1
EEE 5113: Entrepreneurship and Venture Management
Spring, 2012—Course Syllabus
School of Entrepreneurship
http://entrepreneurship@okstate.edu
Prof. Robert A. Baron 106 Spears
(405) 744-3438 robert.baron@okstate.edu
Course Site: Desire2Learn (OnlineClassroom): http://oc.okstate.edu
Distance Learning Support: Twitter: @CEPDSupport Email: cepd-dl@okstate.edu Phone: 1-866678-3933 or 405-744-4048
Technical Assistance for Video Lectures: http://ra.okstate.edu/stw_ssb/cepd/VideoHelp
Course Description: This course provides a broad introduction to the field of entrepreneurship,
the branch of management that focuses on the complex processes through which ideas for new
products, services, markets, etc. emerge, are evaluated, and then developed in order to generate
economic or social value. The ultimate goal of the academic field of entrepreneurship is
straightforward: providing current or future entrepreneurs with accurate, reliable guidance that
can help them achieve the success they seek. To attain this goal, the field draws heavily on two
types of knowledge: (1) the insights, recommendations, and advice of experienced
entrepreneurs, and (2) evidence-based information obtained through systematic research. Both
sources of knowledge are represented in this course. In addition, the course also takes careful
account of the fact that entrepreneurship is a business activity engaged in by millions of
enterprising individuals throughout the world. As such, it requires broad knowledge of financial,
legal, market, and human resource-related issues. Information on these topics will also be
included. Overall, the course is designed to offer a truly a broad overview and introduction to
entrepreneurship. To meet this overall goal, it uses assigned readings, a School of
Entrepreneurship publication on the nature and preparation of business plans (provided without
cost to students), and a two projects: one focused on opportunity recognition (a key initial step
in entrepreneurship), and another major term project focused on the preparation of an effective
business plan. More details are provided below.
Specific requirements; Course Outline
Required Readings: (Specific assignments are presented in the course outline.)
Baron, R.A., & Shane, S.A. (2008) Entrepreneurship: A Process Perspective, 2nd ed. Thomson
South-Western (Cengage). (Specific reading assignments are shown in the course outline.)
2
School of Entrepreneurship Publication: The Nuts and Bolts of Great Business Plans. (This
will be posted on the D2L site for the course.)
Baron, R.A. (2012). Entrepreneurship: An Evidence-Based Guide, Chapter 9. Cheltenham,
UK: Edward Elgar
[Note: This chapter will be placed on the D2L site for the course.]
I. Term Project(s):
A. Opportunity Recognition Project: 15% of Course Grade
Each class member will identify an opportunity that could, potentially, be developed into a new
venture, and describe it in a written report. The report should include the following:
a. The basic idea behind the identified opportunity
b. What changes/factors have generated this opportunity (i.e., changes in technology,
demographics, social trends, markets, etc.)
c. Explain briefly why there is a market for this product and how it can be
developed.
d. Describe what makes the approach to developing this opportunity you will use
unique and potentially valuable.
e. How the opportunity will generate beneficial outcomes (financial, social, etc.)
This project is due on the date indicated in the course outline below (March 5) and
must be sent to Prof. Baron’s e-mail account (robert.baron@okstate.edu) on or before
that date. A penalty of three points will be deducted from the grades of late projects.
Specific Requirements:
1. Description of the opportunity should cover points a-e above, and should be
contained in a Microsoft Word document no more than 600 words in length.
2. The file/document sent to Prof. Baron must be titled as follows:
Opportunity Project: Student’s Name, I.D. Number
(Example: Opportunity; Robert A. Baron, 1234567…)
3. This project will count 15% of each student’s grade.
4. Outstanding examples may be posted on the course D2L site by Prof. Baron
(without any identifying information—i.e., anonymously)
B. Formal Business Plan. 35% of Course Grade
Group of five students will work together to create a formal business plan. Team
membership will be assigned by Prof. Baron, since members of the class are geographically
separated.
3
This plan should follow guidelines provided in the School of Entrepreneurship publication, “The
Nuts and Bolts of Great Business Plans.” It is not essential that this plan develop the
Opportunity identified in Project A above, but it can.
Key topics to be considered/covered in the business plan should include, as approrpriate:
1. Description of the idea for a new product, process, service, market, etc. and initial
evaluations of this idea in terms of feasibility and current industry conditions.
2. Description of an initial business model for developing the product:
3. Market research and analysis—what is the market for the product/service?
4. The basic economics of the business—Revenue sources, fixed and variable costs, etc.
5. A marketing Plan—including pricing, sales tactics, customer service
6. Design and Development Plan (R&R)—Product improvement, Development costs, etc.
7. Operation Plan—how the company will actually operate
8. Management Team—who will run the company and their responsibilities
9. Overall Schedule—for key events
10. Critical Risks, Problems, Assumptions
11. Financial Plan—what resources are needed, when will the company become profitable,
etc.
12. roposed Company Offering –desired financing, use of funds, investor’s returns
But please see the “Nuts and Bolts” document (posted on the course site on D2L) for more
information and guidance (e.g., key parts of the business plan)
This project will constitute 35% of the course grade.
Specific Requirements:
1. Business plan must be submitted as a word document (Maximum length: 20
pages).
2. The file/document containing the business plan must be sent to Prof. Baron
(Robert.baron@okstate.edu) and must be titled as follows:
Business Plan: Team Member Names, I.D. Number (Example: Business Plan; Robert A.
