New Venture CreationMGT 320: Syllabus Fall 2010

Tuesdays and Thursdays – Miriam Hall, Room 104

Professor: Diane M. Sullivan, Ph.D. / Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday
Office location: Miriam Hall, room 702 / 1:00pm-2:45pm, and by appointment
Phone: 937-229-3705
Email:
Website:

Objective

This course is intended to provide the student with the basic knowledge necessary to create new business ventures and to innovate within existing companies. Some goals of the course include:

  1. Learn decision-making tools that can help entrepreneurs identify and develop new venture opportunities
  2. Learn the importance of innovation, market research, feasibility analyses, and planning for product/service concepts
  3. Learn the basics of formulating a business plan
  4. Understand how to manage a new and growing business venture
  5. Understand entrepreneurship as it aligns with the Mission of the UD SBA: The School of Business Administration is a learning community committed in the Marianist tradition to educating the whole person and to connecting learning and scholarship with leadership and service in an innovative business curriculum designed to prepare students for successful careers in the contemporary business environment.

Text:

Barringer, B.R. and Ireland, R.D. (2008). Entrepreneurship: Successfully Launching New Ventures. [2nd edition]. Pearson Prentice Hall: UpperSaddleRiver: NJ. (ISBN: 0-13-224057-2)

Article Readings for Fall 2010:

  • Innovation is the secret to bringing good old things some new life (2007). Wall Street Journal. January 11, 2007, B6.
  • Pagliarini, R. (2006). What is an elevatorpitch? American Venture Magazine, June, 31.

Grades are comprised of:

Assignments / Point Value / Due Date
Individual Assignments
Elevator Pitch / 100 /
  • September 14, 2010, Tues.

Networking Report / 100 /
  • Within one week after attending event (the last day this will be accepted is Nov. 30th)

Exam #1 (Ch. 1-3, primary research, elevator pitches, other in-class material) / 100 /
  • October 5, 2010, Tues.

Final Exam (Ch. 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, other in-class material) / 100 /
  • 3:00 class, Tues., Dec. 14th from 2:30pm – 4:20pm
  • 4:30 class, Tues., Dec. 14th from 4:30pm – 6:20pm

Team Assignments

Team Assignment Checkpoints (CP)

/ 50 /
  • CP #1 (10-pts): Tues., Sept 28th (All Teams)
  • CP #2 (10-pts): Thurs., Oct 21st (Teams 1, 2 & 3)
Tues., Oct 26th (Teams 45)
  • CP #3 (10-pts): Thurs., Nov. 11th(All Teams)
  • CP #4 (10-pts): Thurs., Nov. 18th (Teams 4 & 5)
Tues., Nov. 23rd (Teams 1, 2 & 3)
  • CP #5 (10-pts): Tues., Nov. 30th (All Teams)

Teamwork Peer Evaluation Assessment

/ 20 /
  • Due via email by the day the team presents

Team Feasibility Analysis Presentation

/ 130 /
  • December 2, 2010 (Thurs.): Teams 1, 2 & 3
  • December 7, 2010(Tues.): Teams 4 & 5

Total Possible Points (individual & team): / 600

Grading

The plus/minus system will be used whereby grades will be distributed according to the following schedule:

Out of 600 Points:

Grade / HighRange / LowRange / Percentage in Course / GPA
A / = / 600 / 564 / 94 – 100 % / 4.00
A- / = / 563 / 540 / 90 – 93 % / 3.67
B+ / = / 539 / 522 / 87 – 89 % / 3.34
B / = / 521 / 504 / 84 – 86 % / 3.00
B- / = / 503 / 480 / 80 – 83 % / 2.67
C+ / = / 479 / 462 / 77 – 79 % / 2.34
C / = / 461 / 444 / 74 – 76 % / 2.00
C- / = / 443 / 420 / 70 – 73 % / 1.67
D / = / 419 / 360 / 60 – 69 % / 1.00
F / = / 359 / 0 / < 60 % / 0.00

Performance Standard for Grading

Many of you have either already begun your transition period from being a student to a professional or you are planning to in the near future. As such, the quality of the work you complete should be that of a professional.

The following will be used in grading your work and in assigning your final grade for the course.

A = Outstanding: A student who consistently demonstrates a nuanced understanding of material, engages in high quality participation/preparedness, exhibits excellent team management abilities, generates deliverables that demonstrate superior abilities, etc.

B = Above Average: A student who consistently demonstrates above average understanding of the material, engages in participation demonstrating regular preparation, works well in groups, turns in thoughtful, well-prepared, high-quality deliverables, etc. May demonstrate sporadic “outstanding” work.

