BUS 361: Introduction to Entrepreneurship examines how social, psychological, and economic factors influence and shape entrepreneurship and new venture formation. Students explore the impact of entrepreneurship and new venture formation on society. This includes an investigation into the contributions that entrepreneurs make to both social and economic systems.
Insights into what it is like to work in an entrepreneurial organization - including the dynamics and challenges associated with new venture formation - are investigated. The characteristics and attributes of successful entrepreneurial companies are discussed. The primary objectives of the course are threefold: 1) Provide an introduction to the theoretical and practical aspects of entrepreneurship and enterprise development, 2) Offer exposure and firsthand insights into what a career in entrepreneurship entails, and 3) Help students develop the critical thinking skills that are vital to new venture creation, business planning, and strategic execution.
The course strives to blend theoretical concepts, functional business components, and creative thinking together with practical applications which can be used to foster entrepreneurship, innovation and new venture development. Students are expected to make strategic decisions based on their personal knowledge and experiences and to justify those decisions through oral and written communications.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- To describe, understand, and critically analyze entrepreneurship from the perspective of startup ventures and established companies.
- To identify, describe, and critically evaluate the personality characteristics generally associated with the successful entrepreneur.
- To explore tools and techniques for identifying and evaluating new venture opportunities.
- To gain insights as to how scientific and technical knowledge can be integrated with entrepreneurship.
- To build an understanding of the role entrepreneurship plays in socioeconomic development, job creation, and community development.
- To identify and describe strategies and management techniques utilized in successful startup companies and established corporations.