Department of Management, Marketing, and International Business

MGT 390 - Principles of Entrepreneurship

College of Business, Stephen F. Austin State University

Note: This "standard" course syllabus is only a guide. Actual requirements for a particular course and section of this course are described in the course section syllabus, which should be obtained from the course instructor at the beginning of the respective semester. Requirements listed herein are subject to change without notice.

Catalog Description: Study of special circumstances surrounding starting and managing a small business. Special emphasis on service and retailing as well as small-scale manufacturing operations.

Prerequisites: Junior standing or consent of instructor.

Current Textbook: Allen. Launching New Ventures: an Entrepreneurial Approach. Houghton Mifflin Publishing. (Note that Dr. Stetz will be using the 4th edition and Mr. Hebert will be using the 3rd edition in Fall 2008).

Course Objectives: Entrepreneurship is designed to provide an understanding of the entrepreneur and the entrepreneurial process. Emphasis is placed on new venture planning and establishment of new firms as opposed to dealing with problems of an established business. The distinctive focus is enterprise creation.

The design and flow of this course are aimed at creating knowledge, skills, awareness and involvement in the process, and the critical aspects of creating a new venture and then making it grow. In a pragmatic way- through text, case studies, and hands-on exercises- the course will guide students in discovering the concepts of entrepreneurship and the competencies, skills, know-how and experience, attitudes, resources and networks that are sufficient to pursue different entrepreneurial opportunities. There is no substitute for the real thing- actually starting a company. But short of that, it is possible to expose students to many of the vital issues and immerse them in key learning experiences.

Specific learning objectives for the class include:

• Understanding the difference between an idea and an opportunity;
• Financial issues for starting and growing a venture;
• Developing a business concept;
• Growing a fledging business;
• Addressing the myths surrounding entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship;
• Harvest- capturing the value that has been created in the venture;
• Analyzing market conditions;
• Exiting the venture;
• Recognizing venture opportunities;
• Proponents in forming a team; and
• How to do a feasibility study/business plan.

Additionally, this course will focus on the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship, the difference between an idea and an opportunity, and how to get the odds in your favor. This design helps to compress and accelerate the learning process without compromising quality, and , if diligently adhered to, may save you sizable sums of ‘unwanted tuition’.

Evaluation:  Student performance will be measured through:
            --Contribution
            --Exams
            --Entrepreneurial Project:  Interview an Entrepreneur
            --Other types of evaluation may be used at the instructor's discretion.

Module One: The Opportunity

• The Entrepreneurial Revolution
• The Entrepreneurial Process
• The Opportunity: Creating, Shaping, Recognizing and Seizing
• Screening Venture Opportunities

Module Two: The Team

• The Entrepreneurial Mind
• The New Venture Team

Module Three: The Resources

• Resource Requirements
• The Business Plan
• Harvest and Beyond

Other Topics of Interest:

• Internet Revolution
• Franchise Alternative

Course Coordinator: Dr. Philip E. Stetz

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