C = Average: A student who demonstrates an understanding of the material, comes to class most of the time and participates, is usually prepared, gets along in groups, provides a positive contribution to team assignments, and turns in deliverables of appropriate professional quality.

D = Below Average: A student who does not fully understand the material, misses class and/or fails to participate regularly, doesn’t prepare for class regularly, gets along in groups and does a fair share but the quality may not meet group members’ expectations, puts deliverables together at the last minute, etc.

F = Failure: A student who has an inadequate understanding of some or all of the material, misses class, does not participate, does not turn in all deliverables, and/or does not complete team assignments.

Attendance and Class Participation

Attendance, advanced preparation, active preparation and contribution are vital to your career success, particularly within entrepreneurship. It is also vital to an effective learning environment. No set weight is allocated to this component of the course. However, your instructor, at her discretion, will use this component to revise your overall grade for this course—this may raise or lower your grade. Pop quizzes may periodically be given to help in assessing preparation.

Throughout the semester I will evaluate the adequacy of your individual class participation. Evaluations will primarily be based on the frequency and quality of your contributions to in-class discussions as well as your contributions during in-class exercises (both individual and team-based). If individual class contributions are not deemed adequate (e.g., if you never speak up in class) or value-adding to the class discussions and in-class projects (e.g., your contributions must be meaningful to the topics under discussion), your overall final grade can be increased or decreased. These evaluations will occur on an ongoing basis and a final evaluation regarding each student’s semester-long participation quality will be made at the end of the semester.

A few notes on class contributions: The assessment of contribution will be based first on the qualityand second on thequantity of your participation. Further, the extent of both attributes will be solely determined by the instructor. While much of the focus of class discussions is the application of analytical frameworks/tools to guide entrepreneurial decisions, any comments adding to the classes’ understanding of the issues, cases, firms, entrepreneurial topics, etc. are encouraged. Comments reflecting thorough preparation which extend the class discussion can positively affect your grade. Conversely, “off-the-cuff” and non-value adding contributions will negatively affect your grade.

What is a contribution?

Raising and answering substantive and relevant questions

Sharing relevant ideas, observations, and personal experiences

Generating potential solutions

Relating/synthesizing ideas of others to increase everyone’s understanding of a concept

Pointing out relationships to earlier discussions

Please note that criticism of others’ ideas/comments without substantive recommendations or alternatives is not considered a contribution

Other Policies

Electronic Devices

  1. No electronic devices are to be used in the classroom (e.g., cellphones, PDAs, laptops, etc.).
  2. Throughout the semester, there are certain designated in-class workshop days where a laptop may be used in class. These days are listed on the itinerary.
  3. A note on computer requirements for this course: This course requires the use of a notebook computer outside of class that complies with the hardware specifications that were communicated to you by the Admissions Office. This course will require your use of the software applications in the Microsoft Office suite. It is your responsibility to ensure you have a working computer with the required software installed and functional for this course. Details regarding your technical support options have been communicated to you by UDit. Training resources for using UD software can be found at

Students with Disabilities

  1. I would like us to discuss ways to ensure your full participation in this course. If you feel you need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability, please contact me privately to discuss your specific needs. Formal disability-related accommodations are determined through the LearningTeachingCenter’s Office of Student Learning Services (SLS). It is very important that you be registered with SLS and notify me of your eligibility for reasonable accommodations with a signed SLS Self-Identification Form. We can then plan how best to coordinate your accommodations. For more information, please contact SLS at 937-229-2066, by email at or stop by the SLS office in LTC 023.

Academic Integrity

  1. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. This is a policy that I take very seriously. If cheating, plagiarism, or academic dishonesty of any kind occurs, the offender will be automatically dismissed from the course with a failing grade.
  2. The University Bulletin specifies what constitutes academic dishonesty, so I suggest that you read it. For example, beyond those types of dishonesty discussed in point one in this section, academic dishonesty also involves enabling others to cheat. That is, if you “lend an assignment” to someone, and they copy it (or just portions of it), you will receive the same penalty as they do. It doesn’t matter if you tell them not to copy, if they do so anyway, you share liability with them. If it is a group assignment, I use my judgment to decide what to do, but everyone within the group can receive the same grade.
  3. With regard to citing references that you have used in your work, you must cite all sources. Anything cut and pasted should be included in quotes and cited in your bibliography. Do not excessively use direct quotes, either. Be sure to paraphrase if direct quoting seems excessive. If you are unclear of what to cite or not, contact me.
  4. For any emails sent during the semester, I will use the University’s email system and the corresponding email addresses for the members of the class.

