Topic outline

  • Course Introduction

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    The first step in entrepreneurship is understanding your personality traits and mindset that will help your new business venture succeed. This course will address this first step in your journey by allowing you to better understand the role of entrepreneurship in society and address creativity processes to help you develop your new idea. Many tools can be used to help you develop an idea, such as Timmons' Framework, which we will address in this course. Once you consider the creativity process, generating ideas is a key aspect of the planning phase of your business. As ideas are generated, you'll consider if they are viable financially and marketable, but also address if they meet your personal goals. Once you have a list of ideas, you can begin to vet them – determining which ones have viability in the marketplace. In this course, you will learn several ways to vet ideas, such as through competitive analysis, feasibility studies, and opportunity assessments. Let's get started.

  • Unit 1: Creativity and the Entrepreneur

    Do you have what it takes to start your own business? This unit will address the many aspects to help you self-assess your readiness to start an entrepreneurial venture. For example, did you know that passion is an important entrepreneurial mindset? Part of this passion will propel you into understanding creativity and innovation in this module, which is the first ingredient of developing your business idea.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 13 hours.

    • 1.1: Your Journey as an Entrepreneur

      • The Entrepreneurial Career and Role Page
        Students must
        View

        Do you know how the term entrepreneur is defined? This resource will address the definition of entrepreneurship and the different types of entrepreneurs. As you read through, consider what type of entrepreneur you want to be.

      • Entrepreneurial Motivation Page
        Students must
        View

        Do you know what motivates entrepreneurs? This video will address some motivation factors for entrepreneurship.

      • Entrepreneurial Vision and Goals Page
        Students must
        View

        One thing most entrepreneurs have in common is the ability to set their vision but also set their goals. This resource will address these two important factors to starting a successful venture.

      • Developing the Entrepreneurial Mindset Page
        Students must
        View

        An entrepreneur with the right mindset is key to starting a successful business. Review this resource to see the key mindsets you'll want to ensure you have as you start a new business venture.

      • One Entrepreneur's Mindset Page
        Students must
        View

        Teresa Quinlan discusses her mindset as an entrepreneur. Of the characteristics she discusses, which do you think are the most important?

      • The Entrepreneurial Journey Book
        Students must
        View

        There are many ways to become an entrepreneur. As you'll see from this resource, many people start businesses out of necessity, and entrepreneurship has been found throughout history. Let's look at the history of entrepreneurship, pathways, and frameworks that can help inform your path to starting your own business.

      • The Entrepreneurial Environment Page
        Students must
        View

        Do you know how the entrepreneurial ecosystem is defined? This resource will address this concept, along with other important entrepreneurial concepts as they relate to entrepreneurship.

      • The Pathway to Entrepreneurship Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video to learn more about one entrepreneur's journey to start a successful business.

    • 1.2: What Are Creativity and Opportunity?

      • Creativity, Innovation, and Invention Book
        Students must
        View

        Do you know the available tool to help you get creative? Do you know the difference between innovation and creativity? This resource will address both of these topics and provide a baseline for brainstorming business ideas.

      • Opportunity Recognition and Design Thinking Page
        Students must
        View

        Design thinking is an important part of the opportunity recognition process. As you read through this resource, consider the perspectives of opportunity recognition among business experts.

      • How to Think Creatively Page
        Students must
        View

        Whether or not you consider yourself a creative person, there are many things you can do to be more creative, especially as you think of a business idea. Review this resource and try one of the creative techniques listed.

      • Timmons' Framework Book
        Students must
        View

        This article addresses Timmons' Framework for Entrepreneurship from a social entrepreneurship perspective. As you review this article, consider each element of Timmons' Framework, which includes objectives, opportunities, and resources.

      • The Drivers of Opportunity Page
        Students must
        View

        Do you know what can drive opportunity and creativity? Read this resource to learn more about what could drive opportunity as you consider starting a business.

    • 1.3: How to Generate Business Ideas

      • Mind Mapping Technique for Idea Generation Page
        Students must
        View

        Many techniques can be used to generate business ideas, and the mind map technique is one such way. After you review this video, consider using mind mapping to generate your own ideas.

      • Be Inspired Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video to learn more about methods you can use to stay inspired and creative.

      • The SCAMPER Technique for Generating Ideas Page
        Students must
        View

        Check out this video on how to use the SCAMPER technique to get creative. As you watch the video, think about how the author uses techniques to get creative.

    • Unit 1 Study Resources

      This review video is an excellent way to review what you've learned so far and is presented by one of the professors who created the course.

    • Unit 1 Assessment

      • Unit 1 Assessment Quiz
        Students must
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.

