2,659.0 (39.5%) | 2,596.0 (39.7%) | 63.0 (35.0%) | |
N/A | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
Introductory Quest | 6,721.0 (100.0%) | 6,545.0 (100.0%) | 176.0 (100.0%) | >0.9 |
N/A | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
AI Quest | 6,040.0 (89.8%) | 6,040.0 (92.2%) | 0.0 (0.0%) | <0.001 |
N/A | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
Finance Quest | 6,188.0 (92.0%) | 6,188.0 (94.5%) | 0.0 (0.0%) | <0.001 |
N/A | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
Tourism Quest | 6,022.0 (89.6%) | 6,022.0 (92.0%) | 0.0 (0.0%) | <0.001 |
N/A | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
Mechatronics Quest | 5,782.0 (86.0%) | 5,782.0 (88.3%) | 0.0 (0.0%) | <0.001 |
N/A | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
African Trade Quest | 5,800.0 (86.3%) | 5,800.0 (88.6%) | 0.0 (0.0%) | <0.001 |
N/A | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
Contraction Quest | 6,068.0 (90.2%) | 6,068.0 (92.7%) | 0.0 (0.0%) | <0.001 |
N/A | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
Num Quests | <0.001 | |||
0 | 180.0 (2.7%) | 0.0 (0.0%) | 180.0 (100.0%) | |
1 | 276.0 (4.1%) | 276.0 (4.2%) | 0.0 (0.0%) | |
2 | 208.0 (3.1%) | 208.0 (3.2%) | 0.0 (0.0%) | |
3 | 195.0 (2.9%) | 195.0 (3.0%) | 0.0 (0.0%) | |
4 | 194.0 (2.9%) | 194.0 (3.0%) | 0.0 (0.0%) | |
5 | 203.0 (3.0%) | 203.0 (3.1%) | 0.0 (0.0%) | |
6 | 5,472.0 (81.3%) | 5,472.0 (83.6%) | 0.0 (0.0%) | |
1Mean (SD); n (%) | ||||
2Wilcoxon rank sum test; Fisher's exact test; Pearson's Chi-squared test | ||||
Table 1 presents the summary statistics for entrepreneurial competency (EC) factors and other covariates for the 6,728 participants in the Wavumbuzi Entrepreneurship Challenge, categorized by engagement levels.
Age
The mean age of participants was 15.9 years (SD = 1.9), with no significant difference between engaged and non-engaged participants (p = 0.8).
Gender
Overall, 49.9% of the participants were female, 47.5% were male, 1.4% preferred not to disclose their gender, and 1.2% preferred to self-describe. There was no significant difference in gender distribution between engaged and non-engaged participants (p = 0.2).
Education
Most participants (58.3%) were in lower secondary/high school (Form 1 and 2; O Level; Grade 7-9), while 39.5% were in upper secondary/high school (Form 3 and 4; A Level; Grade 10-12). A small proportion (2.2%) belonged to other educational categories. No significant differences in education level were observed between engagement groups (p = 0.3).
Quests Participation
Across the entire sample, participation in the various quests was high. For instance, 89.8% of participants completed the AI Quest, 92.0% completed the Finance Quest, 89.6% completed the Tourism Quest, 86.0% completed the Mechatronics Quest, 86.3% completed the African Trade Quest, and 90.2% completed the Contraction Quest. Participation levels were generally consistent across the different types of quests.
Number of Quests Completed
The distribution of the number of quests completed was as follows: 2.7% of participants completed no quests, 4.1% completed one quest, 3.1% completed two quests, 2.9% completed three quests, 2.9% completed four quests, 3.0% completed five quests, and 81.3% completed all six quests. This pattern indicates a high level of overall engagement, with the majority of participants completing all available quests (p < 0.001).
Results
Pre-post test analysis | All respondents (6,728) - We do NOT exclude any learner
Pre-post test analysis | All respondents (6,728) - Does NOT exclude any learner | |||
| Period |
| |
Variable | Post: Endline, N = 6,728 | Pre: Baseline, N = 6,728 | p-value1 |
Entrepreneurial experience | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 78.1 (20.7) | 71.4 (22.1) | |
Business preparation (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 1) | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 38.0 (16.7) | 39.6 (16.2) | |
Intend to start-up (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 2) | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 46.1 (24.6) | 47.5 (23.4) | |
Positive entrepreneurial mindset (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 1) | 0.4 | ||
Mean (SD) | 30.8 (16.1) | 30.7 (14.3) | |
Structured tasks and following others’ rules (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 2) | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 63.4 (27.2) | 61.6 (25.9) | |
Need to achieve | 0.048 | ||
Mean (SD) | 82.9 (22.9) | 83.6 (22.2) | |
Need for autonomy | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 83.6 (19.5) | 85.1 (18.8) | |
Resilience | 0.032 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.8 (17.7) | 88.2 (17.4) | |
Values Driven | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 60.0 (30.1) | 68.2 (27.3) | |
Taking action and initiative | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 72.6 (21.8) | 67.4 (22.2) | |
Self-efficacy | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.3 (14.8) | 87.6 (14.4) | |
Opportunity recognition | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.5 (14.7) | 84.9 (15.0) | |
Opportunity assessment | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 84.2 (16.3) | 82.4 (16.3) | |
Innovative problem-solving | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.6 (14.0) | 86.0 (14.3) | |
Resourcefulness | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.8 (13.8) | 86.4 (14.0) | |
Mobilising others | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 90.1 (13.2) | 89.0 (13.2) | |
Working with others | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 89.6 (13.0) | 88.2 (13.2) | |
Money sense | 0.004 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.0 (16.7) | 86.4 (16.6) | |
1Paired t-test | |||
Table 2 presents the results of the pre-post test analysis for all respondents (N = 6,728), without excluding any learners from the sample. The results indicate statistically significant differences for most of the factors, except for Positive Entrepreneurial Mindset (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 1) and the Need to Achieve. The detailed findings across all factors are summarized below:
Entrepreneurial Experience: Participants demonstrated a significant increase in entrepreneurial experience, rising from the pre-test (Mean = 71.4, SD = 22.1) to the post-test (Mean = 78.1, SD = 20.7), with a p-value < 0.001.
Business Preparation (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 1): There was a significant decrease in business preparation from the pre-test (Mean = 39.6, SD = 16.2) to the post-test (Mean = 38.0, SD = 16.7), with a p-value < 0.001. This factor was reverse coded, indicating that the mean score actually improved from baseline to endline, despite the decrease in the mean score.
Intention to Start-up (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 2): Participants exhibited a significant decrease in the intention to start-up from the pre-test (Mean = 47.5, SD = 23.4) to the post-test (Mean = 46.1, SD = 24.6), with a p-value < 0.001. As with EI 1, this factor was reverse coded, implying actual improvement.
Positive Entrepreneurial Mindset (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 1): No significant difference was observed in positive entrepreneurial mindset between the pre-test (Mean = 30.7, SD = 14.3) and post-test (Mean = 30.8, SD = 16.1), with a p-value of 0.4.
Structured Tasks and Following Others’ Rules (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 2): There was a significant increase in structured tasks and following others’ rules from the pre-test (Mean = 61.6, SD = 25.9) to the post-test (Mean = 63.4, SD = 27.2), with a p-value < 0.001. This factor was reverse coded, so the actual improvement in scores reflect a negative outcome.
Need to Achieve: There was a slight but statistically significant decrease in the need to achieve from the pre-test (Mean = 83.6, SD = 22.2) to the post-test (Mean = 82.9, SD = 22.9), with a p-value of 0.048.
Need for Autonomy: A significant decrease was observed in the need for autonomy from the pre-test (Mean = 85.1, SD = 18.8) to the post-test (Mean = 83.6, SD = 19.5), with a p-value < 0.001.
Resilience: Participants demonstrated a slight but significant improvement in resilience, increasing from the pre-test (Mean = 88.2, SD = 17.4) to the post-test (Mean = 88.8, SD = 17.7), with a p-value of 0.032.
