This course provides an introduction and overview of the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Bringing together the disciplines of marketing, finance, product development, and management, it presents an integrative perspective into the process of starting a new business. The course is the platform upon which to build further studies in the MBA Entrepreneurship Option. Master’s session 4 (and 5 in odd-numbered years). 3 credits.

This course is about developing the analytical and conceptual skills required to test the feasibility of a business concept. The process of feasibility analysis involves identifying, evaluating, and determining whether to exploit an opportunity. It is grounded in the tools of market research and analysis. Prerequisite: SBU510. Master’s session 5. 3 credits.

This course analyzes the dynamics of human resource practices and opportunities.Topics covered include: strategic planning, workforce adaptation, change management, job design, recruitment, compensation and benefit implementation, legislative and ethical issues, budgetary impacts, international trends, and training and development. Master’s session 2 (and 4 in even-numbered years). 3 credits.

This course applies current economic research theory to the study of entrepreneurship and new venture finance. This approach shows how entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and outside investors can rely on economic concepts as a framework to guide decision making. The financial theory that is an extension of the economic analysis and which supports entrepreneurial decision making is also a focus of the course. The topics of access to venture capital and the concept of enterprise performance evaluation will be given additional treatment in the context of the female business owner. Prerequisite: SBU515 or permission of instructor. Master’s session 6. 3 credits.

This Capstone provides an opportunity to integrate learning gained from other courses in the MBA program. This course is considered the culmination of SBU510, 515, and 520 and requires continued revision of the feasibility study and writing a business plan. The actual process of writing the business plan in this course will be conducted in small teams to facilitate the sharing of information and foster a collaborative learning environment. The course focuses on team based, step-by-step development of a detailed business plan. Upon completion of the business plan, the team will present it to a panel of “Venture Capitalists”. The course will go through the process of business plan development and integrate the tools and components of a business plan that students were exposed to in their previous course work. Prerequisites: Completion of at least 10 of the MBA courses, including SBU520. Pass/Fail only. Master’s sessions 2, 4, and 6. 1 credit.

Principles of marketing and communication and current marketing and sales challenges are reviewed to develop the ability to analyze, interpret, design, and evaluate strategic marketing plans and communication vehicles. Master’s sessions 5 (and 1 in even-numbered years). 3 credits.