Sho rt Description of the Course
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| Short Description: |
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This course teaches some of the generic and transferable skills required to become an entrepreneur in Informatics and raises the student's awareness of the legal, financial, business, managerial and interpersonal issues and skills relevant to setting up and running an innovative ICT application company.
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| Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes: |
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At the end of this course students will be able to:
- demonstrate an awareness of the financial, marketing, intellectual property rights and employment issues relevant to setting up and running an innovative ICT application company;
- demonstrate an awareness of the problem solving, managerial, recruitment, negotiating and creativity skills required in setting up and running such a business;
- prepare reports which demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the above issues and skills; and
- prepare a business plan for such a company, which draws on the above knowledge and skills.
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| Assessed Coursework: |
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| Students write 2 case studies (30% each) and a business plan (40%). A case study is associated with 7 of the 8 courses and the business plan with the 8th. The business plan is compulsory but students choose 2 case studies from 7. Each case study sets a problem based on the course with which it is associated and students must discuss how they would address that problem. This discussion should demonstrate their awareness and knowledge of the issues and skills presented in each workshop. |
Download the Assessment Overview file here |
Download the Case Study Analysis Questions here
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| List of Sessions: |
First Session Details
| Session 1 (22/9/04) |
| Topic: |
Introduction |
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| Speakers: |
Michael Clouser
Richard Wheeler
Nick Wright |
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| Required Readings: |
Global Entrepreneurship Monitor for Scotland 2003 report or a summary of report
High Stakes, No Prisoners
Monk and the Riddle |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
- Introduction to the Edinburgh-Stanford Link; by Nick Wright; what it does, its history, managers and associates.
- A brief history of Stanford University, and its relationship to the University of Edinburgh by Michael Clouser.
- Self-introductions – students will introduce themselves to the entire class.
- Introductions of the course Instructors and Coordinators
- Mention of sponsors
- Cornerstones of Entrepreneurism: communication, creativity, contacts, commerce (basic business skills) |
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| Location Details: |
Conference room
HCRC
School of Informatics
4 Buccleuch Place |
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2nd Session Details
| Session 2 (29/09/04) |
Topic: |
Creativity and Confidence |
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Speakers: |
Ralph Quinlan Forde: 1:30-2:30 pm
Robert Milne: 2:30-3:30 pm
Randy Komisar: 3:30p-4:30 pm
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Required Readings: |
Mullins, The New Business Road Test, Chapter 1, “My Opportunity: Why Will or Won’t This Work?” |
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Learning Outcomes: |
- Provide students with inspiration through the example of others
- Show that failure can be an excellent learning experience
- Illustrate that there is no such thing as a 'standard' entrepreneur
- Teach that persistence and drive are the essential entrepreneurial ingredients
- Demonstrate the use of creative thinking when solve problems using technology
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Location Details: |
Lecture Theatre B
School of Medicine
Little France |
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3rd Session Details
| Session 3A (6/10/09) |
| Topic: |
Opportunity and Market Assessment |
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| Speakers: |
Brian Hickey: Wed. 6th Oct., 2:00-6:00 pm
(may finish early) |
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| Required Readings: |
- Lang, The High Tech Entrepreneur’s Handbook
Section 1:
(Chapters 1-4)
- MySQL - case from Stanford
- Note on Market Research – from Stanford |
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| Optional Readings: |
- High Stakes, No Prisoners
- Crossing the Chasm (Geoffrey Moore)
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| Learning Outcomes: |
- Start thinking as a would-be an entrepreneur
- Learn how to recognize opportunities by adopting a market focus
- Learn and practice the basic skills needed to research and assess a market
- Build a portfolio of market assessment techniques, including market segmentation methodology
- Learn how to look out for the future needs of your potential customers
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| Location Details: |
Lecture Theatre
Hugh Robson Building HRB
George Square Campus |
Wednesday, November 17, 2004 18:43>
| Online Resources: |
- Lexis Nexis
- Balanced Scorecard Collaborative
- MIT Technology Review
- Silicon Valley
- Bio Online web
- Life sciences information
- Technology news
- Larta
- Business game