  • Unit 2: The Ideation Process and Innovation

    Now that you've learned about the entrepreneurial mindset, the next step to generating your ideas is to use the ideation process and understand how innovation works. In this unit, we will cover the six stages of ideation and design and the diffusion of innovations. We will also discuss tried and true methods for generating ideas based on your passions and interests. We will also address how to create a culture in your company that focuses on innovation and creativity.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 17 hours.

    • 2.1: What Is Ideation and Problem Solving?

      • Six Stages of Ideation Design Page
        Students must
        View

        Ideation is one way to find out what the "next big thing" will be. Read this resource and watch for the six stages of the Stanford School Design Thinking Process.

      • Problem Solving and Innovation Book
        Students must
        View

        One important part of ideation is determining how you might apply design thinking and creatively solve problems for consumers. This resource ties these methods together to help you see how you might apply them to starting your own business.

    • 2.2: What Is Innovation?

      • Innovation 101 Page
        Students must
        View

        Do you think invention is the same as innovation? Review this resource to find out the difference between the two.

      • Types of Innovations Page
        Students must
        View

        This resource will address the types of innovation and characteristics of innovative products and services. As you read, consider innovative products or services you have purchased lately.

      • Diffusion of Innovations Page
        Students must
        View

        To understand the importance of innovation, we must understand how innovation is diffused throughout society. This resource will look at the diffusion of innovation and what strategies you might take for each type of innovation.

    • 2.3: Other Considerations in Innovation

      • Be an Innovation Leader Page
        Students must
        View

        To create and lead an innovative company, many things are necessary, such as rewarding employees and ensuring the organizational structure supports innovation. As you read, consider how leaders of organizations ensure innovation.

      • Creating a Culture of Innovation Page
        Students must
        View

        Do you know how to create an innovative culture and why it is important? Watch this video to learn more about innovation and organizational culture.

      • Risks of Innovation Page
        Students must
        View

        When innovating at a new company or established one, certain measures must be taken to balance the risk of innovation. As you read, consider why innovation and project failure can sometimes be a good thing!

      • Encouraging Innovation Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video and consider how Mr. Kawasaki encourages innovation in his organization.

      • Sustainability and Innovation Page
        Students must
        View

        Sustainable innovation is the method companies use to ensure they seek out ways to make continuous innovation and improvement a priority. As you read through this resource, consider how companies, big and small, apply techniques to ensure the sustainability of their efforts.

    • Unit 2 Study Resources

      This review video is an excellent way to review what you've learned so far and is presented by one of the professors who created the course.

    • Unit 2 Assessment

      • Unit 2 Assessment Quiz
        Students must
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.

  • Unit 3: Idea Evaluation and Analysis

    Once you have your next great idea, now what? This module will discuss the next step in the process of vetting your idea to see if it makes sense to move forward with it. We will address how to research your ideas and how to evaluate the feasibility of the idea. You can do this through feasibility analysis and using a business model canvas, which we will discuss in this unit.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 6 hours.

    • 3.1: Researching the Opportunities

      • Research and Competitive Analysis Book
        Students must
        View

        Once you have a great idea for a business, it is time to research how effective the idea will be, often through competitive analysis. Review this resource, and if you have a business idea, perform your own competitive analysis.

      • Analysis of Trends Page
        Students must
        View

        This resource addresses how you might consider analyzing trends to determine the feasibility of your idea.

      • Evaluating Your Opportunity Page
        Students must
        View

        This video gives you questions to consider when evaluating a business idea, such as market size. As you watch, which considerations are most important to your idea?

      • Researching Your Competition Page
        Students must
        View

        This video provides great examples of how to learn more about your competitors.

    • 3.2: Idea Evaluation

      • How to Evaluate Innovation Page
        Students must
        View

        This resource focuses on how you might consider what innovative ideas to move forward with.

      • Conducting a Feasibility Analysis Page
        Students must
        View

        A feasibility analysis is designed to assess whether or not your endeavor is possible. Review this and consider using the information here to evaluate your idea.

      • Feasibility Study and Its Benefits Page
        Students must
        View

        Feasibility analysis is an important step in your entrepreneurial journey. This resource addresses the components of a feasibility study and the importance of one before you start your business.

      • Business Model Canvas Example Page
        Students must
        View

        The Business Model Canvas is one way to determine if your business idea is feasible. As you watch, consider the sample of the business model canvas shown.

      • Using the Business Model Canvas Page
        Students must
        View

        As you already know, the Business Model Canvas is a tool to help you outline your business idea. As you read this resource, consider Figure 11.6 and what information you might use to fill in the Business Model Canvas for your business idea.

      • Formatting Your Feasibility Information Page
        Students must
        View

        This resource addresses how you might put a feasibility report together. As you read, pay attention to the typical recommendation report elements, which might help direct you to ideas you should move forward with.

