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 module 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 module, 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 an oral presentation within a theme about entrepreneurship as well as argue for, and sell, a business idea
● show competence regarding which business processes support systems are available for business development

Required Knowledge

International Business Administration 30 credits or similar. 

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 module 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 module. 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 module. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes for the course below.

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 addition, 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.

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.