37388 - Entrepreneurship

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course the student will: - comprehend the role and the function of entrpreneurship with a specific focus on the potential of digital and new technologies in business venturing and business innovation; -be able to indentify, evaluate, and select effective business idea and business opportunities; - be able to deploy business idea and model into a business plan; be able to design and write a business plan; - acquire the basic knowledge for stimluating, coordinating and controlling corporate venture iniaitives

Course contents

“Entrepreneurship" is a dynamic course designed for master's students aiming to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and key skills essential for success in both startup ventures and corporate environments. The course provides a comprehensive exploration of the entrepreneurial journey, from idea generation to securing funding, equipping students with innovative methods and practical tools for future projects. The program focuses on instilling an entrepreneurial mindset, a crucial trait for business leaders and founders in the digital economy. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in entrepreneurial principles and the capability to apply them effectively in various contexts.

Stream 1: Foundations of Entrepreneurship

The first Stream covers the basics of entrepreneurship, including the entrepreneurial journey, envisioning, market sizing, and developing business models. Students will gain a strong foundation in key entrepreneurial concepts and methods.

• Module 1: Entrepreneurial Journey (Introduction)
• Module 2: Entrepreneurial Envisioning & Market Sizing
• Module 3: Entrepreneurial Business Models & Lean Canvas
• Group Work Stream 1

Stream 2: Product Development and Market Strategies

The second Stream focuses on developing products using design thinking and lean development methods, and creating effective go-to-market strategies. Students will learn to build, test, and refine products and develop comprehensive market strategies.

• Module 4: Entrepreneurial Design Thinking Methods
• Module 5: Entrepreneurial Design & Development Tools (the Age of Ai)
• Module 6: Entrepreneurial Go-to-Market Strategies
• Group Work Stream 2

Stream 3: Pitching, Financial Planning, and Funding

The third Stream covers key aspects of presenting business ideas, financial planning, and securing funding. Students will learn to build compelling presentations, plan finances, and navigate the fundraising landscape.

• Module 7: Entrepreneurial Approach to Building Presentations & Pitching
• Module 8: Entrepreneurial Techniques to Financial Planning
• Module 9: Entrepreneurial Methods to Fundraising
• Group Work Stream 3

  Stream 4: Course Conclusions

  The final Stream involves presenting group projects and reflecting on learning. Consolidates knowledge and encourages discussion on the entrepreneurial journey and future steps.

• Module 10: Group Presentations & Conclusions

Readings/Bibliography

• Dedicated Lecture Slides
• Selected Online Articles, Videos & Podcasts
• "The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses" by Eric Ries
• "Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future" by Peter Thiel with Blake Masters
• Details will be available in the e-learning web site of the course

Teaching methods

The course consists of theoretical and practical lectures together with structured Group Work. Each module will be integrated into general structure of the four Streams. Continuity of participation in the course will give each student a full overview of the themes and the ability to participate in the Group projects.

Assessment methods

Differentiated examination methods are provided for attending students (participation in at least 60% of the lectures) and non-attending students:

Course Exam

• Attending Students
  • Group Work
    • Group presentation
    • Structure:15 to 20 slide presentation (PPT, Keynote, PDF)
    • Value 10pts (33% grade)
  • Individual Work
    • Written Exam
    • Structure: 2 short essays
    • Value 20pts (66% grade)
    • Length – 90 minutes
• Non-Attending Students
  • Group Work (excluded)
  • Individual Work
    • Written Exam
    • Structure: 3 short essays
    • Value 30pts (100% grade)
    • Length – 90 minutes

Grades are assigned on the basis of an overall assessment of knowledge, skills, presentation and discussion skills
of the topics covered. The ranges of grades correspond can be described as follows:

18-23: the student has sufficient preparation and analytical skills, spread however, over just few topics taught in
the course, the overall jargon is correct

24-27: the student shows and adequate preparation at a technical level with some doubts over the topics. Good,
yet not to articulate analytical skills with the use of a correct jargon

28-30: Great knowledge about most of the topics taught in the course, good critical and analytical skills, good
usage of the specific jargon

30L: excellent and in depth knowledge of all the topics in the course, excellent critical and analytical skills,
excellent usage of specific jargon

Teaching tools

Class presentations, additional readings, sources and information about the program, will be available on the elearning
website after each class lecture.

Office hours

See the website of Timothy Sean Jr. O'Connell