Entrepreneurship and Business Growth D, 7.5 Credits

Contents

A key challenge for start-ups and existing organizations is to maintain the entrepreneurial spirit and create growth. The module discusses different perspectives on growth in small- and medium-sized enterprises and the differences between entrepreneurial orientation and a more traditional small business orientation. In the module students will analyze entrepreneurship, and how professional investors perceive entrepreneurial growth in emerging enterprises. Main themes concern (i) theoretical perspectives on 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 module, students work with cases related to the above themes and develop 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
• analyze 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. Work in groups is an essential part of the module. 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 written group assignments and an individual oral exam. A pass grade is required for each part of the module. The course is given and examined in English.

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 the first examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a re- examination within two months. An additional examination opportunity is normally offered every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term. If required by specific circumstances, other form of examination can be used. 

A student that has failed an examination on two occasions has a right to have another examiner or grading teacher appointed, unless there are special reasons against it. A written request addressed to the Director of Studies should be made no later than 14 days before the next examination opportunity. 

Adaptations 
Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaptation of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination - and have received a decision on the right to support from the coordinator at the Student Services Office for students with disabilities - must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation of the examination, after which the student will be notified. 

Academic integrity and cheating 
As a student, you are expected to act with academic integrity. This means writing and presenting within the limits of the academic rules and expectations communicated in the university's regulations and what is otherwise specified by the responsible department. Disciplinary action may be taken against students who use unauthorized help aids or in some other way try to mislead on a test or on another type of task for examination. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to written assignments. Submitted material may be subject to plagiarism control. In addition, Umeå University rules and regulations for education and research apply.

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