Credits: 3

Pre-requisites: None

Core / Optional: Compulsory for Mechanical Engineering with Business Track of Mechanical Engineering / Optional for Others

Aim(s):To inspire students and provide them with tools to start engineering ventures by recognizing opportunities, pursuing them and overcoming challenges.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain the value of generating ideas and converting them into business opportunities.
2. Analyse the financial and technological feasibility of a new venture.
3. Explain how to acquire or develop the resources for a new venture.
4. Explain the applicable laws & documentation for creating an organization in Sri Lanka.
5. Develop a business plan for a new venture.

Course Content:

1. Introduction to Entrepreneurship: Role of an entrepreneur in creating jobs and wealth; risks and rewards of starting a business.
2. Idea Generation and Feasibility Analysis: Idea to market process; market and competitive analysis; idea generation and creativity; use of technology to lower barriers; sustainability and green businesses.
3. Financial Analysis: Raising capital; venture capital; loans etc.; financial analysis and projections; cash management; duties and taxation.
4. Writing a Business Plan: Reasons for writing a business plan; outline of plan; presenting the business plan to investors.
5. Marketing, Operations Sales and Distribution: Manufacturing or sourcing strategy; advertising and publicity; sales and distribution; online sales; retail sales; intermediaries.
6. Technology Strategy: Developing or adoption of technology; acquiring technology; diffusion of technology.
7. Legal Framework for a Business: Role proprietorships; partnerships and limited liability companies; registering a company; memorandum and articles of association; labour law and industrial law.
8. Leadership and Management: Providing leadership; developing an organizational structure and culture; developing human resources and delegating authority.
9. Management of Intellectual Property: Forms of intellectual property; patents and its impact on diffusion of technology.
10. Group Project: Develop a business plan for a new venture.

Time Allocation:

Learning component	Hours
Theory	18
Small group activities	14
Assignments	28
Independent Learning	90

Marks Allocation:

Assessment	Percentage Marks
Small Group Activities / Case Studies / Assignments / Presentation	60%
End Semester Examination	40%