Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Resource Planning Systems B, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course introduces entrepreneurship as a phenomenon and knowledge field. The purpose is to develop the knowledge of and understanding about entrepreneurship and business development processes. The concept of entrepreneurship is problematized and the multidisciplinary character of the area is outlined

The focus of this course is entrepreneurship related to business development, both as manifested in the establishment of new ventures and in the renewal of existing firms. The majority of these discussions are organized in the form of thematic student lectures. Themes that may occur in the course are entrepreneurship in relation to innovation, gender, growth, sustainable entrepreneurship, corporate entrepreneurship and new venture creation. In terms of business development, the students will be introduced to concepts such as business modeling as well as business plan writing as tools for the establishment of new ventures and in the renewal of existing firms.

To be able to conduct business development in a successful way, access to, and managing supportive systems are of crucial importance. This course will deal with these issues by having computer based exercises in using ERP systems in the decision process.

Expected learning outcomes

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

• describe and problematize the concept of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial perspective
• describe and analyze the entrepreneurial process, its drivers, characteristics and context
• apply theories within the entrepreneurship field to real life situations
• take initiatives and independently develop a business idea and use knowledge gained from earlier courses in business administration in order to develop this idea in a business plan sketch
• use the main information resources in the entrepreneurship field
• plan and perform a presentation within a theme about entrepreneurship as well as argue for and sell a business idea
• show competence regarding  what business processes support systems that are available for business development.ble for business development

Required Knowledge

University: Courses in Business Administration (30 ECTS) from A-level (Basic) course (Management, Marketing and Management Accounting).

The course is only aimed for foreign exchange students studying at Umeå School of Business through formal exchange agreements.

Form of instruction

The education in entrepreneurship shall contribute to developing students’ creativity, their ability to take initiative and their action orientation. The pedagogical idea of the course therefore builds on key words such as theoretical abstraction and ability to learning in interaction with others.  A minor number of lectures of introductory and orientation character are supplemented with guest lectures by researchers, entrepreneurs and others. Learning activities that focus student initiative and action orientation dominate during the course. The students have the possibility to practice his/her capacity to obtain information about a theme and practice his/her presentation technique through a student lecture. Students also perform a business development assignment, formulating an idea and a business plan for a new venture, which is presented through an oral presentation and a written report.

Examination modes

The students are assessed through an individual exam, a student lecture, a business development assignment and an exercise on Business support systems. A passing grade is required on each part of the course. See also note 6 below.

All examination will be in English

Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, Vg, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
Fail (Underkänd, U, less than 50%).

In order to pass the course, the student must complete all parts of the examination i.e. reach 50% of the points of each part. To receive the grade pass with distinction, the student must reach at least 75% of the total points on the course.

In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given on each occasion.

Students who do not pass the written examination will be offered a re-examination opportunity within a month. Beyond that, additional opportunities to complete the written examination normally arise every academic year one-week prior to the start of the autumn term.

Students who fail to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written examination cannot have their results registered

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.

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.

Lectures are normally not obligatory. However attendance is expected because the lectures are designed to facilitate students towards achieving course specific learning objectives. In addition lectures often provide insightful explanations of, and can supplement and provide contrast to, the course litterateur and other relevant course materials.

Student who has passed an examination can not redo the examination to get a higher grading.

Grades on the course are awarded when students have passed all examinations and compulsory course elements.

Academic credit transfer
Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.

Other regulations

The course is included in the International Business Program at Umeå School of Business and Economics. The course is also offered to exchange students within formal exchange agreements.