98634 - CORPORATE VENTURING LABORATORY

Learning outcomes

At the end of the laboratory, the students are able to employ an entrepreneurial perspective to analyse the firm's internal and external context using applied tecniques and through a hands-on approach.

Course contents

The purpose of this course is to explore the dynamics of Corporate Venturing, the process by which firms invest in, develop, launch and sustain new businesses. Building on the concepts covered in

Business Venturing, we will examine Entrepreneurship from a corporate perspective sometimes referred to as Intrapreneurship. Various channels for innovation and renewal within corporate settings will be explored. Through examples of best practice and benchmarking companies and industries, studies will focus on the requirements for creating and managing new ventures and significant new business opportunities within organizations. In addition, we will examine how to integrate new businesses into existing corporate structures or change them should it be required. The course will facilitate eventual integration into corporate venture environments should it be desired or reversely provide a deeper understanding of their function should for those who want to partner with them from within an organization or as an entrepreneurial entity.

Readings/Bibliography

• Reading package provided by the instructor
• Case study package

Teaching methods

The course is strongly based on active participation by all students. Discussions should be lively yet respectful. Learning will come from not only from the course materials but also from listening to, and sharing of knowledge by all. The course will include a fair amount of information in a very short period of time. Therefore it is essential that everyone come to class having read all required materials and be prepared to discuss the topics at hand.

Teaching approach

The class will be interactive and class preparation and participation is essential. Participation will be required in discussions, guest lectures, and project work. The following elements will be included:

• Lectures by instructor
• Guest lectures by industry and academic experts to introduce various aspects of corporate venturing across industry sectors
• Case discussions and student case presentations
• Analysis of academic research and its relevance to real world examples
• Multi-media presentations including movie, video and interview footage
• Industry Interview
• A progressive group project that will culminate in teams of 3-4 students presenting corporate venture strategy plans

Assessment methods

In addition to the the transfer of knowledge with regard to the specific subjects of corporate venturing, participation in the the course provides the opportunity for strengthening crucial skills that are essential for successful managers. These skills include, but are not limited to, teamwork, communication and presentation skills. Therefore, each day a group or individual assignment must be handed in. These will take the shape of case write-ups, case presentations and critical analysis of articles as well as the write up of an interview with an industry expert.

Assignments will only be accepted on the day they are due.

Assignments

There will be 2 group assignments. For each assignment teams will be formed, and oral presentations will be required for the different subjects. If slides are being used, they will be due at the beginning of the class on the day of the discussions and presentations.

In addition, each student will have two projects to complete on their own. One is to review an academic article (to be provided) on an aspect of corporate venturing and the second is to interview and write about a discussion with someone involved in any aspect of Corporate Venturing. This person can be a participant, a recipient or a service provider. Each of these should be 1-2 pages in length. The article will be presented on the 2^nd day of class and the interview will be due the day class concludes.

In addition, there will be a final group project whereby each group will identify a large multinational company (must be approved), research its past and current venturing strategies and from current practices.

Office hours

See the website of Caren Helene Weinberg