Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - MSE 405W D100

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

Class Number: 1496

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Surrey

  • 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

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.