• 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
• 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
• 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

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 preparethe 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). 

Wasserman, N. (2013), "The founder's dilemmas: Anticipating and avoiding the pitfalls that can sink a startup", Princeton University Press.

A list of more detailed 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.