A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science

This paper investigates effectiveness of the method to develop entrepreneurial character, used by the Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDEP) in Nepal. This programme was initiated by the His Majesty's Government of Nepal with technical assistance and resources from the UNDP, in order to 1) reduce poverty through selfemployment while 2) establishing a sustainable mechanism to provide business development services. In summary the programme assists individuals in setting up their own enterprise by providing a) guidance and consult, b) trainings on business management, c) training on production skills and d) providing access to credit. However, as we look at the "Entrepreneurship competence development component" which is to develop entrepreneurial character, the methods used include 1) individual guidance, and 2) trainings on Micro Enterprise Creation. Entrepreneurial attributes can be characteristics such as: self-confidence, creativity, responsibility and risk taking, taking initiative, etc, and skills such as: analytical, negotiation or communication skills. Entrepreneurial character can be described as the display of such attributes and their utilization in a business context. To measure the effectiveness with which the latter is developed, we will analyze how the MEDEP methods interact with their environment, to conclude whether they bring about the change they intend to or theoretically have the potential to. This is done by initially reviewing existing documents to ascertain intended change or the extent to which positive change is theoretically possible. Subsequently (checklist) interviews have been arranged with entrepreneurs and some programme personnel in order to estimate actual changes. In the analysis the MEDEP methods utilized in their "Entrepreneurship competence development component'', are confronted with "influences on development of entrepreneurial character" by Din and Gibb1 {u2022} The outcome of the matrix uncovered that MEDEP techniques in our study area were generally having intended position effects.

Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2002