Values-Driven: There was a significant decrease in values-driven behavior from the pre-test (Mean = 68.2, SD = 27.3) to the post-test (Mean = 60.0, SD = 30.1), with a p-value < 0.001.
Taking Action and Initiative: Participants exhibited a significant increase in taking action and initiative from the pre-test (Mean = 67.4, SD = 22.2) to the post-test (Mean = 72.6, SD = 21.8), with a p-value < 0.001.
Self-efficacy: There was a significant improvement in self-efficacy from the pre-test (Mean = 87.6, SD = 14.4) to the post-test (Mean = 88.3, SD = 14.8), with a p-value < 0.001.
Opportunity Recognition: A significant increase in opportunity recognition was observed from the pre-test (Mean = 84.9, SD = 15.0) to the post-test (Mean = 87.5, SD = 14.7), with a p-value < 0.001.
Opportunity Assessment: Participants demonstrated a significant improvement in opportunity assessment, with scores rising from the pre-test (Mean = 82.4, SD = 16.3) to the post-test (Mean = 84.2, SD = 16.3), with a p-value < 0.001.
Innovative Problem-Solving: Participants showed a significant increase in innovative problem-solving from the pre-test (Mean = 86.0, SD = 14.3) to the post-test (Mean = 88.6, SD = 14.0), with a p-value < 0.001.
Resourcefulness: There was a significant improvement in resourcefulness from the pre-test (Mean = 86.4, SD = 14.0) to the post-test (Mean = 88.8, SD = 13.8), with a p-value < 0.001.
Mobilizing Others: Participants exhibited a significant increase in mobilizing others from the pre-test (Mean = 89.0, SD = 13.2) to the post-test (Mean = 90.1, SD = 13.2), with a p-value < 0.001.
Working with Others: There was a significant improvement in working with others from the pre-test (Mean = 88.2, SD = 13.2) to the post-test (Mean = 89.6, SD = 13.0), with a p-value < 0.001.
Money Sense: Participants demonstrated a significant increase in money sense from the pre-test (Mean = 86.4, SD = 16.6) to the post-test (Mean = 87.0, SD = 16.7), with a p-value of 0.004.
These results collectively highlight the positive impact of participation in the Wavumbuzi Entrepreneurship Challenge on various dimensions of entrepreneurial competencies among all respondents.
Domain Plurality
<1 Quest
Domain plurality: Pre-post test analysis of learners who did NOT complete a Quest
Pre-post test analysis of learners who only completed < 1 Quest | |||
| Period |
| |
Variable | Post: Endline, N = 180 | Pre: Baseline, N = 180 | p-value1 |
Entrepreneurial experience | 0.007 | ||
Mean (SD) | 79.6 (21.3) | 74.9 (22.9) | |
Business preparation (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 1) | 0.7 | ||
Mean (SD) | 38.9 (19.3) | 39.4 (17.3) | |
Intend to start-up (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 2) | 0.5 | ||
Mean (SD) | 49.3 (26.7) | 50.5 (24.3) | |
Positive entrepreneurial mindset (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 1) | 0.5 | ||
Mean (SD) | 31.7 (19.5) | 30.7 (15.6) | |
Structured tasks and following others’ rules (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 2) | 0.4 | ||
Mean (SD) | 61.0 (29.4) | 59.2 (28.0) | |
Need to achieve | 0.7 | ||
Mean (SD) | 85.8 (21.3) | 85.0 (21.8) | |
Need for autonomy | 0.5 | ||
Mean (SD) | 86.7 (19.4) | 85.6 (20.0) | |
Resilience | >0.9 | ||
Mean (SD) | 89.0 (17.4) | 89.2 (17.5) | |
Values Driven | 0.3 | ||
Mean (SD) | 67.4 (29.3) | 69.6 (28.1) | |
Taking action and initiative | 0.010 | ||
Mean (SD) | 76.2 (21.2) | 71.2 (23.2) | |
Self-efficacy | 0.3 | ||
Mean (SD) | 90.1 (13.7) | 88.7 (15.3) | |
Opportunity recognition | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 89.7 (13.5) | 85.7 (15.3) | |
Opportunity assessment | 0.003 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.2 (14.9) | 84.6 (15.4) | |
Innovative problem-solving | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 90.6 (12.1) | 87.1 (13.5) | |
Resourcefulness | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 91.9 (11.2) | 87.7 (13.5) | |
Mobilising others | 0.12 | ||
Mean (SD) | 92.2 (11.0) | 90.7 (12.6) | |
Working with others | 0.13 | ||
Mean (SD) | 91.6 (11.9) | 90.2 (11.9) | |
Money sense | 0.5 | ||
Mean (SD) | 89.9 (15.0) | 89.0 (14.5) | |
1Paired t-test | |||
Here’s the results section for the analysis of learners who did not complete a quest, written in a cohesive paragraph format with the specified factors in bold and changes indicated:
Table 3 presents the results of the pre-post test analysis for learners who completed fewer than one quest (N = 180). The analysis indicates several significant differences between the baseline and endline measurements. Participants showed a significant increase in Entrepreneurial Experience, with the pre-test mean rising from 74.9 (SD = 22.9) to a post-test mean of 79.6 (SD = 21.3), resulting in a p-value of 0.007. However, Business Preparation (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 1) did not demonstrate a significant change, with pre-test and post-test means of 39.4 (SD = 17.3) and 38.9 (SD = 19.3), respectively, yielding a p-value of 0.7. Similarly, there was no significant difference in Intention to Start-up (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 2), with means of 50.5 (SD = 24.3) at baseline and 49.3 (SD = 26.7) at the endline, and a p-value of 0.5.
In terms of Positive Entrepreneurial Mindset (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 1), there was also no significant difference, with pre-test and post-test means of 30.7 (SD = 15.6) and 31.7 (SD = 19.5), respectively, and a p-value of 0.5. The factor Structured Tasks and Following Others’ Rules (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 2) exhibited no significant change, with means of 59.2 (SD = 28.0) at baseline compared to 61.0 (SD = 29.4) at endline, resulting in a p-value of 0.4.
Moreover, the Need to Achieve showed no significant change, with pre-test and post-test means of 85.0 (SD = 21.8) and 85.8 (SD = 21.3), respectively, yielding a p-value of 0.7. Similarly, the Need for Autonomy did not differ significantly, with means of 85.6 (SD = 20.0) and 86.7 (SD = 19.4), resulting in a p-value of 0.5. The Resilience factor did not demonstrate any significant differences, remaining stable with means of 89.2 (SD = 17.5) pre-test and 89.0 (SD = 17.4) post-test, and a p-value greater than 0.9.
The analysis also indicated no significant change in Values Driven, with means of 69.6 (SD = 28.1) pre-test and 67.4 (SD = 29.3) post-test (p-value = 0.3). However, there was a significant increase in Taking Action and Initiative, with pre-test means of 71.2 (SD = 23.2) compared to post-test means of 76.2 (SD = 21.2), yielding a p-value of 0.010.
Additionally, participants exhibited no significant change in Self-Efficacy, with pre-test and post-test means of 88.7 (SD = 15.3) and 90.1 (SD = 13.7), respectively (p-value = 0.3). On the other hand, Opportunity Recognition showed a significant increase, with pre-test means of 85.7 (SD = 15.3) and post-test means of 89.7 (SD = 13.5), yielding a p-value of less than 0.001.
Similarly, Opportunity Assessment indicated a significant increase, moving from a pre-test mean of 84.6 (SD = 15.4) to a post-test mean of 88.2 (SD = 14.9), with a p-value of 0.003. Innovative Problem-Solving also demonstrated a significant increase, with pre-test means of 87.1 (SD = 13.5) rising to 90.6 (SD = 12.1) at endline, resulting in a p-value of less than 0.001.
