EC/0082 - IMPRENDITORIALITA' E CREAZIONE D'IMPRESA

Academic Year 2022/2023

Free text for the University

Objectives

The goal of the course is to introduce participants into the field of entrepreneurship research and teach students the basics of the business, strategy, and leadership skills needed to launch and manage new ventures. Topics include learning the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, how to assess the feasibility of a new venture, as well as how to apply best practices for planning, launching, and managing new companies. Students will discuss a wide range of issues of importance and concern to entrepreneurs, as well as learn to recognize opportunities, assess the skills and talents of successful entrepreneurs, and learn models and “rules of thumb” to help them navigate uncertainty.

A) KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
A1. Understand the fundamentals of entrepreneurship
A2. Understand what it means to be an entrepreneur and a leader
A3. Explore the characteristics and motivations that typically drive entrepreneurs
A4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the rise and development of the concept of business venturing

(B) APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
B1. Be able to identify and evaluate opportunities for new ventures
B2. Know how to gather the required resources to convert opportunities into new ventures
B3. Create effective executive summaries, business plan and pitch presentation

(C) MAKING JUDGEMENTS

C1. Develop personal positions about opportunities for new ventures
C2. Be aware of the responsibilities associated with the rise and development of new ventures
C3. Evaluate, analyze, understand and interpret the activities involved in business venturing

D) COMMUNICATION SKILLS

D1. Make team presentations to investors
D2. Contribute successfully to group work

(E) LEARNING SKILLS

E1. Self-manage the development of learning and study skills, both individually and as part of a collaborative learning group.

Prerequisites

Familiarity with the general topic related to management, with a special focus on the functions of management in companies and organizations.

Contents

This course sets out essential concepts and skills relating to:
- Defining entrepreneurship, enterprise and business venturing;
- The business venturing process explained;
- Entrepreneurial capabilities, behavioral issues, skills, and competencies;
- The business environment and the nature of entrepreneurial activity;
- Recognizing opportunities and generating ideas (lean startup)
- Start-up
- Pitch and business venture creation and development;
- Writing a Business plan

Teaching Methods

Teaching methods include: interactive case studies, directed reading, visiting speakers, lectures, interaction with Entrepreneurs, problem-solving activities and private/guided study. Learning activities include:
• Assignments (group and individual)
• Case studies / problem solving activities
• Presentations
• Visiting speakers
• Practical exercises and videos
• Private study

Verification of learning

The evaluation criteria are as follows:
 5% Class Participation (discussion questions, verbal comments, case discussion)
 35% Assignments (Business Model, Elevator Pitch, 3 open questions)
 60% Final Project (Group project and pitch presentation)

Here are the considerations I use in evaluating class participation:
 Meaningful contribution to class discussions.
 Preparation.
 Enhancement of classroom learning environment beyond specifically dictated preparation.
 Attendance and punctuality
 Polite and professional interaction with me, guests, clients, and classmates.

Assessment logic:
To achieve a maximum score (30/30) the student must show to have acquired an excellent knowledge of all the topics covered during the course. In particular, they should have a comprehensive view of entrepreneurship, enterprise and business venturing.
To pass the exam (18/30), the student must demonstrate that they have acquired sufficient knowledge of the basic topics covered during the course.

Texts

Suggested reading:
Cabiddu et al. Imprenditorialità e creazione d'impresa, forthcoming

Eric Ries, Partire leggeri, Rizzoli, ETAS, 2016
Steve Blank, Bob Dorf, Startupper. Guida alla creazione di imprese innovative, EGEA, 2012

More Information

Lecture slides, articles, and links to helpful resources will be posted to the course website..