The influence of prior subject knowledge, prior ability and work experience on self-efficacy

The factors that might enhance the learning achieved by students from a business simulation are examined to determine the extent to which prior ability, and knowledge gained through prior studies and/or work experience impact on self-efficacy. Immediately prior to their participation in a Hotel Operations Tactics and Strategy (HOTS) business simulation course, 326 international students’ prior subject knowledge, prior ability and self-efficacy were measured via an on-line survey. The findings indicate that self-efficacy is influenced positively by prior knowledge and prior ability. Further, it is revealed that work experience does not have any significant moderating effect between either prior knowledge or prior ability and self-efficacy. & 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.