International Entrepreneurship and Venturing

June 4 to June 29, 2012

The four-week long course is divided into lectures, seminars and workshops given by experienced professors, researchers and lecturers in the field of entrepreneurship. The program will also include a company visit where the students will be able to learn about the industries in the region of Jönköping and a visit to the Science Park's business incubator and lab, which offers a flexible and creative infra-structure for knowledge-intensive companies in various phases and with varying needs.

Syllabus

Level: B
Credits: 12 ECTS credits

Pre-requisites

• One year of undergraduate level studies in business administration, economics or law
• Fluency in English equivalent to at least a 550 (old scale) 213 (new scale) TOEFL score

Objectives

The formal goals of INTEV are to provide the student with: -Insights into contemporary theoretical and practical developments in the area of entrepreneurship - Knowledge and experience of some of the principles and models of business venturing, including business planning - A development oriented attitude towards business activities - Increased communication, group and project work skills in an international group, as well as a sense of personal responsibility in preparation for further studies and career development.

Contents

Introduction to entrepreneurship, decision to become an entrepreneur, developing successful business ideas, moving from an idea to an entrepreneurial firm, managing and growing an entrepreneurial firm. Differences and similarities between conditions for new business venturing in different countries will be studied. Local ventures or global strategies will also be studied.
In order to increase class interaction upon arrival, students will be required to read in advance literature related to the course.  This will be sent in advance once the students have been admitted to the summer programme. 

Teaching Methods

The course is based on three learning processes. The first is traditional theory-literature studies-study questions-seminar preparations in groups-seminars. The second is following an entrepreneurial living case. The third is formation of a business plan with an international team. The traditional learning is primarily based on self-study of the literature and individual and team preparation of seminar and project work. The learning process is supported by lectures and seminars, where both theory and practice are connected. The living case is a team project in a host company and the business plan project is a particularly important international application and learning experience in the course.

The three learning processes will partly run in parallel.

Examination

The course is examined in three parts: 1. a living case study (group work) 2. active participation in the mandatory seminars with an oral exam (individual), and 3. completion of a business plan (group work). All three components must be completed satisfactorily for course credits to be awarded, and the three components are equally weighted.

Grading

The marks are given according to the ECTS scale. Grades VG, G and U and ECTS grades ( A, B, C, D, E and Fx) are given.