ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND STRATEGY-1

This module introduces students to the foundations of entrepreneurship and its strategic implications for new and growing ventures. Building on a balance of theory and practice, the course equips participants with the tools to identify market opportunities, design innovative business models, and translate ideas into actionable strategies. Particular attention is given to the relationship between entrepreneurship and competitive advantage, highlighting how new ventures position themselves within dynamic markets and global value chains. Through case studies, group work, and business planning exercises, students will learn how to move from ideation to execution, assess the financial and strategic viability of entrepreneurial initiatives, and present their venture proposals effectively. By the end of the module, students will be able to critically connect entrepreneurial thinking with strategic decision-making, preparing them to operate as founders, managers, or change agents within established organizations.

Leraning objectives:

(1) Conduct an in-depth market analysis and identify a market opportunity;
(2) Understand the relationship between market opportunity, business ideas and innovation;
(3) Design a business model for a new business idea;
(4) Assess the financial implications of the new business idea, including costs structure, revenue model and investments required;
(5) Elaborate and present a feasible business plan for the new business idea.

No prerequisite is required

Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Innovation and Market Opportunities
From Ideation to Execution
Scaling a New Venture
Financials and Selling Opportunities
Final Pitch

TEXTBOOKS:
- ‘Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers’ (2010), by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur, Wiley Publishing.
- ‘The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses’ (2011), Erik Ries, Crown Publishing Group.
- ‘Effectuation: Elements of Entrepreneurial Expertise’ (2008), Saras Srasvathy, Edward Elgar Publishing.

STUDY MATERIAL: Lecturer's slides will be shared on the Moodle platform.

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: Supplementary material (recommended for further study) will be shared on the Moodle platform.

The exam consists of a group exercise focused on developing and pitching a business plan for a new business idea. Groups will be formed in class.

Grading criteria:
Business Plan (group assignment): 70%
– Quality of market analysis and opportunity identification
– Coherence and innovativeness of the business model
– Feasibility of execution and growth strategy
– Financial assessment (cost structure, revenue model, required investments)
– Clarity, structure, and persuasiveness of the document

Pitch (group presentation): 30%
– Effectiveness of communication and presentation skills
– Ability to clearly convey the opportunity and strategic vision
– Professionalism and persuasiveness of the presentation

written

Grading criteria will be discussed in class

The course adopts an interactive and practice-oriented teaching approach that combines lectures, class discussions, case studies, and group work. Lectures introduce the main theoretical concepts of entrepreneurship and strategy, while practical activities enable students to apply these concepts to the development of new business ideas. Particular emphasis is placed on collaborative work, leading to the preparation of a business plan and its final presentation (pitch). The course also integrates examples from current business practice and, where possible, guest talks from entrepreneurs and managers.