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2017/2018  KAN-CMIBO1041U  Entrepreneurship: Theory and Evidence

English Title
Entrepreneurship: Theory and Evidence

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course First Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for MSc in Economics and Business Administration
Course coordinator
  • Mirjam Van Praag - SI
  • Vera Rocha - SI
Main academic disciplines
  • Innovation
  • Economics
Last updated on 30-05-2017

Relevant links
Learning objectives
To achieve the grade 12, students should meet the following learning objectives with no or only minor mistakes or errors:
  • Prove evidence of a comprehensive knowledge of the concepts and theories used in the course
  • Prove evidence of (research and case-based) empirical knowledge regarding the different topics covered by the course
  • Be able to link theoretical knowledge with empirical insights and apply it to practical cases, in particular (see next three points):
  • Be able to analyze a business case and critically assess the quality of entrepreneurial strategies and tactics based on theoretical and practical insights
  • Be able to find and evaluate relevant literature and empirical evidence to support the analysis of specific topics covered by the course
  • Be able to critically assess the validity of statements based on empirical research
Examination
Entrepreneurship: Theory and Evidence:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 15 pages
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale 7-step scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Autumn
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Description of the exam procedure

The final assignment is an essay where each student will be required to address questions related to the topics of the course. To achieve the grade 12, students need to meet the following points on the exam in order to demonstrate they have fulfilled the learning objectives of the course:

  • To write a well-structured assignment, with both a theoretical and an evidence-based component, and a clear connection between them.
  • To show clear and accurate understanding of the main concepts and theories introduced in the course, by developing a well-structured theoretical framework on the topic(s).
  • To provide empirical and relevant evidence on the topic(s) based on business cases and academic research.
  • To accurately analyze and discuss real business settings, apply the theoretical knowledge to interpret them, and critically evaluate the validity of entrepreneurial strategies.
  • To critically assess the validity of statements based on empirical research and use this critical thinking to assess the strength of the conclusions that can be drawn from specific empirical studies.
Course content and structure

The course intends to cover the several elements of the entrepreneurial process – the individual entrepreneur, the idea generation and implementation processes, the main challenges faced by the founder (or founding team), and their importance for the success of the new venture. The content of the course will therefore be organized around the following topics:

 

  • Entrepreneurship and Career Dynamics
  • Entrepreneurial Strategy
  • Business Plan and Business Models
  • Entrepreneurial Finance
  • Entrepreneurship and Human Resources
  • New Venture Survival and Performance

 

Each of these topics will be discussed in two lectures in which the following parts will be usually included:

 

  1. a theoretical part, based on lecture notes (textbooks), academic papers, and more applied articles;
  2. an evidence-based part, based on the discussion and analysis of cases and short articles
  3. a part in which theoretical insights and empirical evidence are related to the entrepreneurial practice, based on class discussion sometimes involving external speakers (e.g., entrepreneurs), videos, or real life examples prepared by the students for discussion in class.

 

The order in which these parts are covered may be adjusted in some topics, if relevant.

The participation of students is crucial in all three parts of each topic.

Students are expected to prepare the cases and a set of questions to be discussed in specified classes, and to gather information about a specific topic, research question, or a particular firm, to be debated in certain sessions.

This preparatory work can be done either individually or in groups. The theoretical component of the course will also require preparatory readings of academic and applied articles.

At the end of each topic, we will connect the empirical evidence and entrepreneurial practices discussed in class to the theoretical framework, summarizing key takeaways, practical implications, and new avenues for research (whenever relevant). 
Teaching methods
This course is taught using a combination of cases, lectures based on textbooks and academic papers, and guest speakers/videos, with an emphasis on case discussions in the class. High quality case discussions require an active participation and preparation of the students. Moreover, the application of theoretical knowledge and insights based on readings and cases to practical examples will form an important element of most classes.
Feedback during the teaching period
Feedback will be given during office hours.
There will also be a posibility of a voluntary home assignment with written feedback.
Student workload
Teaching 36 hours
Preparation 100 hours
Exam 70 hours
Expected literature

The literature and cases will be provided in a compendium before the beginning of the course. Some cases must be downloaded from the Harvard Business School homepage and paid for.
Last updated on 30-05-2017