Time Schedule:
Thomas E. Eckmann
ENTRE 530
Seattle Campus
Provides an overview of the major decisions entrepreneurs face when creating a business. Covers the startup lifecycle from idea generation and opportunity recognition to entry strategy, growth, and exit. Prerequisite: B POL 509; B A 501. Offered: W.
Class description
The goal of this course is to provide an overview of the business formation process, explore the types of decisions entrepreneurs must frequently make (often will little or no hard data), and show how real entrepreneurs go about making these decisions. The scope of the course will include the full business lifecycle from idea generation and opportunity recognition to start-up, growth and exit. Students will learn from assigned reading and case studies, class discussions, and guest lectures delivered by some of Seattle’s most accomplished entrepreneurs and subject-matter experts.
Entrepreneurship is not a spectator sport and neither is this class -- students are expected to attend every class and be highly engaged in class discussions. Critical thinking, creativity, flexibility and openness are essential to success in this course.
Student learning goals
1. Explore the types of decisions entrepreneurs make throughout the life cycle of a new company and understand the processes they use for making these decisions under conditions of high uncertainty.
2. Learn how entrepreneurs deal with uncertainty and mitigate risk in decision-making processes.
3. Learn how to identify and assess the feasibility of a new business opportunity.
4. Develop an understanding entrepreneurship as a lifestyle and possible career path.
5. Expand the network of contacts within the entrepreneurial community.
General method of instruction
The class consists of: 1) in-class discussions of assigned reading and case studies; 2) guest lectures by local entrepreneurs, and 3) student presentations of their entrepreneur interview findings and team presentations of opportunity assessments.
Recommended preparation
This class is an introduction to entrepreneurship for students majoring in business, engineering, law and other professions. There are no prerequisites.
Class assignments and grading
1. Reading - An Interpreneur's Journey (available at UW bookstore) and Harvard case studies (http://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cb/access/15691933 or http://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cb/access/15696865). 2. Emails to instructor after each class describing biggest "aha" or take-away from the class. 3. (Team Assignment) Write-up and presentation of a business opportunity assessment. 4. (Individual Assignment) Write-up and presentation of an entrepreneur interview.
1. Class participation 2. Entrepreneur Interview 3. Business opportunity assessment 4. "Aha" emails from class 5. Class participation