Participants exhibited a significant increase in Resourcefulness, with pre-test means of 87.7 (SD = 13.5) compared to post-test means of 91.9 (SD = 11.2), yielding a p-value of less than 0.001. There were no significant differences observed in Mobilising Others (p-value = 0.12) or Working with Others (p-value = 0.13). Lastly, Money Sense did not show significant change, with pre-test means of 89.0 (SD = 14.5) and post-test means of 89.9 (SD = 15.0), resulting in a p-value of 0.5.
≥ 1 Quests
Domain plurality: Pre-post test analysis of learners who completed ≥ 1 Quest
Pre-post test analysis of learners who completed ≥ 1 Quest | |||
| Period |
| |
Variable | Post: Endline, N = 6,548 | Pre: Baseline, N = 6,548 | p-value1 |
Entrepreneurial experience | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 78.1 (20.7) | 71.3 (22.0) | |
Business preparation (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 1) | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 38.0 (16.6) | 39.6 (16.2) | |
Intend to start-up (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 2) | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 46.0 (24.5) | 47.5 (23.4) | |
Positive entrepreneurial mindset (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 1) | 0.5 | ||
Mean (SD) | 30.8 (16.0) | 30.6 (14.3) | |
Structured tasks and following others’ rules (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 2) | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 63.4 (27.1) | 61.7 (25.9) | |
Need to achieve | 0.040 | ||
Mean (SD) | 82.8 (22.9) | 83.6 (22.2) | |
Need for autonomy | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 83.5 (19.5) | 85.1 (18.8) | |
Resilience | 0.029 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.8 (17.8) | 88.2 (17.4) | |
Values Driven | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 59.8 (30.1) | 68.1 (27.3) | |
Taking action and initiative | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 72.5 (21.8) | 67.3 (22.1) | |
Self-efficacy | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.3 (14.9) | 87.5 (14.4) | |
Opportunity recognition | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.4 (14.7) | 84.9 (15.0) | |
Opportunity assessment | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 84.1 (16.3) | 82.3 (16.3) | |
Innovative problem-solving | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.5 (14.0) | 85.9 (14.4) | |
Resourcefulness | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.7 (13.8) | 86.4 (14.0) | |
Mobilising others | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 90.1 (13.2) | 88.9 (13.2) | |
Working with others | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 89.5 (13.1) | 88.2 (13.2) | |
Money sense | 0.005 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.0 (16.7) | 86.3 (16.6) | |
1Paired t-test | |||
Table 4 presents the results of the pre-post test analysis for learners who completed at least one quest (N = 6,548). The analysis reveals statistically significant differences in several variables between the baseline and endline measurements. Participants demonstrated a significant increase in Entrepreneurial Experience, rising from a pre-test mean of 71.3 (SD = 22.0) to a post-test mean of 78.1 (SD = 20.7), with a p-value of less than 0.001. In contrast, Business Preparation (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 1) exhibited a significant decrease, with the pre-test mean at 39.6 (SD = 16.2) and the post-test mean at 38.0 (SD = 16.6), also yielding a p-value of less than 0.001. This factor was reverse coded, indicating that the mean score actually improved from baseline to endline, despite the decrease in the mean score. Similarly, Intention to Start-up (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 2) showed a significant decrease from a pre-test mean of 47.5 (SD = 23.4) to a post-test mean of 46.0 (SD = 24.5), with a p-value of less than 0.001, suggesting an actual improvement in this area as well.
No significant difference was observed in Positive Entrepreneurial Mindset (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 1), with pre-test and post-test means of 30.6 (SD = 14.3) and 30.8 (SD = 16.0), respectively, resulting in a p-value of 0.5. However, Structured Tasks and Following Others’ Rules (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 2) demonstrated a significant increase, moving from a pre-test mean of 61.7 (SD = 25.9) to a post-test mean of 63.4 (SD = 27.1), with a p-value of less than 0.001. This factor was also reverse coded, indicating that the improvement reflects a negative outcome regarding adherence to structure and rules.
Additional findings revealed a significant decrease in the Need to Achieve, with pre-test and post-test means of 83.6 (SD = 22.2) and 82.8 (SD = 22.9), respectively, and a p-value of 0.040. Similarly, the Need for Autonomy decreased significantly from a pre-test mean of 85.1 (SD = 18.8) to a post-test mean of 83.5 (SD = 19.5), yielding a p-value of less than 0.001. Participants exhibited a significant increase in Resilience, with the pre-test mean at 88.2 (SD = 17.4) and the post-test mean at 88.8 (SD = 17.8), resulting in a p-value of 0.029.
In terms of Values Driven, participants experienced a significant decrease, shifting from a pre-test mean of 68.1 (SD = 27.3) to a post-test mean of 59.8 (SD = 30.1), with a p-value of less than 0.001. Conversely, there was a significant increase in Taking Action and Initiative, moving from a pre-test mean of 67.3 (SD = 22.1) to a post-test mean of 72.5 (SD = 21.8), also with a p-value of less than 0.001. The analysis indicated a significant increase in Self-Efficacy as well, with pre-test scores averaging 87.5 (SD = 14.4) and post-test scores averaging 88.3 (SD = 14.9), yielding a p-value of less than 0.001.
Furthermore, Opportunity Recognition demonstrated a significant increase from a pre-test mean of 84.9 (SD = 15.0) to a post-test mean of 87.4 (SD = 14.7), with a p-value of less than 0.001. Opportunity Assessment also significantly increased, with pre-test scores of 82.3 (SD = 16.3) rising to post-test scores of 84.1 (SD = 16.3), resulting in a p-value of less than 0.001. Additionally, Innovative Problem-Solving showed a significant increase from a pre-test mean of 85.9 (SD = 14.4) to a post-test mean of 88.5 (SD = 14.0), with a p-value of less than 0.001.
Participants also reported significant increases in Resourcefulness, with pre-test means of 86.4 (SD = 14.0) compared to post-test means of 88.7 (SD = 13.8), yielding a p-value of less than 0.001. Mobilising Others demonstrated a significant increase, with pre-test scores of 88.9 (SD = 13.2) and post-test scores of 90.1 (SD = 13.2), also with a p-value of less than 0.001. Lastly, Working with Others exhibited a significant increase from a pre-test mean of 88.2 (SD = 13.2) to a post-test mean of 89.5 (SD = 13.1), with a p-value of less than 0.001, and Money Sense increased significantly, with pre-test means of 86.3 (SD = 16.6) compared to post-test means of 87.0 (SD = 16.7), yielding a p-value of 0.005.
Overall, the results indicate substantial improvements in various entrepreneurial attributes among learners who completed at least one quest.
≥ 4 Quests
Domain plurality: Pre-post test analysis of learners who only completed ≥ 4 Quests
Pre-post test analysis of learners who only completed ≥ 4 Quests | |||
| Period |
| |
Variable | Post: Endline, N = 5,869 | Pre: Baseline, N = 5,869 | p-value1 |
Entrepreneurial experience | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 77.9 (20.5) | 71.1 (21.9) | |
Business preparation (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 1) | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 37.9 (16.3) | 39.8 (16.1) | |
Intend to start-up (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 2) | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 45.8 (24.4) | 47.2 (23.2) | |
Positive entrepreneurial mindset (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 1) | 0.3 | ||
Mean (SD) | 30.5 (15.5) | 30.7 (14.2) | |
Structured tasks and following others’ rules (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 2) | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 63.5 (27.0) | 61.8 (25.8) | |
Need to achieve | 0.11 | ||
Mean (SD) | 82.9 (22.8) | 83.6 (22.2) | |
Need for autonomy | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 83.4 (19.5) | 85.0 (18.9) | |
Resilience | 0.007 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.9 (17.7) | 88.1 (17.4) | |
Values Driven | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 59.3 (30.2) | 67.8 (27.4) | |
Taking action and initiative | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 72.2 (21.8) | 67.0 (22.1) | |
Self-efficacy | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.3 (14.7) | 87.4 (14.4) | |
Opportunity recognition | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.4 (14.6) | 84.8 (15.1) | |
Opportunity assessment | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 84.1 (16.2) | 82.1 (16.4) | |
Innovative problem-solving | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.6 (13.9) | 85.8 (14.4) | |
Resourcefulness | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.9 (13.7) | 86.3 (14.1) | |
Mobilising others | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 90.2 (13.0) | 88.9 (13.2) | |
Working with others | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 89.7 (12.9) | 88.1 (13.2) | |
Money sense | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.0 (16.7) | 86.2 (16.7) | |
1Paired t-test | |||
Table 5 summarizes the findings from the pre-post test analysis for learners who completed four or more quests (N = 5,869). The results indicate significant changes across various entrepreneurial dimensions. Notably, there was a significant increase in Entrepreneurial Experience, with pre-test means of 71.1 (SD = 21.9) rising to 77.9 (SD = 20.5) at the endline, yielding a p-value of less than 0.001. Similarly, the Business Preparation (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 1) also showed a significant decrease, with means shifting from 39.8 (SD = 16.1) at baseline to 37.9 (SD = 16.3) at the endline, resulting in a p-value of less than 0.001. Furthermore, the factor Intend to Start-up (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 2) exhibited a significant decrease as well, with pre-test means of 47.2 (SD = 23.2) compared to post-test means of 45.8 (SD = 24.4), also with a p-value of less than 0.001.
