ANALYSIS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCIES OF PH.D. STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF VAASA

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is on the rise throughout the world. Countries that are progressive perceive entrepreneurship as a vital part for their future development and economic competitiveness. PhD students possess values not only applicable in the academic environment but also in the business environment. Future training objectives of University of Vaasa for PhD students includes the focus on entrepreneurship. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the level of competencies of PhD students in entrepreneurship field by using a self-assessment soft computing method. A sample group of 26 PhD students of University of Vaasa are chosen and participated to this study. Tricuspoid 2.0 of Evolute system is used to collect data. This tool collects the current state and future state of the respondents and presents creative tension for entrepreneurial competencies. In addition, this thesis analyses self-assessment results and presents a comparative research by comparing the results with a previous study at University of Girona BSc students. First research question investigates the theoretical background of the study and defines the main terms. Second research question focuses on assessment of the current state, future state and creative tension. Third research question focuses on a comparison of the results of University of Vaasa and University of Girona. Fourth research question focuses on an interpretation of results and offering recommendations for University of Vaasa management. An interview was conducted as an additional empirical data. This study clarified the competencies of University of Vaasa PhD students in entrepreneurship by enlightening which competencies they desire to improve. Results of this study also provides competencies to be focused on that provide insight for University of Vaasa management with future plans regarding their PhD programmes.