• Utilize “effectual,” “lean startup,” and “lead user” approaches to develop and evaluate the viability of business models and prototypes.
• Gain knowledge, insights, and methods for effective collaborative processes through group activities. A specific outcome of these efforts will be an application of the Learning Log Project Management tool to illustrate and analyze the digital business development process.
• Develop prototypes of products and/or services and undertake iterative testing and revision of these prototypes through lean startup and lead user processes using digital technologies.
• Use various digital technologies and methods for presenting ideas to others in a variety of contexts. A specific outcome of these efforts will be the Mandatory Assignment: A 3-5 minute “pitch” video showcasing: the lean startup process, lead user approaches, the business model, and a “minimal viable product/service.”

This course offers theory, knowledge, and the practice of specific skills for: developing and testing business models using lean startup processes, engaging in successful collaborative team efforts; creating and modifying prototypes through “lead user” techniques, and applying various digital technologies for engaging others in the social construction of the future. The pedagogy for the class is, primarily, studio-based learning. Using knowledge from: assigned readings, short lectures and cases, class discussions and group exercises; the class will develop, modify and refine a series of business models, and product/service prototypes that will serve as inputs for evaluating the feasibility of a particular idea/opportunity.  Students (alone or in teams) will be responsible for developing and refining a business model and a prototype for a specific opportunity during the term.  The outcome of this process will be the Mandatory Assignment that is due in week 6 of the course. The Mandatory Assignment is graded as “Pass/Fail” on an individual basis.  Students must receive a “Pass” before being allowed to take the Final Exam.

Osterwalder, A., & Pigneur, Y. (2010). Business Model Generation: A Handbook For Visionaries, Game Changers, And Challengers. New York: Wiley. (BMG in Schedule)

Reis, E. (2011). The Lean Startup. New York: Crown Business. (TLS in Schedule)

Maurya, A. (2012). Running lean: iterate from plan A to a plan that works. " O'Reilly Media, Inc.".

http://www.enactusryerson.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/RunningLean.pdf  (RL in Schedule)

Churchill, J., von Hippel, E. & Sonnack, M. (2009).  Lead User Project Handbook.  (LUPH in Schedule)

https://evhippel.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/lead-user-project-handbook-full-version.pdf (Free)