Main Field of Study and progress level:
Informatics: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Informatics
Revised by: Head of Department of Informatics, 2018-03-02
Contents
In this course, the participants will gain insight into how digital entrepreneurs start companies and build the toolbox necessary for building a successful venture. The participants will become acquainted with the tools and practices of the digital entrepreneur and will learn how to develop as well as critically analyse and assess business ideas, business models and business plans. The course is aimed towards those students that one day will start their own digital startup, as well as towards those students that one day will work at or together with digital startups. The importance of being able to critically evaluate business ideas, business models and business plans is therefore an extensive part of the course. The course addresses critical digital startup planning and building skills.
Expected learning outcomes
Regarding knowledge and understanding the student is, after the course, expected to be able to: * Describe different approaches to digital startups. * Demonstrate comprehension of entrepreneurial processes related to digital products and/or services.
Regarding proficiency and aptitude the student is, after the course, expected to be able to: * Analyze digital startup-processes. * Analyze business ideas, business models and business plans for digital startups. * Evaluate digital startups. * Carry through, document and present a digital startup project Regarding evaluative capacity and approach the student is, after the course, expected to be able to: * Reflect on the possibilities and risks associated with digital startups. * Reflect on ethical issues and gender issues related to digital startup-processes. * Evaluate and identify key contents of the literature and present it to others.
Required Knowledge
Admission to the course requires 90 credits in informatics, computer science, business administration, media and communication studies, pedagogics, psychology, political science or sociology (or equivalent competence). Also required is English A
Form of instruction
Teaching is done preferably in the form of lectures, seminars, group exercises and supervision in connection with self-studies. During the course necessary computer applications, which students shall use on their own, are introduced and maintained. Some assistance is given in the use of these applications. Some teaching moments may be compulsory. Teaching is normally given in English, but can even be given in Swedish. Good ability in written presentation and English are important for assimilating the course.
Examination modes
Examination is done by written exam, active participation in seminars and a project which is done as group work (including composition and documentation). Examination assumes good ability in written and oral presentation in English. The grade given is pass with distinction, pass or fail. For students who do not obtain a pass after the first attempt an additional examination is normally arranged within a short time afterwards. Students who do not obtain a pass after two examination attempts are allowed to participate in three further examinations. In order to do so the student must register for the course during the term the examination is given. For additional attempts to pass the exam special dispensation is needed from the director of studies or the student counsellor.
Crediting of a Course An application to transfer credits from previous courses should be sent to the registrar (Registrator, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå). The application is then forwarded to the department of Informatics for assessment. The application must state for which course the credit transfer is requested. Authentic copies of course certificates or equivalent must be presented showing grade, higher education institution, date, field of study, level of study, credit points and so on. Also required is the course syllabus including literature for courses whose credits are to be transferred
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