The Positive Entrepreneurial Mindset (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 1) remained stable, showing no significant change with pre-test and post-test means of 30.7 (SD = 14.2) and 30.5 (SD = 15.5), respectively, and a p-value of 0.3. In contrast, the Structured Tasks and Following Others’ Rules (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 2) indicated a significant increase, with means moving from 61.8 (SD = 25.8) pre-test to 63.5 (SD = 27.0) post-test, yielding a p-value of less than 0.001.
Moreover, there was no significant change in the Need to Achieve, with pre-test and post-test means of 83.6 (SD = 22.2) and 82.9 (SD = 22.8), respectively, and a p-value of 0.11. However, the Need for Autonomy demonstrated a significant decrease, moving from a mean of 85.0 (SD = 18.9) at baseline to 83.4 (SD = 19.5) at the endline, with a p-value of less than 0.001.
Additionally, participants reported a significant increase in Resilience, with means changing from 88.1 (SD = 17.4) at baseline to 88.9 (SD = 17.7) at endline (p-value = 0.007). The analysis also revealed a significant decrease in Values Driven, with pre-test means of 67.8 (SD = 27.4) and post-test means of 59.3 (SD = 30.2), yielding a p-value of less than 0.001.
There was a significant increase in Taking Action and Initiative, with pre-test means of 67.0 (SD = 22.1) compared to post-test means of 72.2 (SD = 21.8), resulting in a p-value of less than 0.001. The factor Self-Efficacy also showed a significant increase, with means shifting from 87.4 (SD = 14.4) at baseline to 88.3 (SD = 14.7) at endline (p-value < 0.001).
Moreover, Opportunity Recognition showed a significant increase, with pre-test means of 84.8 (SD = 15.1) increasing to 87.4 (SD = 14.6) at the endline, yielding a p-value of less than 0.001. Similarly, Opportunity Assessment indicated a significant increase, moving from a mean of 82.1 (SD = 16.4) pre-test to 84.1 (SD = 16.2) post-test (p-value < 0.001).
Furthermore, participants exhibited a significant increase in Innovative Problem-Solving, with pre-test means of 85.8 (SD = 14.4) rising to 88.6 (SD = 13.9) at the endline (p-value < 0.001). The analysis also revealed a significant increase in Resourcefulness, with pre-test means of 86.3 (SD = 14.1) compared to post-test means of 88.9 (SD = 13.7), resulting in a p-value of less than 0.001.
Lastly, there were significant increases in Mobilising Others (p-value < 0.001), Working with Others (p-value < 0.001), and Money Sense (p-value < 0.001), indicating substantial gains in collaborative and financial competencies.
Overall, learners who completed four or more quests demonstrated significant improvement in several key entrepreneurial factors, particularly in areas related to taking initiative, problem-solving, and resourcefulness. This suggests that increased engagement in the quest-based learning system fosters stronger entrepreneurial skill development.
Domain Specificity
Correlation between the type of quests and statistically significant entrepreneurial factors
Tourism
Pre-post test analysis of learners who only completed Tourism | |||
| Period |
| |
Variable | Post: Endline, N = 121 | Pre: Baseline, N = 121 | p-value1 |
Entrepreneurial experience | 0.081 | ||
Mean (SD) | 77.7 (21.4) | 73.7 (23.3) | |
Business preparation (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 1) | 0.4 | ||
Mean (SD) | 39.0 (15.7) | 37.7 (14.9) | |
Intend to start-up (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 2) | 0.073 | ||
Mean (SD) | 44.1 (23.6) | 48.9 (23.1) | |
Positive entrepreneurial mindset (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 1) | 0.2 | ||
Mean (SD) | 31.3 (17.3) | 28.9 (13.1) | |
Structured tasks and following others’ rules (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 2) | 0.7 | ||
Mean (SD) | 63.0 (26.9) | 62.0 (27.0) | |
Need to achieve | >0.9 | ||
Mean (SD) | 82.0 (24.6) | 82.3 (25.1) | |
Need for autonomy | 0.7 | ||
Mean (SD) | 86.7 (19.7) | 87.5 (17.8) | |
Resilience | 0.7 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.8 (17.9) | 89.4 (16.7) | |
Values Driven | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 59.7 (28.5) | 70.4 (27.1) | |
Taking action and initiative | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 73.4 (21.4) | 63.8 (21.6) | |
Self-efficacy | 0.8 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.1 (16.2) | 87.7 (15.2) | |
Opportunity recognition | 0.006 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.8 (13.2) | 84.4 (15.3) | |
Opportunity assessment | 0.063 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.3 (13.8) | 84.0 (16.9) | |
Innovative problem-solving | 0.018 | ||
Mean (SD) | 89.5 (13.1) | 85.8 (15.3) | |
Resourcefulness | 0.13 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.5 (13.7) | 86.1 (14.7) | |
Mobilising others | 0.4 | ||
Mean (SD) | 90.1 (13.2) | 88.8 (14.2) | |
Working with others | 0.2 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.8 (12.8) | 86.9 (15.2) | |
Money sense | 0.8 | ||
Mean (SD) | 86.6 (16.8) | 87.1 (17.1) | |
1Paired t-test | |||
Table 6 presents the findings from the pre-post test analysis for learners who completed tourism quests (N = 121). The results indicate various changes in entrepreneurial factors, although not all were statistically significant. The Entrepreneurial Experience showed a non-significant increase, with pre-test means of 73.7 (SD = 23.3) rising to 77.7 (SD = 21.4) at the endline, yielding a p-value of 0.081. Similarly, the Business Preparation (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 1) remained relatively stable, with pre-test means of 37.7 (SD = 14.9) compared to post-test means of 39.0 (SD = 15.7), resulting in a p-value of 0.4.
The factor Intend to Start-up (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 2) showed a non-significant decrease, with means moving from 48.9 (SD = 23.1) at baseline to 44.1 (SD = 23.6) at the endline, yielding a p-value of 0.073. The Positive Entrepreneurial Mindset (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 1) also displayed a non-significant increase, with pre-test means of 28.9 (SD = 13.1) compared to post-test means of 31.3 (SD = 17.3) and a p-value of 0.2. Furthermore, the factor Structured Tasks and Following Others’ Rules (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 2) remained stable, showing no significant change with pre-test and post-test means of 62.0 (SD = 27.0) and 63.0 (SD = 26.9), respectively, and a p-value of 0.7.
