English   Danish

2020/2021  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
  • Vera Rocha - Department of Strategy and Innovation (SI)
Main academic disciplines
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Innovation
  • Strategy
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 30-08-2020

Relevant links
Learning objectives
  • Prove evidence of a comprehensive knowledge of the concepts and theories used in the course
  • Prove evidence of a thorough understanding of both research- and case-based knowledge regarding the different topics covered in the course
  • Be able to actively discuss real business settings, by applying the theoretical knowledge and empirical research findings to interpret them, and critically evaluate the validity of entrepreneurial strategies. More in particular (see the next three points):
  • Critically analyze a business case and assess the pros and cons of different tactics and entrepreneurial strategies based on theoretical and empirical insights
  • Find and evaluate relevant literature and empirical evidence to support the analysis of specific topics covered by the course
  • Critically assess the validity of statements based on empirical research and use this critical thinking to evaluate the strength of the conclusions that can be drawn from specific empirical studies and business cases
Examination
Entrepreneurship: Theory and Evidence:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Group exam
Please note the rules in the Programme Regulations about identification of individual contributions.
Number of people in the group 2
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-point grading 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

In the final assignment, the students will have to answer a group of questions related to the topics of the course, based on a new business case provided by the instructor.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

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
  • Founding Team Formation
  • Entrepreneurial Strategy
  • Business Model Design and Testing; Business Model Types
  • Entrepreneurial Finance
  • Growth Paths; Scaling Challenge; Founder Exit and Succession

 

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 short videos covering the key theoretical frameworks, which students should complement with the suggested references (textbooks, academic papers, and/or more applied articles);
  2. an evidence-based part, based on the discussion and analysis of cases, short articles and real life examples;
  3. a part in which theoretical insights and empirical evidence are related to the entrepreneurial practice, by applying theories and research findings to the analyses of business cases. This integration will be complemented by guest speakers and real life examples prepared by the students in voluntary assignments and/or discussed 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). 
Description of the teaching methods
This course is taught using a combination of cases, lectures based on textbooks, and academic papers, and guest speakers and pre-recorded /videos, with an emphasis on case discussions in the classroom. 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
The course will include two voluntary assignments that give the students the chance to get detailed feedback on their progress.

Assignment 1:

Group assignment applying a theoretical framework from the course to a startup of your choice

In groups of 3 to 5, students must choose a startup to analyze one of the topics from the course (e.g., founding team formation, startup financing, entrepreneurial strategy) and apply it to a real startup setting. They can choose a startup featured on a documentary or podcast, or they can interview a founder/founding team themselves via their own network or Copenhagen School of Entrepreneurship. The students must briefly describe the startup and their business (or business idea), pick a topic/framework from the course (e.g., the 3R model for team formation, the entrepreneurial strategy compass, financing choices) and apply it to the startup of their choice. The students may hand-in their analysis via Google Slides/Docs or a short video. General feedback will be provided through Canvas, and individual feedback will be provided to the students participating in this assignment (via email or during office hours).


Assignment 2:

Group assignment with peer feedback and general feedback from the instructor.

Home assignment in groups of 3-5 students. The students are presented with a new business case and a set of questions. The students must write a short and well-structured assignment, using theory from the course, research-based evidence, and case-based evidence to answer the questions (maximum 2 standard pages per assignment/group). The goal is to prepare the students for the final exam and give them feedback on their performance and understanding of the learning objectives of the course.
This home assignment will be set up on the platform Peergrade, where each group will be assigned to three other groups, whom they should give feedback to. Clear criteria for peer feedback will be given, and students will be encouraged to justify their feedback. Each group will automatically receive a final score based on the quality of their submission (graded by others) and the quality of the feedback they give to others. The instructor will analyze all the submissions and give general feedback to the students (in class or via Canvas). Individual feedback to each group participating in this assignment will also be provided upon request.

Besides these two voluntary assignments, all students will receive continuous feedback in class in connection with case discussions.

Student workload
Teaching 36 hours
Preparation 100 hours
Exam 70 hours
Expected literature

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 Publishing Education homepage and paid for.

 
Last updated on 30-08-2020