Baron, 1234567; Rebecca A. Henry, 7654321…)
3. Plans must be received by the date indicated on the course outline, April 23. A
penalty of five points will be deducted from the grades of plans received after that date.
II. Exams
There will be two exams, each consisting of five questions (5 points each).
count 25% of the course grade.
Each exam will
Requirements:
1. The exams will be posted under course content as Word Documents, with space for typing
replies below each item. Answers are restricted in length to the space provided.
4
2. These are “open book” exams meaning that students can use materials in the text and
lecture in answering.
3. The completed exams are due in Prof. Baron’s e-mailbox on the dates indicated in the
course outline; failure to submit the exam by the required date will result in a 5 point
penalty for each day the exam is late (e.g., if the exam is two days late, 10 points will be
deducted from the score the student would otherwise have received).
4. Questions will cover materials presented in lecture and in assigned readings.
4. The file/document sent to Prof. Baron must be titled as follows : Exam # (1 or 2): Student’s
Name, I.D. Number (Example: Exam 1: Robert A. Baron, 1234567….)
Summary of Grading Policy:
1. Grades will be assigned on the basis of 100 points.
2. Exams: 50% (25% each)
3. Opportunity Recognition Project: 15%
4. Business Plan Project: 35%
Grading: Grades will be based on the components noted above.
Overview of Course Requirements:
(1) reading all assigned materials
(2) completing the two exams on time and in the proper format
(3) Completing both projects on time and in the proper format
INFORMATION RELATING TO On-Line Format of the Course
Since this is an on-line course, all communication will be through (1) the on-line course site
(D2L); and (2) e-mail. The course site will contain a “message board” on which class members
can post questions for Prof. Baron. He will review the message board frequently, and respond
promptly to messages posted there (ordinarily within 72 hours). Both the messages and replies
will be open for all class members to read; this will approximate the kind of activities that occur
in an on-campus course.
Please be assured that Prof. Baron will make every possible effort to be responsive to student
requests, concerns, questions, etc. However, he asks that all members of the class understand
the restrictions imposed by the on-line nature of the course, that they use their mature judgment
in placing items on the message board and (importantly!)—in sending direct messages to Prof.
Baron (aside from projects and exams). Thanks very much for your consideration!
Guidelines for internet communication in this course: Here are some guidelines for
communication within this course:
5
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
REFRAIN FROM USING ALL CAPS. It is considered SHOUTING when
communicating online.
Do not post or forward offensive or insensitive jokes or comments.
Be careful with humor and sarcasm.
Always add in the subject line a concise statement describing the email or discussion
post.
Respect others' opinions. If you disagree with what another has said, post your thoughts
in an objective, respectful manner. Do not make remarks that can be taken personally.
Examine the text you have entered before posting.
Keep the discussion within the scope of the course material.
Communication should be grammatically correct. Adhere to correct sentence structure,
grammar, and spelling conventions. Proofread for errors before posting a message.
Course Outline and Assignments
Week
Topic
Reading Assignments
*B&S refers to Baron & Shane text.
1 1/9
Intro.to the course and entrepreneurship
B&S Chapter 1
2 1/16 Cognitive foundations of entrepreneurship
B&S Chapter 3
3 1/22
Opportunity Recognition and Evaluation
B&S Chapter 2
4. 1/30
Feasibility Analysis; Resource Identification;
Building an Effective Team
B&S Chapter 4
5. 2/6 Industry and Competitive Analysis; Human
resources: Teams, leading the
venture. Human Capital, Handling stress,
work-family issues;
B&S Chapter 5
6. 2/13 Developing a business concept and model; Writing
An Excellent Business Plan
B&S Chapter 7
7. 2/20 Legal Aspects of New ventures; Franchising
B&S Chapters 8
8. 2/27
First MIDTERM EXAMINATION
Posted 2/27; due 3/2
9. 3/5 Opportunity Recognition, March 5
Project Due in Prof. Baron’s mailbox
6
Securing Financing
B&S Chapter 6
10. 3/19 Marketing in a New Venture;
B&S Chapter 9
11.3/26 Securing Competitive Advantage
B&S Chapter 10
12. 4/2 Preparing for and Attaining Growth
B&S Chapter 11
13.4.9 Second Midterm Examination 4/16 (Posted on 2DL
4/16; due on 4/19)
Social Entrepreneurship
14. 4/16 Exit Strategies
B&S Chapter 13
15. 4/23 Thinking and Acting Entrepreneurially :
Intrapreneurship, in the Professions, Arts,
Government, etc.)
Chapter 9, Baron, 2012.
Business Plans due in Prof. Baron’s mailbox 4/23
University Policy
Drop Policy
Information about university drop policy and dates is at this website:
http://registrar.okstate.edu/
Click on “class schedules,” and “short, internet, and outreach courses”
To drop this course, contact the Registrar’s office, (405) 744-6876, or drop through SIS
(Student Information Services).
Academic Integrity
Oklahoma State University has adopted an academic policy emphasizing that honesty, integrity, and
respect for others are fundamental expectations in our University. The Spears School of Business requires
all students who take Spears courses to certify that they have read, understand, and agree to comply with
the University's Academic Integrity Policy. Spears students should have already completed a certification
statement. All other students enrolled in this course, business school minors, are also required to complete
a certification statement available in the Undergraduate Office. Completed statements will be kept on file
in the Undergraduate Office.
Accessibility
Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully
demonstrating his or her abilities should contact the instructor as soon as possible, so we
can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your
educational opportunity. For more information about OSU Student Disability Services,
please go to: http://sds.okstate.edu.
7