Academic Business Challenge-Introduction to Business Development, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course is intended for students wanting to gain practical experience in business development and academic entrepreneurship. Students joining the course will as far as possible be working in interdisciplinary teams to develop an existing business idea conceived by academic researchers. Students will perform an in-depth feasibility study of the business idea provided, covering among other things market analysis and identification of specific customer segments, industry and competitor analysis, ethical and/or environmental aspects, distribution channels, organization and management team development, and how to build a sustainable competitive advantage of a business idea in an early stage. The result of the feasibility study will be presented before a panel of experts.

The course is given in cooperation between Umeå School of Business and Economics and Uminova Innovation and is organized both as a course and as a competition. Entering the course also means entering the competition. All teaching will be in English. The course is given with 50% study pace.

Expected learning outcomes

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

• analyze the viability of a business idea in an early development stage
• evaluate a business idea using a specific model for evaluation of business ideas
• present an evaluation of a business idea

Required Knowledge

Mathematics C or Mathematics 3b/3c from Swedish gymnasium or the equivalent and University Courses at university level 60 credits

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A

Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

Learning is supported by group work focusing on the development of a business idea provided by a researcher or similar. Students will be grouped into interdisciplinary teams and be assigned a business idea. A series of workshops and lectures will be provided to guide the process. The process and its contents are structured according to a model presented in the course literature. Each team is also supported by different types of supervision and/or coaching.

All teaching will be in English. The course is given with 50% study pace.

Examination modes

Examination will be based upon the student’s active participation in and completion of the business idea evaluation and its presentation, a written individual examination, and individual coursework assigned. The evaluation should be of such a standard that it could be used as a foundation in an application for verification funding, that is, early stage seed money.
In order to pass the course, students are required to actively participate in group work, workshops, presentations and in any supervision and coaching activities that are marked as compulsory on the schedule.

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 two 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 can not 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:  http://www.umu.se/regelverk/utbildning-pa-grund--och-avancerad-niva
 
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.