Prospectus

nl en

Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship

Course
2012-2013

Tag(s)

[BSc]
En

Admission Requirements

None.

Description

This course is a challenging introduction to business studies. Along with the writing of a business plan of a

new and innovative business idea, students learn about the peculiarities of the business world, how

corporations function, how goal setting and planning increase the opportunities for success, how businesses

are run and also about entrepreneurial attitude and skills. There is a special focus on sustainable or social

responsible business.

Course Objectives

  • Understand how businesses function.

  • Apply planning skills in a business setting.

  • Understand and apply basic management skills.

  • Understand and apply some basics on marketing and strategy.

  • Understand and apply basic corporate financial issues.

  • Be able to integrate mainstream corporate objectives with sustainability or social responsibility.

Mode of Instruction

The writing of a plan for an innovative business is the central educational tool of this course, that is done

as a group assignment. During the classes in week 1 groups are formed. Each week thereafter separate parts of

the business plan are submitted. The group receives feedback on all parts of the plan, verbally in class, or

if necessary in writing. In week 7 an integrated plan is submitted and the plans are presented to the whole

group. Each class starts with a lecture that contains an explanation of the course material. The remainder of

the class is used for case discussions, feedback on the business plans in a workshop style of teaching. The

presentations of the plans are done, as if a potential financier has to be convinced by the new entrepreneurs.

An important issue, that ties all topics together, is corporate social responsibility. A reflective approach

on businesses is applied. Next to practical issues, scientific studies on corporate social responsibility and

entrepreneurship are discussed and analysed.

Assessment

Assessment:
Percentage:
Deadline:

Literature

Nickels, McHugh, McHugh, Understanding Business, 8th edition, International Student Edition, McGraw Hill,

  1. ISBN: 978-0-07-110136-3.

Articles on Blackboard

Contact Information

René Orij [r.p.ory@law.leidenuniv.nl]

Weekly Overview

Week 1: Introduction and Entrepreneurship and starting a business, Prologue and The Business Plan. Chapters 1,

2, 3, 5, 6
Week 2: Business management, Chapters 7 and 8.
Week 3: Marketing and Strategy. Chapters 13, 14, 15 and 16
Week 4: Managing Financial Resources, Chapters 17 and 18
Week 5: Corporate Responsibility, Chapter 4, articles from Blackboard.
Week 6: Entrepreneurship, articles from Blackboard.
Week 7: Presentations of the plans.

Preparation for first session

N/A