- Scenarios |
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Details of special evening session on the 12th of October
| Session 3B (12/10/04) (attendance is optional) |
| Topic: |
Opportunity and Market Assessment |
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| Speakers: |
Stephanie Keller-Bottom and Valerie Buckingham: Tues. 12th Oct., 6:00 - 8:00 pm
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| Required Readings: |
None |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
- An opportunity to interact with professionals in the High Technology marketing and financing arena. |
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| Location Details: |
Rm G43
Patersons Land Building
Holyrood Campus (see the map)
Holyrood Road |
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| Online Resources: |
Innovents |
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4th Session Details
| Session 4 (13/10/04) |
| Topic: |
Feasibility Study |
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| Speakers: |
Adam Burdess: Wed. 13th Oct., 2:00 - 6:00 pm
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| Required Readings: |
- Lang, The High Tech Entrepreneur’s Handbook
Section
2: (Chapters 5-8)
- Veritas Software (Stanford Case)
- Chrysalis – LBS case study
- Good Technology – Stanford Case
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| Optional Readings: |
- High Stakes No Prisoners |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
-How to plan effectively
-How to manage projects
-How to conduct a feasibility study
-How to assess the market
-How to conduct market research
-How to analyze market research to make decisions |
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| Location Details: |
Lecture Theatre
Hugh Robson Building HRB
George Square Campus |
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| Online Resources: |
STVP:
Listen to audios on Identifying and Evaluating Opportunities |
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5th Session Details
| Session 5 (20/10/04) |
| Topic: |
Building a Business Model |
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| Speakers: |
- Mike Clouser 2:00 - 2:30pm
- Matthew Newnham and Bob Gunning 2:30 - 3:30pm
- Mike Lyons 3:30 - 4:30pm
- Mike Clouser – Cochlear case 4:30 - 5:30pm
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| Required Readings: |
- Lang, The High Tech Entrepreneur’s Handbook
Section
3:
(Chapters 9-12)
- Cochlear And Its Global Marketing Challenges (Stanford Case Study)
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| Optional Readings: |
High Stakes No Prisoners
High Tech Startup: Chapters 7 and 8 |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
-How to choose an appropriate business model: examples of models
-How to think through a business model creatively
-How to market and grow a company internationally
-Learn how to think through a business model starting with customer needs in the marketplace
-Lear how to compare business models across various firms and leverage such knowledge for building your business model
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| Location Details: |
Lecture Theatre B
School of Medicine
Little France |
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| Online Resources: |
Startup Assessment Test |
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Optional Field Trip Details
| Session 5B Optional Field Trip (26/10/04) |
| Topic: |
Field Trip to Hillington Park Innovation Centre - Glasgow |
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| Plan: |
10:00 am. Coach leaves from Hugh Robson Building on George Square
11:30 - 3:00 pm. Tour and Presesntations
3:00 pm. Coach leaves Hillington Park
5:00 pm. Coach arrives at Hugh Robson Building on George Square
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| Learning Outcomes: |
- Gain knowledge of incubators and what services they offer to client companies
- Analyze and categorize the range of support options to startup
companies from 3rd parties
- Evaluate an incubator and its services
- Network with innovent centre managers and startup companies
- Consider an incubator as a potential location for a future new venture
- Learn about the business environment for startups in the City of Glasgow
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| Location Details: |
Hillington Park Innovation Centre - Glasgow |
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| Online Resources: |
Hillington Park Innovation Centre - Glasgow |
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6th Session Details
| Session 6 (27/10/04) |
| Topic: |
Challenges and Resources |
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| Speakers: |
- John Anderson, CEO, The Entrepreneurial Exchange 2:00 - 4:00pm
- Geoff Gregson, Centre for Entrepreneurship Research Fellow, School of Management 4:00 - 5:00pm
- Mike Clouser: Case Study 5:00 - 6:00pm
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| Required Readings: |
- Lang, The High Tech Entrepreneur’s Handbook Section 4:
(Chapters 13-15)
- John Anderson case
Visiocheck (From the Hunter Center)
- Entrepreneurship in a Harsh Business Climate: Reform-Era Vietnam (Stanford Case Study) |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
-How to get the first sale in light of limited resources
-How to overcome the challenges presented by limited resources
-What are the challenges that will face you as an entrepreneur
-What are the resources available to aspiring entrepreneurs in the University setting?
