Integrating Theory and Practice for Student Entrepreneurs: An Applied Learning Model

Abstract:     
This paper reports on an innovative pilot project embedded in a capstone unit of Australia's leading undergraduate degree program in Entrepreneurship. The project was developed as part of an industry linkage pilot agreement between the Entrepreneurship program and one of the 'Big Four' consultancy companies, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. A pedagogically innovative model of applied learning is proposed that enabled Higher Education students enrolled in a Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship) degree to apply in a dynamic (and sometimes chaotic) environment skill and capabilities they already possessed (as opposed to work-based learning about a particular job). Results presented in this paper indicate that educating young entrepreneurs in a Higher Educational setting needs to be like the practice itself; creative, risky, exciting and above all highly satisfying.

Keywords: Innovation, entrepreneurship, applied learning; industry engagement

Accepted Paper Series