MA5820 – Engineer as an Entrepreneur

 

 

 

MA5820 – Engineer as an Entrepreneur
Course Information
Semester
8
Course Code
MA2020
Course Name
Engineer as an Entrepreneur
Credit Value
3
Pre-requisites
None
Core/Optional
Optional

Hourly Breakdown

Theory
24
Small Group Activities
12
Practical
–
Assignment
18
Independent Learning
105

Course Aim

To inspire and provide tools to start engineering ventures by recognising opportunities and overcoming challenges.

Intended Learning Outcomes

  • explain : the value of generating ideas and converting them into business opportunities.
  • analyse: the financial and technological feasibility of a new venturethe financial and technological feasibility of a new venture.
  • analyse: 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; affiliation of technology.
  • Leadership and Management: Providing leadership, developing an organizational 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: 30%
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 Nelson, R. D. (2012). Entrepreneurship (4th Edition). Pearson.
  • Evans, V. (2015). Writing a Business Plan (2nd Edition). Pearson.