Predicting entrepreneurial intentions among MBA students in an Indian Higher Education Institution using system dynamics modeling

Predicting entrepreneurial intentions is essential for identifying potential entrepreneurs, customizing educational programs, guiding policy-making, optimizing resource allocation, understanding influential factors, enhancing strategic planning, and tracking progress. This paper contributes to these efforts by presenting a model for predicting entrepreneurial intentions using system dynamics modeling, with a focus on learning agility, achievement motivation, and the impact of family business, thereby providing valuable insights for stakeholders in education and policy. The quantitative values for dynamic simulation were collected through an online questionnaire, yielding 241 responses from MBA students from a batch of 300 students. The model built was validated by conducting extreme value testing and simulated the current state with the help of primary data collected. Findings indicated a realistic conversion rate of 5–10% to entrepreneurship. Additionally, seven solution-based scenarios were tested to improve the entrepreneurial intentions, which produced varied outcomes, with scenario 1 presenting the best result, achieving the highest student-to-entrepreneur conversion rate of 15%. Conducted at an Indian Higher Education Institution, the study emphasizes the need for institutional support for entrepreneurship, particularly during the incubation period of businesses that were started during internships, as well as guidance for students pursuing corporate careers. The study advocates for enhanced support programs and policies to promote entrepreneurial intentions and address urban livelihood challenges. This paper uniquely applies systems thinking by integrating learning agility, enculturation, and academic motivation.