Introduction to Entrepeneurship and Small Businesses

Industrial Engineering > Industrial Engineering Electives > Introduction to Entrepeneurship and Small Businesses
Course ID:
IENG 346

Program:
Industrial Engineering

Level:
Undergraduate

Semester:
Fall/Spring

Credit:
3

Description

Description

This course consists of three parts. The first part introduces students to the entrepreneurial activity. The second part concentrates on the survival and growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and focuses on the managerial aspects of SMEs when compared to large firms. The third part addresses the unique challenges faced by family businesses. Topics covered include the benefits and drawbacks of being an entrepreneur, developmental structures, and designs, focus development, management during fast growth periods, lack of resources and financing, development of sustainable intangible resources (legitimacy, status, reputation, etc). Other topics related to family business management include ownership, governance and management, succession planning, generational gaps, delegation and control and the role of non-family members.

Lab and Tutorials

The course requires practice and problem solving training during tutorials.

Literature

Entrepreneurship: Successfully Launching New Ventures : Global Edition, 4th Edition, by Bruce R. Barringer and R. Duane Ireland