The Entrepreneurial Mindset

An online course offered by Michigan State University October 3 December 16, 2011
Description:

Ever consider starting a business? Do you have a passion for something you want to do? Want to learn about what it takes to think and act like an entrepreneur? How can you know whether your idea is a good one or not? Meet students from Michigan who are equally interested in exploring the exciting field of entrepreneurship. Small class size will guarantee that youll get to know your classmates and professor.

Instructor:

The class is taught by Professor Barbara Fails, Director of the MSU Entrepreneurship Network and Professor of Rural Entrepreneurship. Dr. Fails has a background in agriculture, small business, continuing education, and community outreach. She has started two small businesses herself, and directs a program that helps communities in Michigan support local entrepreneurs.

Course Objectives:

Those who succeed in entrepreneurship credit much of their success to a set of attributes. Those distinctive attributes, which include a certain way of thinking and behaving, and can be learned, are at the core of this course. This course will NOT teach you how to start a business, but it WILL help you develop a mindset that will let you see possibilities, develop solutions to problems, take calculated risks, build enterprises, and create value in many aspects of your life. So, whether you aspire to own a business, start a nonprofit organization, lead a civic cause, or live life more fully, this course is for you. This class relies on the support of others to help you with your learning. You will be expected to build relationships inside and outside of the class with others who will help you with projects, and with your entrepreneurial interests. You must be a self-starter and be accountable to others for your contributions.

Learning Outcomes:

Recognize and develop characteristics and behaviors of individuals who are entrepreneurial Explore your own entrepreneurial interests and aptitudes See entrepreneurship as a lifestyle and career choice Experience entrepreneurial activities and begin to develop a more entrepreneurial perspective Develop a network of individuals who are entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial service providers Manage ambiguity, uncertainty, risk, and assume responsibility for outcomes Work in teams Learn how to share your ideas with others in a quick pitch format

Online course content will include:

Video lectures Contemporary articles and popular books (all included and provided to you) Homework assignments Hands-on activities to help you start testing and developing your own talents for entrepreneurship Case studies that describe real business examples from Asir Province and the United States

Requirements:

You do not need to be a business major! You may not even be sure that you want to start a business one day. We do ask that you have:

English competency (reading and writing primarily) Access to internet from home (web, skype, email) A commitment to spend at least 12 hours/week on the course An interest in improving your understanding of entrepreneurship Willingness to continue studying during the Hajj vacation

Recognition:

Successfully complete the course and earn a Certificate of Achievement from Michigan State University and King Khalid University.

BUS 491 New Venture Process Credits 3 Instructors Dr. Forrest (Sam) Carter,
Professor of Marketing Dr. Jeff Elsworth, Professor of Hospitality Business Schedule Monday, January 23 through Friday, May 4 Orientation 01/19/11 Description Business startup success factors Legal business formation and options for creating a legal entity Management teams and systems Business models and competitive strategy Marketing plans, market research, and market analysis Key financial analyses and reports Business idea validation Forecasting sales and pro forma analyses Business planning Sources of capital and cash flow management

Prerequisites ANR 491 The Entrepreneurial Mindset with exceptions Seats 20 Requirements . English proficiency (speaking, writing, reading) Motivation and self discipline to commit to completing the work. Depending on English comprehension, students may need to spend up to 12 hr./wk. on the course. You may have any major and interest in either social or business ventures Broad band internet and computer microphone to participate in webinars Benefits Learn practical skills and approaches to starting your own project or business venture which you can apply right away Build relationships with American students and faculty Gain confidence in your own abilities to start a business Become exposed to new business opportunities and perspectives Small class size Video lectures Experiential learning gives you practice at business and entrepreneurship Earn a certificate of completion for each course you pass Arabic student from MSU to serve as teaching assistant MSU tech support help line available 24/7 Learn online from home, at your own pace