Entrepreneurship and Business Growth D, 7.5 Credits

Contents

A key challenge for start-ups and existing organisations is to maintain the entrepreneurial spirit and create growth.The course defines growth in small- and medium-sized enterprises and the differences between entrepreneurial orientation and a more traditional small business orientation. In the course students will analyse entrepreneurship, and how professional investors perceive entrepreneurial growth in emerging enterprises. Main themes concern (i) the theory of entrepreneurship and its connections to business growth, (ii) the characteristics and components of entrepreneurial motivation, risk taking and the willingness to grow businesses, (iii) entrepreneurial strategy-making, (iv) entrepreneurial growth in context (v) venture capital and financing challenges. The literature will cover these themes and connect them to businesses. During the course, students work with cases related to the above themes and develop consultant solutions to solve the issues and problems outlined in the cases.
 
The course is given and examined in English.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student should be able to:

• apply theoretical knowledge to identify and evaluate challenges for, and ethical consequences of, entrepreneurial growth
• analyse driving forces for entrepreneurial growth and create strategies for new venture development
• assess how investors evaluate entrepreneurial growth and how institutional intervention influence entrepreneurial growth
• create solutions about how to turn around entrepreneurial ventures in distress
• apply investors decision making tools in order to evaluate and improve entrepreneurial ventures

Required Knowledge

90 credits out of which 75 credits in Business Administration whereof 15 credit bachelor courses or equivalent. Approved 52,5 credits whereof 7,5 credits in bachelor courses.
It is required to have broad knowledge of different specializations within the subject of Business Administration i.e. Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

Learning is supported by lectures and seminars and the teaching is characterized by a strong emphasis on student activity, both verbally and in written tasks. Presentation skills and team work is focused upon. Assignments will include both practical analyses of growth possibilities and growth restrictions on the separate themes during the course. The student is expected to actively participate both individually and work in small groups during seminars and tasks, and in the written and oral presentations.

Examination modes

The examination consists of practical "hands-on" team presentations and case reports, literature seminars and an individual written home exam. A passing grade is required for each part of the module. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.

The following grading system is used:
Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
and Fail (Underkänd U, less than 50%).
 
Grades on the course are awarded when the student has passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. The course is given and examined in English.

To receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG) in the 30 credits course consisting of four modules of the same size, the student must have achieved Pass with distinction (VG) in at least three out of four modules. In shorter courses for example 7,5 credit courses, 15 credit courses or 22,5 credits courses Pass with distinction (VG) is given when the student has achieved at least 75% of the total weighted points.
 
A student who does not pass at the time of the written examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a further examination within twoa months. Beyond that, additional examination opportunities normally arise every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term.
In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given, no later than two weeks after the completion of the module. Mandatory assignments (seminars, written assignments, cases, computer assignments etc.) that have not been handed in within stipulated time must be done the next time the course is offered. If the form of examination does not permit repetition other forms of re-examination may be used.
 
When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity.
 
A student who has passed an examination cannot redo the examination to get a higher grade.
 
If a student fails to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written exam in an exam room will not be allowed to take the exam.
 
Disciplinary action may be taken against students who uses unauthorized help aids or in some other way tries to mislead on a test or when another type of task is being evaluated. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments. (see instructions in the thesis manual, Thesis Writing in Business Administration). Urkund records may be used for control. In addtion, Umeå University rules and regulations  for education and research applies.
 
Educational activities are designed to facilitate students towards achieving expected learning outcomes and can explain, supplement and provide contrast to the course literature and other relevant course materials.

Other regulations

Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.

This course can not be included in the same degree as course codes 2fe178, 2fe200, 2fe197,2fe147