Classroom Professionalism

  1. Always be respectful of others in the class (professor and students); their opinions and comments.
  2. Respect extends beyond the classroom. The content of any emails, group meetings, online chat meetings, etc., should be carefully thought out. Please be respectful of each other and the professor, including your electronic transmittals. This is a formal business course and I expect you to conduct yourselves as business people inside and outside of the classroom, including correspondence.
  3. The professor reserves the right to alter the syllabus, itinerary, or class assignments at any time.
  4. Any behavior deemed by the professor as unprofessional, disrespectful, inappropriate, and/or rude will result in up to a 20% reduction in your final grade.

New Venture Creation MGT 320

Course Outline for Fall 2010

Readings and assignments are due on the day noted on this itinerary. Please come prepared to discuss the readings assigned and with the downloaded slides from the course website. Changes can occur to maximize learning.

Class Date

/

Day

/

Topics

/
Reading and Assignments Due
August 26 / Thursday / *Classes Begin*
Course Introduction
Assignment Discussion
August 31 / Tuesday / Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Review
Why entrepreneurship? Why now? Who is an entrepreneur? What types of new venture start-ups do they find? / Read: Chapter 1
September 2 / Thursday / Recognizing Opportunities and
Generating Ideas Day #1 / Read:Chapter 2
Read Article Entitled:Innovation is the secret to bringing good old things some new life
September 7 / Tuesday / The “Art” of the Elevator Pitch / Read Article by:Robert Pagliarini
September 9 / Thursday / Recognizing Opportunities and
Generating Ideas Day #2
The value of networking / Read:Chapter 2
September 14 / Tuesday / Elevator Pitches and Team Formation / Individual Assignment Due:One-minute elevator pitch (100-points)
September 16 / Thursday / Product/Service Feasibility Analysis Day #1 / Read: Chapter 3
September 21 / Tuesday /

Product/Service Feasibility Analysis Day #2

Conducting Primary Research
September 23 / Thursday /

Product/Service Feasibility Analysis Day #3

The case of the new product development firm, IDEO
September 28 / Tuesday / Feasibility Analysis Workshop Day / Team Assignment Due:Checkpoint #1
(10-pts), All Teams
September 30 / Thursday / Exam #1 Review

Class Date

/

Day

/

Topics

/
Reading and Assignments Due
October 5 / Tuesday /

Exam #1

(Chapters 1, 2, 3; primary research, elevator pitches, and any other in-class material) / Individual Assignment: First exam
(100-points)
October 7 / Thursday / Mid-term Break No Class
October 12 / Tuesday / Industry, Competitor, & Market
Feasibility Analysis Day #1
Is our venture's industry attractive? / Read: Chapter 5
October 14 / Thursday / Industry, Competitor, & Market
Feasibility Analysis Day #2
Industry Structures; Competitive Analysis Grids / Read: Chapter 5
October 19 / Tuesday /
  • Team in-class Exercise

October 21 / Thursday / Feasibility Analysis Workshop Day / Team Assignment Due:Checkpoint #2
(10-pts), Teams 1, 2 and 3
October 26 / Tuesday / Feasibility Analysis Workshop Day / Team Assignment Due:Checkpoint #2
(10-pts), Teams 4 and 5
October 28 / Thursday / Organizational Feasibility Analysis Day #1
The Business Model and Organizing the
Venture to Create the Most Value / Read: Chapter 6
November 2 / Tuesday / Organizational Feasibility Analysis Day #2
The Business Model and Sustaining a Competitive Advantage in the Marketplace
How Firm Resources can Help to Sustain a Competitive Advantage / Read: Chapter 6
November 4 / Thursday / Organizational Feasibility Analysis Day #3
The Importance of the New Venture Team / Read: Chapter 9
November 9 / Tuesday / Ethical and Legal Issues Associated with Founding New Ventures / Read: Chapter 7
November 11 / Thursday / Feasibility Analysis Workshop Day / Team Assignment Due:Checkpoint #3
(10-pts), All Teams
November 16 / Tuesday / The Business Plan / Read: Chapter 4
November 18 / Thursday / Feasibility Analysis Workshop Day / Team Assignment Due:Checkpoint #4
(10-pts), Teams 4 and 5
November 23 / Tuesday / Feasibility Analysis Workshop Day / Team Assignment Due:Checkpoint #4
(10-pts), Teams 1, 2 and 3

