Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - MSE 405W D100

The Business of Engineering II, Entrepreneurship for Engineers (4)

Class Number: 1476

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MSE 300 or ENSC 311.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Through the development of a business plan, MSE 405W simulates entrepreneurial activities associated with launching a technology-based start-up company. In a traditional lecture and tutorial format, students are introduced to practical and theoretical business subject-matter in engineering. Students participate in a team project and use collaborative writing strategies to produce a business plan and presentation relating to a technology-based start-up venture. Components of the business plan are submitted in multiple stages including a concept summary, proposal, marketing and operation plans, and executive summary. Students with credits for ENSC 312 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Weekly Topics:

  • Defining entrepreneurship, identifying and evaluating opportunities
  • Writing a concept summary and proposal
  • The business model and competitive strategy
  • Innovation and Risk
  • Business Plan overview and Marketing Strategies
  • Operational Strategies
  • Legal Formation
  • Writing Style Strategies
  • Intellectual Property and Patent Search
  • Presentation and Pitch Strategies
  • Presentations

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Write and speak using general business-related vocabulary, appropriate style and conventions for effective communication between Engineers and business professionals.
  • Recognize and apply various analytical frameworks to generate and describe strategies for achieving sustainable competitive performance including those relating to marketing and operations.
  • Use effective writing strategies and editing techniques to prepare and present a business plan.
  • Conduct a patent search and draft a provisional patent.

Grading

  • Professionalism/Participation 20%
  • Proposal/Concept Summary 5%
  • Patent Search Report & Provisional Patent 15%
  • Midterm(s) 25%
  • Business Plan 20%
  • Presentation 15%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Text:  
Byers, T.H., et al. (2008). Technology Ventures: From Idea to Enterprise (5th Ed.) New York: McGraw Hill

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).