Course Overview

This course provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the principles and practices of entrepreneurship, emphasizing its vital role in the 21st-century global economy. Students will explore foundational concepts, including creativity, innovation, and the entrepreneurial mindset, through applied, project-based learning. The course integrates theory with real-world applications, offering a comprehensive overview of startup development, opportunity recognition, business planning, and venture management.

Key topics include the fundamentals of lean startup methodology, customer discovery, risk management, sales, funding strategies, and the intersection of creativity and innovation. Students will engage in interactive workshops, case studies, and team-based activities to develop and evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities. Interdisciplinary teams will conceptualize, analyze, and execute business ideas, culminating in projects like The Sprint: An Entrepreneurship Competition, where students apply entrepreneurial principles in a competitive environment.

This course also addresses four critical questions:

1. What is entrepreneurship?
2. What types of entrepreneurs are there?
3. What constitutes an entrepreneurial opportunity?
4. What is required for entrepreneurial success?

Students will develop the ability to critically analyze entrepreneurial processes, engage in professional discussions, and prepare well-structured business cases. Guest speakers, industry insights, and real-world business opportunities will enhance the learning experience.

Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this course emphasizes entrepreneurship’s role in promoting innovation, economic growth, and sustainable practices. Guided by the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), students will learn to apply ethical reasoning, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving to entrepreneurial challenges.

Course Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will:

Understand the Role of Entrepreneurship:

• Analyze the significance of entrepreneurship in fostering innovation, creating economic value, and addressing societal challenges.

Recognize and Assess Business Opportunities:

• Develop the ability to identify, evaluate, and select viable entrepreneurial opportunities based on market and societal needs.

Create a Comprehensive Business Plan:

• Design a structured business plan that includes market analysis, financial projections, operational strategies, and risk assessments.

Apply Lean Startup and Iterative Methodologies:

• Use lean startup principles and iterative problem-solving to test, refine, and implement business concepts effectively.

Demonstrate Financial and Strategic Literacy:

• Employ key financial and strategic tools to manage startup resources, analyze funding options, and evaluate business performance.

Integrate Ethical and Sustainable Practices:

• Evaluate the ethical, legal, and social implications of entrepreneurial decisions, ensuring alignment with sustainable development goals.

Collaborate and Lead Effectively:

• Develop strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills to manage diverse teams and stakeholders in entrepreneurial ventures.

Innovate for Long-Term Success:

• Formulate strategies to scale entrepreneurial ventures while fostering adaptability and sustainability in dynamic environments.