The Need to Achieve showed no significant variation, with means of 82.3 (SD = 25.1) at baseline and 82.0 (SD = 24.6) at the endline (p-value > 0.9). The Need for Autonomy also demonstrated stability, with means shifting from 87.5 (SD = 17.8) to 86.7 (SD = 19.7) (p-value = 0.7). Additionally, Resilience remained consistent, with pre-test means of 89.4 (SD = 16.7) and post-test means of 88.8 (SD = 17.9), yielding a p-value of 0.7.
In contrast, the factor Values Driven exhibited a significant decrease, with pre-test means of 70.4 (SD = 27.1) compared to post-test means of 59.7 (SD = 28.5), yielding a p-value of less than 0.001. Moreover, Taking Action and Initiative showed a significant increase, with means shifting from 63.8 (SD = 21.6) pre-test to 73.4 (SD = 21.4) post-test (p-value < 0.001).
Furthermore, Opportunity Recognition revealed a significant increase, moving from pre-test means of 84.4 (SD = 15.3) to post-test means of 88.8 (SD = 13.2) (p-value = 0.006). The Opportunity Assessment factor demonstrated a non-significant increase, with means changing from 84.0 (SD = 16.9) at baseline to 87.3 (SD = 13.8) at endline, yielding a p-value of 0.063.
The Innovative Problem-Solving factor exhibited a significant increase, with pre-test means of 85.8 (SD = 15.3) rising to 89.5 (SD = 13.1) at the endline (p-value = 0.018). Conversely, Resourcefulness showed a non-significant increase, with pre-test means of 86.1 (SD = 14.7) compared to post-test means of 88.5 (SD = 13.7) and a p-value of 0.13.
Lastly, Mobilising Others, Working with Others, and Money Sense showed no significant changes, with p-values of 0.4, 0.2, and 0.8, respectively.
Overall, the findings indicate that learners who completed tourism quests experienced notable changes in specific entrepreneurial factors, particularly in Values Driven, Taking Action and Initiative, Opportunity Recognition, and Innovative Problem-Solving, while other factors remained stable or exhibited non-significant changes.
Artificial Intelligence
Pre-post test analysis of learners who only completed Artificial Intelligence | |||
| Period |
| |
Variable | Post: Endline, N = 110 | Pre: Baseline, N = 110 | p-value1 |
Entrepreneurial experience | 0.2 | ||
Mean (SD) | 74.6 (24.6) | 71.5 (23.4) | |
Business preparation (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 1) | 0.3 | ||
Mean (SD) | 36.5 (15.4) | 38.2 (16.3) | |
Intend to start-up (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 2) | 0.7 | ||
Mean (SD) | 49.3 (26.1) | 50.2 (25.6) | |
Positive entrepreneurial mindset (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 1) | 0.4 | ||
Mean (SD) | 31.1 (15.7) | 29.9 (13.9) | |
Structured tasks and following others’ rules (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 2) | 0.3 | ||
Mean (SD) | 63.6 (26.8) | 60.4 (25.4) | |
Need to achieve | 0.4 | ||
Mean (SD) | 79.3 (26.2) | 82.3 (21.7) | |
Need for autonomy | 0.3 | ||
Mean (SD) | 82.8 (21.9) | 85.8 (19.6) | |
Resilience | 0.5 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.0 (19.9) | 89.7 (17.3) | |
Values Driven | 0.4 | ||
Mean (SD) | 64.5 (29.9) | 66.9 (27.4) | |
Taking action and initiative | 0.002 | ||
Mean (SD) | 73.0 (21.8) | 65.7 (21.3) | |
Self-efficacy | 0.4 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.9 (15.8) | 89.1 (12.3) | |
Opportunity recognition | 0.2 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.6 (16.2) | 85.7 (13.2) | |
Opportunity assessment | >0.9 | ||
Mean (SD) | 84.9 (17.0) | 85.1 (13.7) | |
Innovative problem-solving | 0.8 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.6 (14.7) | 88.3 (11.6) | |
Resourcefulness | 0.4 | ||
Mean (SD) | 89.0 (14.8) | 87.8 (12.5) | |
Mobilising others | >0.9 | ||
Mean (SD) | 89.9 (15.3) | 90.1 (11.9) | |
Working with others | >0.9 | ||
Mean (SD) | 89.4 (14.6) | 89.2 (11.9) | |
Money sense | 0.6 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.4 (17.5) | 87.3 (15.5) | |
1Paired t-test | |||
Table 7 presents the findings from the pre-post test analysis for learners who completed artificial intelligence quests (N = 110). The results indicate several trends in entrepreneurial factors, though most were not statistically significant. The Entrepreneurial Experience showed a non-significant increase, with pre-test means of 71.5 (SD = 23.4) rising to 74.6 (SD = 24.6) at the endline, yielding a p-value of 0.2. Similarly, Business Preparation (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 1) exhibited a non-significant decrease, moving from a pre-test mean of 38.2 (SD = 16.3) to a post-test mean of 36.5 (SD = 15.4), resulting in a p-value of 0.3.
The factor Intend to Start-up (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 2) showed a non-significant decrease, with pre-test means of 50.2 (SD = 25.6) compared to post-test means of 49.3 (SD = 26.1), yielding a p-value of 0.7. The Positive Entrepreneurial Mindset (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 1) demonstrated a non-significant increase, with means shifting from 29.9 (SD = 13.9) at baseline to 31.1 (SD = 15.7) at endline, resulting in a p-value of 0.4. Likewise, the Structured Tasks and Following Others’ Rules (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 2) showed a non-significant increase, with pre-test means of 60.4 (SD = 25.4) compared to post-test means of 63.6 (SD = 26.8) and a p-value of 0.3.
The Need to Achieve exhibited a non-significant decrease, moving from pre-test means of 82.3 (SD = 21.7) to post-test means of 79.3 (SD = 26.2) (p-value = 0.4). Similarly, the Need for Autonomy also displayed a non-significant decrease, with means shifting from 85.8 (SD = 19.6) at baseline to 82.8 (SD = 21.9) at the endline, resulting in a p-value of 0.3. Resilience remained relatively stable, with pre-test means of 89.7 (SD = 17.3) and post-test means of 88.0 (SD = 19.9), yielding a p-value of 0.5.
The Values Driven factor displayed a non-significant decrease, with means shifting from 66.9 (SD = 27.4) to 64.5 (SD = 29.9) and a p-value of 0.4. However, Taking Action and Initiative revealed a significant increase, moving from a pre-test mean of 65.7 (SD = 21.3) to a post-test mean of 73.0 (SD = 21.8) (p-value = 0.002).
Other factors such as Self-Efficacy, Opportunity Recognition, and Opportunity Assessment remained stable, with p-values of 0.4, 0.2, and greater than 0.9, respectively. Innovative Problem-Solving showed a non-significant increase, with pre-test means of 88.3 (SD = 11.6) compared to post-test means of 88.6 (SD = 14.7) and a p-value of 0.8. Similarly, Resourcefulness demonstrated a non-significant increase, moving from pre-test means of 87.8 (SD = 12.5) to post-test means of 89.0 (SD = 14.8) (p-value = 0.4).
Lastly, the factors Mobilising Others, Working with Others, and Money Sense showed no significant changes, with p-values greater than 0.9, 0.9, and 0.6, respectively.
Overall, while learners who completed artificial intelligence quests displayed significant improvements in Taking Action and Initiative, most other entrepreneurial factors remained stable or showed non-significant changes.
