DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES

With more than half of the new jobs being created in the world economy by small businesses, the particular problems and experiences encountered in starting and developing new enterprises are clearly worth studying. This course of Entrepreneurship has been designed to provide the participants with an overall understanding of the concept of entrepreneurship and small business management.

Participants will be prepared to start, survive, and succeed in their own businesses.

For those who consider becoming part of a big traditional business, while working for someone else, as a viable career option, it is hoped that participation in this course will orient them towards thinking and acting more entrepreneurially and creatively in the big business ambiance. Thus, regardless of their future plans and hopes, this course can benefit them greatly in how they think and act, from an entrepreneurial viewpoint, in the future.

The course puts a strong emphasis on the development of a real world, workable, implementable business plan that applies the proper methods, techniques and skills needed for successfully developing and growing a new venture. While some theory will be explored, the major thrust of this course will be to ensure that the primary product of the course, the Business Plan, and other assignments which have immediate and real world application.

This course is about learning of risk and failure and growing from it. It is about learning to forge one’s ideas into workable business concepts, commit them to paper, and flesh them out into a reasonable form that can be tested to see if it could stand up to the demands of the market. The students must write at a top level, argue the potential of their ideas, and convince investors that their ideas are worth being born in the marketplace.

READINGS

1. Bruce R Barringer & Duane Ireland (2012) Entrepreneurship: Successfully Launching New Ventures, 5th Editon, Pearson
2. Entrepreneurship – Theory Process Practice, Donald F. Koratko 8th Edition (South Western - Cengage Learning)

CONTENTS

Decision to Become an Entrepreneur

1. Introduction to Entrepreneurship

Developing Successful Business Ideas

1. Recognizing Opportunities and Generating Ideas
2. Feasibility Analysis
3. Writing a Business Plan
4. Industry and Competitor Analysis
5. Developing an Effective Business Model

Moving from an Idea to an Entrepreneurial Firm

1. Preparing the Proper Ethical and Legal Foundation
2. Assessing a New Venture’s Financial Strength and Viability
3. Building a New-Venture Team
4. Getting Financing or Funding

Managing and Growing an Entrepreneurial Firm

1. Unique Marketing Issues
2. The Importance of Intellectual Property
3. Preparing for and Evaluating the Challenges of Growth
4. Strategies for Firm Growth
5. Franchising

COURSE SCHEDULE

PROJECT & PRESENTATIONS

Project will be submitted by the students in two portions:

1. Feasibility analysis of the business after the 7th week.
2. Business plan of the business after 15th week.

Presentations are expected to be properly prepared by the students. Appearance (dressing), speaking skills, active participation, use of graphical and visual instruments and programs for presentations will reflect its quality.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Mid Term         : 30

Project             : 20

Final Term      : 50

RULES AND REGULATIONS

• 80% class attendance should be met for every student, otherwise the student will not be allowed to sit in the examination.
• The project carries 20 marks and it is a priority for every student, as it would reflect his grades at the end of the semester.
• Demonstrated leadership assessment is more effective than a general "class participation" grade. As you perform specific tasks, you show the instructor and the class that you are thinking like a professional and improving your understanding of the discipline.
• Quizzes taken in class will be non-credit but it will show your participation and willingness to prevail in the class and for that reason it may have an impact on your grades.
• Students are strictly advised to follow the dress code that has been described by department. Only formal dress should be worn, no-one is allowed to wear jeans, t-shirts, joggers, sandals, etc.
• Students are to provide a proper leave application for every absence in the class, describing the reason for his absence.