Semester

8

Course Code

MA5820

Course Name

Engineer as an Entrepreneur

Credit Value

3

Pre-requisites

None

Core/Optional

Optional

Hourly Breakdown

Theory

Small Group Activities

Independent Learning

24

30

96

Course Aim(s): To inspire and provide tools to start engineering ventures by recognising opportunities and overcoming challenges.

Intended Learning Outcomes:
On completion of the course, students should be able to:

➢      explain the value of generating ideas and converting them into business opportunities.

➢      analyse the financial and technological feasibility of a new venture.

➢      explain the role of leadership and marketing in new ventures.

➢      explain the applicable laws for business ventures and intellectual property.

➢      develop a business plan for a new venture.

Course Content: (Only main topics & subtopics)

➢      Introduction to Entrepreneurship: Role of an entrepreneur in creating jobs and wealth; risks and rewards of starting a business.

➢      Idea Generation and Feasibility Analysis: The idea to market process; market and competitive analysis; idea generation and creativity; technology to lower barriers; sustainability and green businesses.

➢      Financial Analysis: Raising capital; venture capital; loans etc.; financial analysis and projections; cash management; duties and taxation.

➢      Technology Strategy: Developing or adopting technology; acquiring technology; diffusion of technology.

➢      Leadership and Management: Providing leadership; developing an organisational structure and culture; developing human resources, and delegating authority.

➢      Marketing, Operations Sales and Distribution: Manufacturing or sourcing strategy; advertising and publicity; sales and distribution; online sales; retail sales; intermediaries.

➢      Legal Framework for a Business: Sole proprietorships; partnerships and limited liability companies; registering a company; memorandum and articles of association; labour and industrial law.

➢      Management of Intellectual Property: Forms of intellectual property; patents and its impact on the diffusion of technology.

➢      Writing a Business Plan: Reasons for writing a business plan; outline of the plan; presenting the business plan to investors.

➢      Group Project: Develop a business plan for a new venture.

Teaching/Learning Methods:

➢      Lectures

➢      Student Based Activities

Assessment Strategy:

Continuous Assessment
50%

Final Assessment
50%

Small Group Activities 30%

Group Project 20%

Theory(%)

50%

Practical(%)

-

Other (%)

-

Recommended Reading:

➢      Allen, K. (2015). Launching New Ventures: An Entrepreneurial Approach. Cengage Learning.

➢      Barringer, B. R. (2015). Preparing Effective Business Plans (2nd edition). Pearson Press.

➢      Barringer, B. R. and Ireland, R. D. (2012). Entrepreneurship (4th Edition). Pearson.

➢      Evans, V. (2015). Writing a Business Plan (2nd Edition). Pearson.