    • Unit 3 Study Resources

      This review video is an excellent way to review what you've learned so far and is presented by one of the professors who created the course.

    • Unit 3 Assessment

      • Unit 3 Assessment Quiz
        Students must
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.

  • Unit 4: Planning the Next Steps in Your Venture

    Your idea has been vetted, and you are excited to move forward! But there are some things to consider before moving forward with your idea. The first is to perform an opportunity assessment and use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix and SMART goal setting to ensure it is the right business venture. In this unit, we will also address other considerations you might want to analyze before launching your business, such as how to plan for product development and product life cycles.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 9 hours.

    • 4.1: Deciding on an Idea

      • Opportunity Assessment Plans Book
        Students must
        View

        Review this article and consider your next step in developing your business idea.

      • Process Planning Page
        Students must
        View

        Review this video and pay particular attention to the discussion on stage one of the entrepreneurial process.

      • Market Size Considerations Page
        Students must
        View

        This video addresses the idea of business opportunity and questions to consider when determining to move forward with a business idea. Pay attention to the video where she addresses the market size, and consider why market size is so important when planning your business venture.

      • Motivation and Values Book
        Students must
        View

        An important factor in choosing a business idea to move forward with is alignment with your personal goals and values. Review this resource to help you define your goals and values.

      • SMART Goal Setting Page
        Students must
        View

        Ensuring personal goal alignment with your chosen business idea is important! Review this resource and consider your personal goals, ensuring they are SMART.

      • SWOT and PESTLE Book
        Students must
        View

        Review the content on how to perform a PESTLE and SWOT analysis. Consider how doing these analyses will help you choose the best business idea to move forward with.

    • 4.2: Now What?

      • Process for Starting a Business Page
        Students must
        View

        This video addresses some considerations for starting a new business. As you watch, think about the tips on how to get started with your business idea.

      • Product Planning Process Page
        Students must
        View

        If you are interested in launching a new product, this resource addresses some methods you can consider to create your product and get it ready for selling.

      • Product Life Cycles Page
        Students must
        View

        As you watch this video, consider where your product or service might be on the product life cycle and the different strategies you can use in each life cycle phase.

      • Eisenhower Matrix Page
        Students must
        View

        This method addresses time management. Applying the principles in the video lets you prioritize your ideas and next steps.

      • Next Steps in Your Business Venture Book
        Students must
        View

        As a final activity in this class, please read through this document and the instructions. While this will not be graded, it is an important first step in applying the information you've learned to hone in on a business idea you'd like to move forward with.

    • Unit 4 Study Resources

      This review video is an excellent way to review what you've learned so far and is presented by one of the professors who created the course.

    • Unit 4 Assessment

      • Unit 4 Assessment Quiz
        Students must
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.

  • Study Guide

    This study guide will help you get ready for the final exam. It discusses the key topics in each unit, walks through the learning outcomes, and lists important vocabulary. It is not meant to replace the course materials!

  • Final Exam Preparation

    These case studies are an excellent way to review what you've learned so far and are presented by one of the professors who created the course. Review these materials before you take the final exam.

  • Final Exam

    • Practice Final Exam

      Take this practice exam to help you get ready for your final exam. This exam can be taken as many times as you like, and it will cover topics similar to the final exam.We recommend that you take a look at the practice final exam before proceeding to the final exam because you will only have three tries to pass the final exam with an 80% or above.

    • Proctored Final Exam

      Take this Proctored Final Exam to complete this course.

      The exam requires a proctor and a proctoring fee of $5. To pass this course, you will need to earn a grade of 80% or higher on the Proctored Final Exam. Your grade for this exam will be calculated as soon as you complete it.

      If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again up to a maximum of 3 times, with a 30-day waiting period between each attempt. You may not create another account to exceed these limits. After your third failed attempt you will not be able to pass this course, so we recommend taking the Practice Final Exam as many times as you need to feel comfortable.

      We are partnering with SmarterProctoring to help make the proctoring fee more affordable. We will be recording you, your screen, and the audio in your room during the exam. This is an automated proctoring service, but no decisions are automated; recordings are only viewed by our staff with the purpose of making sure it is you taking the exam and verifying any questions about exam integrity. 

      Requirements:

      1. Desktop Computer
      2. Chrome (v100+)
      3. Webcam + Microphone
      4. 1mbps+ Internet Connection

  • Course Feedback Survey

    Please take a few minutes to give us feedback about this course. We appreciate your feedback, whether you completed the whole course or even just a few resources. Your feedback will help us make our courses better, and we use your feedback each time we make updates to our courses.

    If you come across any urgent problems, email contact@saylor.org.

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