Entrepreneurial Financial Management C, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course is focused on financial management within entrepreneurial firms (EF). An entrepreneurial firm is a young, high growth business, usually with a new technology focus. Entrepreneurial firms differentiate themselves from other forms of organizations through being more innovative, flexible, and adaptable. These firms will be examined at all phases of their life cycles, from initial idea generation to the ultimate harvesting of the venture. The main objective is to provide students with an integrated set of concepts and applications drawn from entrepreneurship, finance, and accounting, that will provide a higher understanding of the financial environment in which these firms exist. Taking this course will develop students’ skills in building useful financial management spreadsheet models (e.g. financial forecasts and valuation models) in Excel. The student will also be introduced to current research in the field of entrepreneurial finance.

The course is given and examined in English.

Expected learning outcomes

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

• explain the concepts of entrepreneurial finance and its difference to traditional corporate finance.
• determine the financing needs of an entrepreneurial firm.
• demonstrate basic skills in building financial forecasts in Excel for an entrepreneurial firm.
• explain how different financial resources of an entrepreneurial firm are managed and monitored, as well as, demonstrate an understanding and skills in issues related to the sale of an entrepreneurial firm.
• analyze and discuss current research issues in entrepreneurial finance

Required Knowledge

Courses in Business Administration (60 ECTS) At Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) a minimum of 60 ECTS. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B, English/6.

Form of instruction

The learning is supported by lectures, discussions, exercises and cases. The core topics of the course will be covered by lectures, seminars and case studies. The students might also meet guest lecturers whose presentations will be examinable. On several occasions, students will be asked to make oral and written presentations of assignments, case studies and term papers. They will be expected to take an active part in classroom discussions, seminars and case studies. Students must be prepared to do a significant amount of work outside the class room in order to fulfill course requirements.

Examination modes

Examination is based upon a written comprehensive individual exam and group assignments. A passing grade is required for each part.

The following grading system will be used:
Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
Fail (Underkänd, U, less than 50%).

Grades on the course are awarded when the student has passed all examinations and compulsory course elements.
 
To receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG) in the 30 ECTS 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 other 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 a month. 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. 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.

If a student fails to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written examination cannot have his or her results registered.

A student who has passed an examination can not redo the examination to get a higher grade.

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.

The lectures 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.