-What resources are available through the government, through networks such as the Entrepreneurial Exchange, and through other governmental organizations? |
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| Location Details: |
Lecture Theatre
Hugh Robson Building HRB
George Square Campus |
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| Online Resources: |
Entrepreneurship and the Process of Obtaining Resource Commitments by Thomas Hellman |
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7th Session Details
| Session 7 (3/11/04) |
| Topic: |
Presentation and Negotiation |
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| Speakers: |
- Bill Joos: Wed. 3rd Nov., 2:00-6:00 pm
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| Required Readings: |
- Lang, The High Tech Entrepreneur’s Handbook Section 5: (Chapters 16-18)
- Bill Joos to bring materials to hand out. |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
- Learn the fundamentals of negotiation
- Learn how to create a good elevator pitch
- Learn how to position your product or service most efficiently
- Learn how to master the skill of creating a presentation, including the PowerPoint version
- Learn and practice communication skills essential to raising capital, securing customers, and recruiting employees
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| Location Details: |
Lecture Theatre
Hugh Robson Building HRB
George Square Campus |
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| Online Resources: |
- STVP:
Listen to series on Developing Business Skills
and Difficult Negotiations
- Garage.com resources |
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7th Session Details
| Session 7B Optional Event
(3/11/04) |
| Topic: |
"Why invest in Scotland ?" |
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| Speakers: |
- 5:00 pm. Registration and Networking buffet
- 6:00 pm. Presentations commence
Delegate Fee - £30 (inc VAT)
- Geoffrey Thomson, Braveheart Angel Syndicate
- Joey Mason, Delta Partners
- Jackie Stewart, Caledonia Business Angels
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| Required Readings: |
- None |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
- Practical Experience
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| Location Details: |
The Adams Rooms, The George Hotel, 19-21 George St, Edinburgh
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| Online Resources: |
Read about the event here
Register online here |
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8th Session Details
| Session 8 (10/11/04) |
| Topic: |
IP, Legal, and Accounting |
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| Speakers: |
Adrian Smith 2:00pm
Chris Martin 3:00pm
Sharon Bamford
5:00pm
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| Required Readings: |
- Lang, The High Tech Entrepreneur’s Handbook Chapter 6
- The Roslin Institute (HBS Case Study on Edinburgh Organization)
- Graham Weaver (Stanford Case Study) |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
- Learn basic accounting (mainly cash flow forecasts)
- Gain a basic awareness of tax laws for entrepreneurs
- Explanation of basic legal/regulatory issues for start-ups plus different types of business e.g. sole trader, partnership, company etc. with benefits and disadvantages of each
- Learn various IP defence mechanisms and the basic IP types (mostly copyright issues).
- Learn technology licensing strategies
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| Location Details: |
Lecture Theatre
Hugh Robson Building HRB
George Square Campus |
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| Online Resources: |
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9th Session Details
| Session 9 (17/11/04) |
| Topic: |
Sources of Funding |
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| Speakers: |
- Sandy McKinnon of Pentech Ventures: 2:00pm
- Geoffrey Thomson of Braveheart Ventures: 3:00pm
- Richard Harrison, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship
Research, University of Edinburgh: 4:00pm
- Michael Clouser on "Bootstrapping" and "Benchmark Capital in Europe" 5:00pm
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| Required Readings: |
- Benchmark Capital in Europe (Stanford Case)
- Bootstrap Finance: The Art of Start-Ups (HBS Paper) |
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| Optional Readings: |
- Leasing as a Source of Capital – Chapter 10 of High Tech Startup by John Nesheim
- Bankers and Bootstraps as Funding Sources – Chapter 11 of High Tech Startup by John Nesheim
- Angels and Other Sources of Venture Capital: Chapter 12 of High Tech Startup by John Nesheim |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
- Inspiration for bootstrapping a business startup and raising friends and family start-up capital
- Learn the differences in the financial structures and climate for young companies across the Europe, the UK, Scotland and the United States.
- How to create a believable 3-year plan
- Explanation of sources of finance, including:
Venture Capital
Business angels
Government help
Various loans
Factoring etc
- The differences and relative pros and cons of:
bootstrapping
friends and family
angel investors
venture capital, seed stage
venture capitals, 1st round
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| Location Details: |
Lecture Theatre
Hugh Robson Building HRB
George Square Campus |
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| Online Resources: |
Bootstrapping: Still a great way to raise money |
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10th Session Details
| Session 10 (01/12/04) |
| Topic: |
Presentations (STUDENTS NEED TO ATTEND ONLY DURING THE SCHEDULED TIME OF THEIR PRESENTATIONS) |
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| Speakers: |
Venture Capital Panel
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| Preparation Reading: |
- Preparing for and Delivering Your Presentation (Stanford University Technology Ventures) 9:00 am - 6:00 pm |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
- Learn how to present to a venture capitalist or angel investor under pressure
- Increase communication skills and better presentation style
- Gain an ability to think on one’s feet and answer questions
- Learn how to strategically present as a team
- Learn the type of questions and concerns that angel financiers and venture capitalists will have |
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| Location Details: |
Seminar Room
2 Buccleuch place
George Square Campus |
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| Online Resources: |
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Optional Networking Session Details
| Optional Networking Session (23/03/05) |
| Topic: |
Networking Session |
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| Speakers: |
- Silicon Valley Guest Speaker: Mike Lyons, Vanguard Ventures and Visiting Professor and Co-founder of the Stanford Technology Ventures Program
Palo Atlo, California, USA.
- Special Guest and Networking Guru: Lorna Pellet of Graduates for Growth.
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| Learning Outcomes: |
-How to network strategically in a crowd
-How to give an “Elevator Pitch”
-How to introduce yourself to someone you don’t know
-Learn about business etiquette in social sessions
-How to build your personal brand
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| Location Details: |
Playfair Library
Old College
Central Area
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh EH8 9YL.
- Map of Old College
- Map of Central Area
- Map of Edinburgh
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| Online Resources: |
Check the website of the event |
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