Finance
Pre-post test analysis of learners who only completed Finance | |||
| Period |
| |
Variable | Post: Endline, N = 192 | Pre: Baseline, N = 192 | p-value1 |
Entrepreneurial experience | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 79.5 (24.2) | 71.9 (25.5) | |
Business preparation (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 1) | 0.4 | ||
Mean (SD) | 35.6 (18.2) | 34.5 (15.6) | |
Intend to start-up (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 2) | 0.029 | ||
Mean (SD) | 51.0 (27.8) | 46.4 (24.4) | |
Positive entrepreneurial mindset (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 1) | 0.028 | ||
Mean (SD) | 31.6 (18.0) | 29.0 (13.3) | |
Structured tasks and following others’ rules (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 2) | 0.087 | ||
Mean (SD) | 59.4 (29.7) | 63.8 (25.9) | |
Need to achieve | 0.3 | ||
Mean (SD) | 83.9 (22.4) | 86.3 (20.2) | |
Need for autonomy | 0.7 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.0 (17.1) | 87.5 (15.7) | |
Resilience | 0.092 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.7 (16.6) | 90.8 (14.1) | |
Values Driven | 0.6 | ||
Mean (SD) | 69.8 (27.4) | 71.1 (26.9) | |
Taking action and initiative | 0.002 | ||
Mean (SD) | 78.3 (19.7) | 72.6 (22.1) | |
Self-efficacy | 0.13 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.6 (16.8) | 89.6 (13.6) | |
Opportunity recognition | 0.4 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.3 (14.3) | 87.3 (14.5) | |
Opportunity assessment | 0.2 | ||
Mean (SD) | 86.3 (16.0) | 84.6 (16.0) | |
Innovative problem-solving | 0.7 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.7 (14.1) | 88.2 (13.4) | |
Resourcefulness | 0.7 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.1 (14.4) | 88.6 (13.4) | |
Mobilising others | >0.9 | ||
Mean (SD) | 89.7 (13.1) | 89.6 (12.9) | |
Working with others | 0.3 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.5 (14.1) | 89.6 (13.7) | |
Money sense | 0.6 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.5 (15.4) | 87.8 (15.5) | |
1Paired t-test | |||
Table 8 summarizes the pre-post test analysis results for learners who completed finance quests (N = 192). The analysis reveals significant improvements in several entrepreneurial factors. The Entrepreneurial Experience demonstrated a statistically significant increase from a pre-test mean of 71.9 (SD = 25.5) to a post-test mean of 79.5 (SD = 24.2), with a p-value of <0.001. Additionally, the factor Intend to Start-up (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 2) showed a significant increase, with pre-test means of 46.4 (SD = 24.4) rising to 51.0 (SD = 27.8) at the endline (p-value = 0.029).
Moreover, the Positive Entrepreneurial Mindset (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 1) also revealed a significant improvement, moving from a pre-test mean of 29.0 (SD = 13.3) to a post-test mean of 31.6 (SD = 18.0), resulting in a p-value of 0.028. In contrast, Business Preparation (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 1) showed no significant change, with pre-test means of 34.5 (SD = 15.6) compared to post-test means of 35.6 (SD = 18.2) and a p-value of 0.4.
The analysis of the Structured Tasks and Following Others’ Rules (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 2) indicated a non-significant decrease, moving from a pre-test mean of 63.8 (SD = 25.9) to a post-test mean of 59.4 (SD = 29.7) (p-value = 0.087). The Need to Achieve also showed no significant changes, with means shifting from 86.3 (SD = 20.2) to 83.9 (SD = 22.4) and a p-value of 0.3. Likewise, the Need for Autonomy remained stable, showing a pre-test mean of 87.5 (SD = 15.7) and a post-test mean of 87.0 (SD = 17.1), with a p-value of 0.7.
Resilience indicated a non-significant decrease, moving from a pre-test mean of 90.8 (SD = 14.1) to a post-test mean of 88.7 (SD = 16.6), resulting in a p-value of 0.092. The factor Values Driven also showed no significant change, with pre-test means of 71.1 (SD = 26.9) and post-test means of 69.8 (SD = 27.4) (p-value = 0.6).
Conversely, Taking Action and Initiative revealed a significant increase, moving from a pre-test mean of 72.6 (SD = 22.1) to a post-test mean of 78.3 (SD = 19.7) (p-value = 0.002). Other factors, including Self-Efficacy, Opportunity Recognition, and Opportunity Assessment, showed no significant changes, with p-values of 0.13, 0.4, and 0.2, respectively.
The factors Innovative Problem-Solving and Resourcefulness demonstrated stability, with means of 88.2 (SD = 13.4) and 88.6 (SD = 13.4) for pre- and post-tests, respectively, and p-values of 0.7 for both. Lastly, the factors Mobilising Others, Working with Others, and Money Sense showed no significant changes, with p-values greater than 0.9, 0.3, and 0.6, respectively.
Overall, learners who completed finance quests exhibited significant improvements in Entrepreneurial Experience, Intend to Start-up, Positive Entrepreneurial Mindset, and Taking Action and Initiative, highlighting the impact of finance quests on fostering entrepreneurial skills.
Mechatronics
Pre-post test analysis of learners who only completed Mechatronics | |||
| Period |
| |
Variable | Post: Endline, N = 53 | Pre: Baseline, N = 53 | p-value1 |
Entrepreneurial experience | 0.060 | ||
Mean (SD) | 85.0 (20.5) | 78.2 (23.4) | |
Business preparation (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 1) | 0.4 | ||
Mean (SD) | 48.2 (29.4) | 45.2 (26.3) | |
Intend to start-up (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 2) | 0.2 | ||
Mean (SD) | 46.7 (27.4) | 51.6 (26.8) | |
Positive entrepreneurial mindset (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 1) | 0.12 | ||
Mean (SD) | 43.4 (32.0) | 37.5 (25.4) | |
Structured tasks and following others’ rules (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 2) | 0.7 | ||
Mean (SD) | 59.2 (29.8) | 57.4 (29.2) | |
Need to achieve | 0.3 | ||
Mean (SD) | 86.0 (21.5) | 80.7 (25.2) | |
Need for autonomy | 0.15 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.2 (18.2) | 81.9 (24.8) | |
Resilience | 0.2 | ||
Mean (SD) | 89.9 (17.7) | 84.2 (25.6) | |
Values Driven | 0.2 | ||
Mean (SD) | 71.2 (27.6) | 77.0 (25.4) | |
Taking action and initiative | 0.065 | ||
Mean (SD) | 82.6 (21.8) | 74.8 (22.6) | |
Self-efficacy | 0.2 | ||
Mean (SD) | 90.6 (13.7) | 86.7 (16.5) | |
Opportunity recognition | 0.054 | ||
Mean (SD) | 89.8 (13.2) | 85.2 (16.3) | |
Opportunity assessment | 0.018 | ||
Mean (SD) | 90.1 (13.9) | 83.7 (17.9) | |
Innovative problem-solving | 0.013 | ||
Mean (SD) | 92.0 (12.8) | 85.2 (18.8) | |
Resourcefulness | 0.2 | ||
Mean (SD) | 89.4 (14.1) | 86.4 (16.6) | |
Mobilising others | 0.080 | ||
Mean (SD) | 91.4 (14.7) | 86.9 (17.8) | |
Working with others | 0.2 | ||
Mean (SD) | 90.7 (14.2) | 87.2 (15.9) | |
Money sense | 0.4 | ||
Mean (SD) | 90.4 (16.3) | 88.0 (16.6) | |
1Paired t-test | |||
Table 9 summarizes the pre-post test analysis results for learners who completed mechatronics quests (N = 53). The findings indicate notable changes in various entrepreneurial factors. The Entrepreneurial Experience showed a marginally significant increase, with pre-test means of 78.2 (SD = 23.4) rising to a post-test mean of 85.0 (SD = 20.5), yielding a p-value of 0.060.
In terms of Business Preparation (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 1), the means shifted from a pre-test value of 45.2 (SD = 26.3) to a post-test mean of 48.2 (SD = 29.4), but this change was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.4). The Intend to Start-up (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 2) variable also showed no significant change, with pre-test means of 51.6 (SD = 26.8) decreasing to 46.7 (SD = 27.4) at the endline (p-value = 0.2).
The analysis of the Positive Entrepreneurial Mindset (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 1) indicated a slight increase, moving from a pre-test mean of 37.5 (SD = 25.4) to a post-test mean of 43.4 (SD = 32.0), but this change was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.12). Furthermore, Structured Tasks and Following Others’ Rules (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 2) exhibited stability, with pre-test means of 57.4 (SD = 29.2) and post-test means of 59.2 (SD = 29.8) (p-value = 0.7).
