ENTR 410 ::  Entrepreneurship for High Tech Start-ups

Course Description
The course provides an overview of major elements - and the process - of creating high technology entrepreneurial enterprises. This process encompasses beginning with an idea and progressing to conversion of the idea to a fundable business plan attractive to real world venture investors. The elements include evaluation and planning of the business, forecasting and financing, typical operating and administrative problems and solutions, and alternatives for growth or sale including going public ("IPO").

The course utilizes lectures, assigned readings, as well as in-class discussions.  A team business plan for an entrepreneurial venture is required. Teams are quickly formed at the start of the course. Teams must participate in the Louisiana Tech “TOP DAWG” Business Plan competition.  Each member shares a significant work load preparing for each class, as well as to complete the written business plan.   The class sessions are a series of power point presentations designed to stimulate discussion on the subject matter contained in the text(s). 

ENTR 430  ::  Innovative Product Design

Course Description
This multidisciplinary course is inspired by the design and prototype development philosophy of the world’s most renowned product design firm, IDEO, Inc. The course features lectures, readings and exercises on marketing principles, brainstorming techniques, teamwork and design theory which are applied to a real-world product design assignment.  An interdisciplinary team of professors and community business leaders (as available) will serve as mentors, facilitators and subject matter experts from whom students can seek advice in completing this assignment.  Two prototypes will be developed and presented by each team during the course.  This course is a hands-on experience and substantial out-of-class effort is required.  At the end of the class, students are expected to present their design solution, prototype and marketing plan.  Teams may continue their projects in other design classes, and/or prepare a business plan and enter the TOP DAWG Business Plan Competition. Some teams may apply for additional financial support for product development and commercialization.

Winter Quarter 2004-05
Class Hours: 12:00-1:50 TTh
CEnIT Innovation Lab

ENTR 460/560  ::  Innovative Venture Research

Course Description
The Innovative Venture Research Class, also known as Inventure Research, consists of lectures and a "hands-on, real world" experience involving university-developed intellectual property. The course provides students with training in such topics as investigation of intellectual property and business opportunity evaluation.

The class structure allows time for professor lecture time, presentations, and guest speakers. Research is conducted during lab hours that will differ from group to group, project to project.

Participants gain an understanding of commercialization issues, and generally enhance their methodological and research skills upon completion of the course. Students are prepared for work in either an entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial environment.

Winter Quarter 2004-05
Class Hours: 2-3:50 pm MW
CEnIT Innovation Lab

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