Class Date

/

Day

/

Topics

/
Reading and Assignments Due
November 25 / Thursday / * Thanksgiving Break, No Classes *
November 30 / Tuesday / Feasibility Analysis Workshop Day / Team Assignment Due:Checkpoint #5
(10-pts), All Teams
Individual Assignment:Last day networking assignments will be accepted
December 2 / Thursday / Teams 1, 2 and 3
Team Feasibility Analysis
Presentation Day and Peer Evaluation Day / Team Assignment: Feasibility Analysis Study Presentations (130-pts) and Peer Evaluations due (20-pts)
December 7 / Tuesday / Teams 4 and 5
Team Feasibility Analysis
Presentation Day and Peer Evaluation Day / Team Assignment: Feasibility Analysis Study Presentations (130-pts) and Peer Evaluations due (20-pts)
December 9 / Thursday / Final Exam Review
Final Exam (100-points)
(Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and any other in-class material) /
  • 3:00pm class, Final Exam is Tuesday, December 14th from
2:30-4:20pm
  • 4:30pm class, Final Exam is Tuesday, December 14th from
4:30pm-6:20pm

New Venture Management: Individual Assignments

Assignment Name: Networking Experience Report

Assignment Type: Individual Assignment

Points: 100-points

Due Date: Due within one week after attending the event(s) (The last day these will be accepted is November 30th)

Overview

Each student must attend a networking event throughout the semester and submit a written report on the experience. Specifically, each student will attend at least one business meeting such as a Chamber of Commerce function, EATT event, Walk the Talk luncheon, or other networking meeting (e.g., event identified in the Dayton Business Journal, eWomenNetwork event, etc.), and then complete a written report on the experience. Among other avenues, you can identify a business networking event on the course website under the networking events link.

Assignment Specifics

You may attend an event as a team or in small groups, but each student is to individually practice networking with five different peoplethis semester. None of these can be your fellow students. You will need to collect 5 different business cards to use in your report. If you do not, then you must attend additional events until you have collected a total of 5business cards. Note: don’t procrastinate on this; get started early in the term!

Before Attending the Event

Submit an event announcement, brochure, or email with event information to Dr. Sullivan to obtain approval to use the event for the Networking assignment. Be sure to get my initials on the announcementor a confirmation via email, and keep it to attach to your Networking Experience Report.

Preparation:

  • Obtain Business Cards – It is highly suggested that you obtain your own business cards before you attend a networking event. (cards are free, pay S&H only).
  • Choose Proper Business Attire: When you register ask about the typical attire.
  • Know Information About the Event – event purpose, location, time to arrive, parking, and cost. Ask if there is a discount for UD students.
  • Know about Key People Attending the Event –Do some research ahead of time.
  • Practice Handshake – firm, use whole hand (not just fingers).
  • OtherPreparation Tips:
  • Read the newspaper on the day of the event so you have something interesting to discuss.
  • Plan What to Say – develop a “30-Second Elevator Speech” about yourself and why you are attending the event. While you are likely to change what you actually say, you need to be prepared to say something intelligent. This will also help reduce nervousness.
  • Remember you represent UD, the Schoolof Business, and yourself as abusiness person. It is extremely important that you are professional and polite. This is a heavy responsibility; take it seriously.

During the Event:

  • Name Tag: Write your name per the convention of the event. If you don’t know, ask someone
  • Payment Receipt: Keep for tax purposes and for proof you attended this event
  • Be aware of your personal safety just as you would be at any other organizational meeting

After the Event:

  • Thank all sponsors and send thank you notes to event leaders - call, email, or send note.
  • Write a report no more than 10pages (double-spaced) in lengththat uses the content outline below.

Written Report Outline

Please follow the outline below for your report. Use the outline to organize the contents of your paper. Be sure to use class terminology (e.g., specifically networking concepts like weak and strong ties, network size, bridging ties, etc.) as you describe your experience.

  1. Include a cover sheet
  2. Provide a brief description of the event (e.g.,event name, date, time, and location of event, why you chose to attend this event, advertised price, and the price you actually paid, etc.)
  1. ElevatorSpeech
  • What did you plan to say? Include your prepared ice-breaker speech in the content of your paper.
  • What did you actually end up saying? Be specific and include excerpts from conversations.
  1. What Was Most Difficult
  • Discuss concerns you had before the event and what was difficult once you arrived.
  1. What Was Easier Than You Expected
  • Discuss what went better than you thought and if you had any pleasant surprises.
  1. Information, Leads, and Referrals Obtained
  • Describe any important information you obtained as a result of attending the event (e.g., career, internship opportunities, research about your team’s business, etc.).
  1. Importance of Networking
  • Ask some of the attendees at the event(s) what networking as meant to them and what a “good” network looks like for them (e.g., what would their ideal network look like—of whom would it be composed?).
  • Ask for specific examples of if and how networking has helped them (both formal networking at networking events and informal networking with friends and family).
  • Discuss what you thought of networking before the event and what you think after the event.
  • Discuss what role you expect networking to play in your career.
  1. Appendices – All of these documents must be included.
  • Copy of event approval with Dr. Sullivan’s initials/email confirmation
  • Photocopy of at least5 business cards you received from at least 5 business people.

Format and Cautions