The Need to Achieve showed no significant change, with pre-test means of 80.7 (SD = 25.2) compared to post-test means of 86.0 (SD = 21.5) and a p-value of 0.3. Similarly, the Need for Autonomy remained stable, moving from a pre-test mean of 81.9 (SD = 24.8) to a post-test mean of 88.2 (SD = 18.2) (p-value = 0.15).
Resilience demonstrated no significant increase, with means shifting from 84.2 (SD = 25.6) in the pre-test to 89.9 (SD = 17.7) in the post-test (p-value = 0.2). The Values Driven factor also showed a non-significant decrease, with pre-test means of 77.0 (SD = 25.4) and post-test means of 71.2 (SD = 27.6) (p-value = 0.2).
Conversely, Taking Action and Initiative approached significance, moving from a pre-test mean of 74.8 (SD = 22.6) to a post-test mean of 82.6 (SD = 21.8), with a p-value of 0.065. Other variables, including Self-Efficacy, Opportunity Recognition, and Resourcefulness, indicated no significant changes, with p-values of 0.2, 0.054, and 0.2, respectively.
Notably, Opportunity Assessment showed a significant increase, with pre-test means of 83.7 (SD = 17.9) rising to post-test means of 90.1 (SD = 13.9) (p-value = 0.018). Similarly, Innovative Problem-Solving revealed a significant improvement, moving from a pre-test mean of 85.2 (SD = 18.8) to a post-test mean of 92.0 (SD = 12.8), resulting in a p-value of 0.013.
The factors Mobilising Others, Working with Others, and Money Sense indicated non-significant changes, with p-values of 0.080, 0.2, and 0.4, respectively.
In conclusion, learners who completed mechatronics quests exhibited significant improvements in Opportunity Assessment and Innovative Problem-Solving, alongside marginal improvements in Entrepreneurial Experience and Taking Action and Initiative, highlighting the effectiveness of mechatronics quests in enhancing entrepreneurial skills.
African Trade
Pre-post test analysis of learners who only completed African Trade | |||
| Period |
| |
Variable | Post: Endline, N = 71 | Pre: Baseline, N = 71 | p-value1 |
Entrepreneurial experience | 0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 81.6 (20.1) | 70.6 (24.4) | |
Business preparation (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 1) | >0.9 | ||
Mean (SD) | 36.9 (16.0) | 37.1 (14.7) | |
Intend to start-up (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 2) | 0.4 | ||
Mean (SD) | 51.4 (28.4) | 48.0 (20.4) | |
Positive entrepreneurial mindset (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 1) | 0.035 | ||
Mean (SD) | 33.7 (19.5) | 28.6 (12.8) | |
Structured tasks and following others’ rules (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 2) | 0.3 | ||
Mean (SD) | 58.1 (28.5) | 62.8 (25.1) | |
Need to achieve | 0.6 | ||
Mean (SD) | 82.6 (22.9) | 84.6 (20.1) | |
Need for autonomy | 0.9 | ||
Mean (SD) | 86.4 (19.8) | 86.8 (15.9) | |
Resilience | >0.9 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.9 (19.2) | 88.2 (16.8) | |
Values Driven | 0.2 | ||
Mean (SD) | 68.4 (27.8) | 73.3 (25.6) | |
Taking action and initiative | 0.047 | ||
Mean (SD) | 80.3 (19.9) | 75.0 (20.2) | |
Self-efficacy | 0.9 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.6 (16.4) | 88.2 (13.1) | |
Opportunity recognition | >0.9 | ||
Mean (SD) | 86.8 (18.6) | 86.6 (14.0) | |
Opportunity assessment | 0.8 | ||
Mean (SD) | 84.7 (16.5) | 84.0 (14.8) | |
Innovative problem-solving | 0.6 | ||
Mean (SD) | 86.0 (18.5) | 87.2 (13.7) | |
Resourcefulness | 0.5 | ||
Mean (SD) | 85.8 (18.2) | 87.4 (14.2) | |
Mobilising others | >0.9 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.6 (17.9) | 88.7 (13.7) | |
Working with others | 0.5 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.2 (17.6) | 88.9 (14.0) | |
Money sense | 0.4 | ||
Mean (SD) | 86.5 (17.8) | 88.4 (15.8) | |
1Paired t-test | |||
Table 10 presents the pre-post test analysis results for learners who completed African Trade quests (N = 71). The findings reveal significant changes in various entrepreneurial factors. The Entrepreneurial Experience showed a substantial improvement, with pre-test means of 70.6 (SD = 24.4) rising to a post-test mean of 81.6 (SD = 20.1), resulting in a highly significant p-value of 0.001.
Regarding Business Preparation (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 1), the means shifted slightly from 37.1 (SD = 14.7) in the pre-test to 36.9 (SD = 16.0) in the post-test, but this change was not statistically significant (p-value > 0.9). The Intend to Start-up (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 2) variable showed a small increase, with pre-test means of 48.0 (SD = 20.4) rising to post-test means of 51.4 (SD = 28.4), yet this change was not significant (p-value = 0.4).
In the realm of the Positive Entrepreneurial Mindset (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 1), there was a significant increase from a pre-test mean of 28.6 (SD = 12.8) to a post-test mean of 33.7 (SD = 19.5), with a p-value of 0.035. The Structured Tasks and Following Others’ Rules (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 2) showed a decrease from 62.8 (SD = 25.1) to 58.1 (SD = 28.5), but this was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.3).
The Need to Achieve variable remained relatively stable, with pre-test means of 84.6 (SD = 20.1) compared to post-test means of 82.6 (SD = 22.9), resulting in a p-value of 0.6. Similarly, the Need for Autonomy exhibited little change, with pre-test means of 86.8 (SD = 15.9) decreasing slightly to 86.4 (SD = 19.8) (p-value = 0.9).
Resilience showed a slight decrease from pre-test means of 88.2 (SD = 16.8) to post-test means of 87.9 (SD = 19.2), with a p-value indicating no significance (>0.9). The Values Driven aspect also showed a non-significant change, with pre-test means of 73.3 (SD = 25.6) dropping to post-test means of 68.4 (SD = 27.8) (p-value = 0.2).
Notably, the Taking Action and Initiative factor exhibited a significant improvement, increasing from a pre-test mean of 75.0 (SD = 20.2) to a post-test mean of 80.3 (SD = 19.9), yielding a p-value of 0.047. Other variables, such as Self-Efficacy, Opportunity Recognition, and Resourcefulness, showed no significant changes, with p-values of 0.9, >0.9, and 0.5, respectively.
The Opportunity Assessment variable showed no significant change, with pre-test means of 84.0 (SD = 14.8) compared to post-test means of 84.7 (SD = 16.5) (p-value = 0.8). Additionally, Innovative Problem-Solving remained stable, with pre-test means of 87.2 (SD = 13.7) and post-test means of 86.0 (SD = 18.5) (p-value = 0.6).
Finally, the factors Mobilising Others, Working with Others, and Money Sense exhibited no significant changes, with p-values of >0.9, 0.5, and 0.4, respectively.
Overall, learners who completed African Trade quests demonstrated significant improvements in Entrepreneurial Experience, Positive Entrepreneurial Mindset, and Taking Action and Initiative, highlighting the effectiveness of the African Trade curriculum in fostering entrepreneurial skills.
