Entrepreneurial Competencies in Action: Online Fundraising Initiatives by University Students

Abstract

It has been argued that entrepreneurship educators are inclined to let students learn in a safe controlled environment, with no pressure except to pass the module. Students working in groups of three were given 12 weeks (Target 1) to develop a fundraising initiative, work with various stakeholders, and execute their online fundraising initiative to meet a target goal of €2000 (Target 2) per group. Employing approaches such as Effectuation, Lean Start-Up and the Business Model Canvas, a self-directed learning approach ensured students were able to take ownership of their learning journey with the lecturer acting as coach or facilitator. The learning innovation stems from the highly experiential nature of the assignment, the various deadlines and targets that had to be met throughout the process, the promoted collaboration with real world environments, the introduction of mentors and other support actors, and the successful adaptation of the assignment to an online learning environment. The assignment can be undertaken in an online or offline environment, and it provides a highly practical learning experience that enables students to utilize and develop the 15 entrepreneurship competencies identified in the EntreComp framework under the pressure of meeting time and monetary targets.