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The first semester of this year long course will direct you through
the many steps required to take a concept from business start-up, through
invention and development to commercialization. You will learn through
two pathways -- studying history and through your own creative efforts.
Time will be spent tracing the history of high tech start-ups, both
those that have survived and those that did not. In parallel, you will
be required to simulate you own companies. It is hoped that for some
of you, the company you create will be more than a simulation, rather
an idea about which you are excited and possibly interested in pursuing
in the future. The second semester (optional) will direct students through
the specifics of their business ideas including feasibility studies,
technology demonstration and solicitation of funds.
The course will concentrate on high technology concepts in fields such
as biotechnology, information knowledge management and energy and natural
resources. The course will be organized such that students will go through
every aspect of taking a product from concept to commercialization and
beyond.
You will be required to submit a Business Plan for the company you
"create". Students will work individually or in teams; it will be dependent
on the nature of the businesses ideas that students want to pursue.
ISBT 371 will meet twice per week on Tuesday and Thursday from 11 AM
to 12:15 PM. Part of the goal of this course is to introduce you to
people in the community who are actively involved in entrepreneurship;
accordingly, there will be several guest lecturers and field trips to
early stage companies. Occasionally, it may be necessary to schedule
class at alternate times to meet the schedules of the guests.
TEXT: The textbook for this course is entitled Launching
New Ventures, an Entrepreneurial Approach, 3rd ed. by Kathleen R.
Allen, (Houghton Mifflin) 2002.
ATTENDANCE: The attached schedule is aggressive and serious
problems will arise if you do not attend class. This class is small
and it is my intent to spend a lot of one-on-one time with you helping
you to ferret out exciting business opportunities.
GRADING: Your grade will be based on the following criteria:
Mid-term Exam 25%
Final Exam 25%
Business Plan 25%
Class Presentations 10%
Class Participation 15%
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