91592 - ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS MODELS

Learning outcomes

The purpose of this course is foster in the participants an entrepreneurial mindset by exploring the key dimensions of new venture creation, with a special emphasis on business model design and implementation. A new venture is defined as a start-up business, in either an independent or in a corporate setting, with a high growth potential that distinguishes itself from existing companies through innovation – for example, through an innovative product or service, an innovative production process or by creating a new market. The course thus focuses on both process and people involved in assessing ideas, exploiting opportunities, and turning concepts into innovative business models. The final goal is to enable students to fully appreciate the process of converting entrepreneurial aspirations into reality. While most of the examples in class will be drawn from new venture formation, the principles also apply to entrepreneurship in corporate settings and to non-profit entrepreneurship.

Course contents

The emphasis in this course is on applying and synthesizing key concepts and techniques from the functional areas of managerial economics, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing and organization behaviour in the context o f new venture development. Important pedagogical objectives of the course are:

· “Experience the process”: identify and pursue a business opportunity in either an independent or corporate setting with a team of motivated peers.

· To acquire the knowledge and spirit for venturing

· To think creatively and to solve problems in highly unstructured situations;

· To examine the totality of a business proposal rather than concentrate on single aspects such as the marketing issues, or the financial feasibility;

Readings/Bibliography

· Reading package

· Case study package

Teaching methods

The course attempts to reach its learning objectives by offering you a balanced menu of cases, discussions, guest lectures, and project work including regular feedback sessions. It will encompass the following elements:

- Lectures by instructor;

- Class discussions of the cases and actual venture plans that will be included in the course bulk pack;

- Guest lectures by expert practitioners which are designed to familiarize the students with the many dimensions of entrepreneurship and new venture development;

Assessment methods

A final written exam plus assessment of team-based assignments. The final output of the team effort will be a written case report. Team and individual performance will be measured along with the written report in determining the final grade of each student.

Teaching tools

Students are expected to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired in other courses and put it into practice. They will be challenged to shift from being a receiver of ideas, facts, concepts and techniques, to a style of generating ideas, identifying problems, analyzing and evaluating alternatives, and formulating workable action plans .

Office hours

See the website of Simone Ferriani

See the website of Massimo Aliberti