Análisis del potencial emprendedor de estudiantes egresados de la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Administrativas en el periodo septiembre 2022 -agosto 2023

Abstract

The objective of this research proposal was to analyze the entrepreneurial potential of graduates from the Business Administration, Dual Business Administration, and Accounting and Auditing programs at the Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences of the University of Cuenca during the period from September 2022 to August 2023. Additionally, it aimed to identify graduates’ perceptions of the academic training received and the main barriers and challenges they faced when starting a business. A mixed-methods approach was used: for the quantitative component, a survey was conducted, while for the qualitative component, a semi-structured interview was applied. The analysis tools included correlation analysis and qualitative data analysis using specialized software (SPSS, Excel, and ATLAS.Ti). The results revealed that 75% of graduates exhibit a medium level of entrepreneurial potential, while 25% reach a high level, with creativity and perseverance standing out as key competencies. However, tolerance for ambiguity was found to be at a low level. A strong positive correlation was identified between motivation (r=0.78), aptitudes (r=0.80), and attitudes (r=0.77) with entrepreneurial potential, indicating that higher levels of motivation, aptitude, and attitude correspond to greater entrepreneurial potential. Furthermore, barriers were identified as obstacles that hinder entrepreneurship, such as limited access to financing and bureaucratic regulations. Graduates' perception of their academic training was positive, highlighting the university as a key factor in developing essential skills. This study lays the foundation for future research aimed at enhancing the impact of academic training on entrepreneurial potential.