Construction
Pre-post test analysis of learners who only completed Construction | |||
| Period |
| |
Variable | Post: Endline, N = 145 | Pre: Baseline, N = 145 | p-value1 |
Entrepreneurial experience | 0.010 | ||
Mean (SD) | 77.7 (22.5) | 72.2 (24.1) | |
Business preparation (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 1) | 0.9 | ||
Mean (SD) | 37.2 (17.1) | 37.5 (15.6) | |
Intend to start-up (Entrepreneurial intention – EI 2) | 0.11 | ||
Mean (SD) | 47.9 (25.5) | 52.1 (25.9) | |
Positive entrepreneurial mindset (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 1) | 0.5 | ||
Mean (SD) | 31.2 (17.7) | 30.2 (14.6) | |
Structured tasks and following others’ rules (Entrepreneurial mindset – EM 2) | 0.050 | ||
Mean (SD) | 65.9 (28.2) | 60.1 (25.8) | |
Need to achieve | 0.8 | ||
Mean (SD) | 82.4 (24.7) | 81.7 (25.5) | |
Need for autonomy | 0.7 | ||
Mean (SD) | 85.4 (19.5) | 86.2 (18.1) | |
Resilience | 0.4 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.3 (19.8) | 89.0 (16.6) | |
Values Driven | 0.008 | ||
Mean (SD) | 61.0 (30.3) | 69.6 (27.3) | |
Taking action and initiative | <0.001 | ||
Mean (SD) | 75.0 (21.1) | 66.9 (21.5) | |
Self-efficacy | >0.9 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.7 (15.6) | 88.8 (13.9) | |
Opportunity recognition | 0.2 | ||
Mean (SD) | 86.7 (17.4) | 84.6 (15.6) | |
Opportunity assessment | 0.7 | ||
Mean (SD) | 83.2 (17.8) | 82.6 (16.9) | |
Innovative problem-solving | 0.5 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.5 (16.1) | 86.5 (13.9) | |
Resourcefulness | >0.9 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.2 (16.2) | 87.3 (14.0) | |
Mobilising others | >0.9 | ||
Mean (SD) | 88.6 (16.1) | 88.7 (13.4) | |
Working with others | 0.7 | ||
Mean (SD) | 87.9 (15.6) | 87.3 (14.0) | |
Money sense | 0.7 | ||
Mean (SD) | 85.1 (18.7) | 85.8 (18.2) | |
1Paired t-test | |||
Table 11 presents the pre-post test analysis results for learners who completed Construction quests (N = 145). The analysis indicates notable improvements in several entrepreneurial factors. The Entrepreneurial Experience exhibited a significant enhancement, with pre-test means of 72.2 (SD = 24.1) rising to post-test means of 77.7 (SD = 22.5), yielding a p-value of 0.010.
For Business Preparation (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 1), the mean scores remained relatively stable, shifting from 37.5 (SD = 15.6) at baseline to 37.2 (SD = 17.1) at endline, with a non-significant p-value of 0.9. The Intend to Start-up (Entrepreneurial Intention – EI 2) variable showed a slight decrease from pre-test means of 52.1 (SD = 25.9) to post-test means of 47.9 (SD = 25.5), although this change was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.11).
The Positive Entrepreneurial Mindset (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 1) demonstrated minimal change, with pre-test means of 30.2 (SD = 14.6) and post-test means of 31.2 (SD = 17.7) resulting in a p-value of 0.5. In contrast, the Structured Tasks and Following Others’ Rules (Entrepreneurial Mindset – EM 2) showed a statistically significant improvement, increasing from a pre-test mean of 60.1 (SD = 25.8) to a post-test mean of 65.9 (SD = 28.2), with a p-value of 0.050.
The Need to Achieve variable remained stable, showing no significant change from pre-test means of 81.7 (SD = 25.5) to post-test means of 82.4 (SD = 24.7) (p-value = 0.8). Similarly, the Need for Autonomy showed little variation, with pre-test means of 86.2 (SD = 18.1) decreasing slightly to 85.4 (SD = 19.5) (p-value = 0.7).
Resilience scores reflected a slight decrease, with pre-test means of 89.0 (SD = 16.6) compared to post-test means of 87.3 (SD = 19.8), resulting in a p-value of 0.4. In terms of being Values Driven, the results showed a significant drop from pre-test means of 69.6 (SD = 27.3) to post-test means of 61.0 (SD = 30.3), with a significant p-value of 0.008.
Moreover, the Taking Action and Initiative factor revealed a significant increase, from a pre-test mean of 66.9 (SD = 21.5) to a post-test mean of 75.0 (SD = 21.1), with a highly significant p-value of <0.001. Other factors such as Self-Efficacy showed no significant change, with pre-test means of 88.8 (SD = 13.9) and post-test means of 88.7 (SD = 15.6) (p-value > 0.9).
The variables Opportunity Recognition, Opportunity Assessment, Innovative Problem-Solving, and Money Sense remained stable with no significant changes, reporting p-values of 0.2, 0.7, 0.5, and 0.7, respectively.
Lastly, Resourcefulness and Mobilising Others both showed no significant changes, with p-values of >0.9 for both. Working with Others reflected minimal change, with pre-test means of 87.3 (SD = 14.0) and post-test means of 87.9 (SD = 15.6) (p-value = 0.7).
Overall, learners who completed Construction quests demonstrated significant improvements in Entrepreneurial Experience, Structured Tasks and Following Others’ Rules, Values Driven, and Taking Action and Initiative, underscoring the effectiveness of the Construction curriculum in enhancing entrepreneurial skills.
Synthesis
In examining the impact of the number of quests completed (domain plurality) on EC factors and type of quest completed (domain specificity), interesting trends surfaced.
General Insights
Entrepreneurial Experience: Across most quests, significant improvements were observed in learners’ entrepreneurial experience, highlighting the effectiveness of the quests in enhancing participants’ knowledge and confidence in entrepreneurship.
Taking Action and Initiative: This dimension showed notable gains in multiple quests, indicating that engagement in these quests fosters a more proactive attitude toward entrepreneurship.
Opportunity Recognition: Improvements in this area suggest that the quests successfully enhance participants’ abilities to identify potential business opportunities, which is crucial for entrepreneurial success.
Variability in Dimensions: While many entrepreneurial factors showed significant improvements, others remained stable or demonstrated minimal change. This variability suggests that certain quests may need improvement for further development.
Insights Based on Number of Quests Completed (Domain Plurality)
Learners Who Completed Fewer than One Quest (<1 Quest) - Learners who completed only introductory quest exhibited improvements in ONLY 5 out of the 18 entrepreneurial factors. assessed.
Learners Who Completed One or More Quests (≥1 Quest) - Learners who completed one or more quests experienced the most significant overall development, with improvements noted in 13 out of the 18 entrepreneurial factors. In Kenya Edition 4 (Ke-4), learners who completed one or more quests showed gains in 12 out of 18 entrepreneurial factors, this increased improvement from ke-4 indicate a positive shift in the effectiveness of the program.
Learners Who Completed Four or More Quests (≥4 Quests) - Participants who completed 4 or more quests demonstrated greater gains compared to those who completed only one. This group experienced improvements in 13 out of the 18 entrepreneurial factors.
Quest-Specific Insights (Domain Specificity)
Tourism - Participants exhibited significant improvements in taking action and initiative, innovative problem-solving, and opportunity recognition. These advancements suggest that the quest effectively equips learners with the necessary skills and confidence to identify and capitalize on entrepreneurial opportunities within the tourism sector.
Artificial Intelligence - Learners showed significant improvement in only taking action and initiative.
Finance - Participants demonstrated notable improvements in entrepreneurial experience, with improvements also seen in their intention to start a business, positive entrepreneurial mindset, and their ability to take action and initiative. This indicates that the quest effectively cultivates these skills and entrepreneurial aspirations.
Mechatronics - The quest led to advancements in opportunity assessment, and innovative problem-solving among learners. These developments suggest that the quest encourages critical thinking and creativity in addressing real-world challenges.
African Trade - Participants exhibited improvements in entrepreneurial experience, positive entrepreneurial mindset, and their capacity to take action and initiative. These enhancements reflect the quest’s role in empowering learners to engage with entrepreneurial opportunities.
Construction - The quest resulted in significant growth in entrepreneurial experience, with learners benefiting from a structured approach and an increase in ability to take action and initiative.