Assessment of the entrepreneurial intention of university students using rasch methodology

Entrepreneurial intention is guided by actions and intrinsic skills, namely, understanding entrepreneurial characteristics and becoming capable of devising, articulating, and sustaining innovative ideas. Thus, conceptions are generally linked to innovation, with active methodologies such as workshops, journeys, courses, and lectures playing a vital role. Therefore, it is essential to promote entrepreneurial intention in the academic environment, specifically in agricultural science courses. In light of this demand, this study aimed to assess the entrepreneurial intention of university students participating in the Sustainable Agro Entrepreneurship Program (AGROS), using the Rasch methodology. The program was developed to spread entrepreneurship among students of the Center for Applied Agricultural Sciences (CCAA) at the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), through four systematically and interactively planned workshops. The study investigated the validity of evidence related to the internal structure of the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students' Survey (GUESSS) and the evolution of the students’ entrepreneurial intention. Fifty-seven (57) students participating in the Program were evaluated based on responses to items in the GUESSS inventory, at two points: Pretest (T0) and Follow-up (T1). The results indicated that the program had a positive impact on stimulating entrepreneurial intention in agricultural sciences, particularly regarding the creation of new businesses in the field. Furthermore, the research identified the main factors contributing to the program’s success, such as the integration of workshops and lectures, the presence of highly qualified professionals, and the use of active methodologies.