Providing a Model for Entrepreneurship Development with an Industrial Employment Approach for Graduates of Islamic Azad University, Yazd Province Branches

Abstract

The present study is an applied research in terms of purpose and a descriptive research in terms of data collection method. The statistical population of this research consists of experienced managers and experts in the field of entrepreneurship development and entrepreneurship graduates. The qualitative section includes theoretical experts and practical experts. The theoretical experts include university professors in the field of entrepreneurship management. The practical experts include employment and entrepreneurship managers from the Technical and Vocational Training Organization of Yazd Province across various departments. A purposive sampling method was used to select experts for interviews, and interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached, ultimately incorporating the perspectives of 16 individuals. Finally, experts were also used to evaluate the model fit and validate it using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method. The statistical population in the quantitative section includes graduates from Islamic Azad University, Yazd Province branches. Since the number of professional individuals in the quantitative section is unlimited, Cochran’s formula for an unlimited population was used, resulting in a sample size of 384 individuals. Library research was used to collect information on the literature and research background. To collect information for identifying indicators in the qualitative section, field methods using library studies and interviews were employed. Additionally, in the quantitative section, field methods using a questionnaire tool were employed for data collection. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed, of which 389 were used. Qualitative data content analysis was conducted using meta-synthesis through MAXQDA software to combine studies derived from a systematic review on the subject of this research. The Fuzzy Delphi technique was used to screen identified indicators and select key indicators. The Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) technique was employed to determine suitable activities for public sector companies, rank their importance, and identify relationships between indicators. Finally, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the measurement model and research hypotheses. According to the results, five main indicators were identified. The main indicators include infrastructure and support, education and culture, policymaking and planning, integrated management, and the integration of technology and knowledge. Based on interpretive structural analysis, a four-level model was obtained. Infrastructure and support play a crucial role in strengthening and developing entrepreneurship education and culture in the entrepreneurship development model with an industrial employment approach for graduates of Islamic Azad University, Yazd Province branches. Additionally, based on the obtained results, the proposed model was shown to have a good fit using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling method.