GE 3011: Engineering Entrepreneurship Seminar

Syllabus

Fall 2013

Simrall 100, 2:00pm - 3:15pm Tuesdays

Catalog Description: (1 hour credit) Two hours seminar. Current topics in engineering entrepreneurship to enable students to better understand the role of the entrepreneur in creating start-up companies and leading young existing companies.

The Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Clearinghouse on Entrepreneurship Education defines entrepreneurship education as “the process of providing individuals with the concepts and skills to recognize opportunities that others have overlooked, and to have the insight, self-esteem and knowledge to act where others have hesitated. It includes instruction in opportunity recognition, marshaling resources in the face of risk, and initiating a business venture. It also includes instruction in business management processes such as business planning, capital development, marketing and cash-flow analysis.” This pretty much sums up our goals in the Engineering Entrepreneurship Program at Mississippi State University. This seminar is the first leg in a triad of entrepreneurship initiatives. The other two are the engineering entrepreneurship project experience, “the company experience,” and the formal course of study leading to the Engineering Entrepreneurship Certificate.

Details can be found on the BCoE web site at: http://www.bagley.msstate.edu/programs/entrepreneurship/index.php

Learning objectives of this course are:

1. Develop student insight into opportunity recognition

2. Develop student self-confidence through successful examples

3. Help the student realize the basic business skills required to be a successful entrepreneur

These objectives are accomplished by providing case studies by successful entrepreneurs and lectures on business aspects such as venture capital and patent law.

Grading

Grading this semester will be different than the past several semesters. This semester you will be graded on a 10 point system. You are required to obtain points in two categories: written and participation.

You can gain participation points in the following ways:

1. Ask a question in class when outside speakers present (1/2 point each)

2. Attend lunches hosted by the Entrepreneurship Club (eClub) with outside guests (1 point each)

3. Attend various events promoted by the Entrepreneurship Center (eCenter) (1 point each)

4. Participate in activities related to start-up companies (1/2 point each)

To obtain written points you have to fill out the speaker sheet attached to this syllabus. You get 1 point for every speaker sheet you submit.

Your final grade will depend on the number of points you gain throughout the semester. You are required to have at least 3 written points and 4 participation points. The remaining points can be obtained by either written or participation.

Type / Number of Points
Written / 3
Participation / 4
Written or Participation / 3
TOTAL / 10

You will also be evaluated by the speaker. The speaker will rate the class on your level of engagement, how many questions you ask, and how well you pay attention. If the class receives perfect ratings, each student will get bonus points.

Attendance Policy: One unexcused absence per semester allowed. Each additional unexcused absence will drop your grade by one letter grade. It is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that you are recognized as being present, especially if you arrive after class begins. If you believe that you may have been counted absent for any reason, then please contact Parker Stewart.

For a complete schedule visit the course website: http://www.bagley.msstate.edu/programs/entrepreneurship/seminarseries/index.php

PROFESSOR:

Gerald Nelson

Instructor/Director and Chair, Entrepreneurship Program, Bagley College of Engineering Director, Office of Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer

Office: 210 McCool Hall (Entrepreneurship Center); 100 Research Blvd. Suite 120

Phone/v-mail: (662) 325-8223

Office hours: 9:00 - 11:00 Monday, Wednesday (Research Blvd.)

Email:

Parker Stewart

Program Coordinator, Office of Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer

Instructor, Entrepreneurship Program

Office: 210 McCool Hall (Entrepreneurship Center); 100 Research Blvd. Suite 120

Office hours: By Appointment

Email:

Mississippi State University Honor Code

“As a Mississippi State University student I will conduct myself with honor and integrity at all times. I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor will I accept the actions of those who do.”

Upon accepting admission to Mississippi State University, a student immediately assumes a commitment to uphold the Honor Code, to accept responsibility for learning, and to follow the philosophy and rules of the Honor Code. Students will be required to state their commitment on examinations, research papers, and other academic work. Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of the MSU community from the requirements or the processes of the Honor Code.

For additional information please visit: http://www.msstate.edu/dept/audit/1207.html


Name:______Net ID______

[Guest Speaker Name]

[Date]

[Insert Bio Here] - You can get the speaker’s bio from the Hatcher Website: http://www.bagley.msstate.edu/programs/entrepreneurship/seminarseries/index.php

Assignment:

1)  First, visit the company website and read the speaker bio (spend 8-10 minutes on the site to learn more about the company)

2)  Jot down a few interesting facts about the company and/or speaker:

1.______

2.______

3.______

4.______

5.______

3) Next, come to class and bring THIS sheet with you and complete the following based on the talk. Turn in your completed sheet at end of class.

Having listened to the entire talk, list what you consider the 2 most impactful comments or words of advice:

During the question and answer session, let’s all practice good communication skills. Namely:

1.  introduce yourself

2.  state your hometown and/or major

3.  ask an informed question