Demystifying the enablers of business management students’ path towards sustainable entrepreneurship education: dual-edge SEM–ANN analysis

This study quantifies the factors influencing business management students’ attitudes toward sustainable entrepreneurship education using the Theory of Planned Behavior framework. It investigates the impact of Cognitive Elements, Affective Elements, Behavioral Elements, and the Entrepreneurial Environment on entrepreneurial intention. The research utilizes 580 management students, enabling a comprehensive analysis of both the linear relationships posited by SEM and the nonlinear patterns captured by ANN. This methodological fusion offers a nuanced understanding of the complex interactions among the variables under study. The findings confirm significant relationships as hypothesized: Cognitive Elements, Affective Elements, Behavioral Elements, and the Entrepreneurial Environment significantly influence entrepreneurial intention among business management students. The study underscores integrating these factors into educational frameworks to enhance students’ attitudes toward sustainable entrepreneurship. This study contributes novelty by integrating advanced SEM–ANN analysis with the Theory of Planned Behavior and underscores the practical implications for educators and policymakers in fostering a new generation of business leaders committed to sustainable business practices and societal impact.