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Dr. James V. Green

This course assists aspiring and active entrepreneurs in developing great ideas into great companies. With strong economies presenting rich opportunities for new venture creation, and challenging economic times presenting the necessity for many to make their own job, the need to develop the skills to develop and act on innovative business opportunities is increasingly vital.

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This course assists aspiring and active entrepreneurs in developing great ideas into great companies. With strong economies presenting rich opportunities for new venture creation, and challenging economic times presenting the necessity for many to make their own job, the need to develop the skills to develop and act on innovative business opportunities is increasingly vital.

Using proven content, methods, and models for new venture opportunity assessment and analysis, you will learn how to:

* Identify and analyze entrepreneurial opportunities;

* Enhance your entrepreneurial mindset;

* Improve your strategic decision-making; and

* Build innovative business models.

Our goal is to demystify the startup process, and to help you build the skills to identify and act on innovative opportunities now, and in the future.

With this course, students experience a sampling of the ideas and techniques explored in the University of Maryland's master's degree in technology entrepreneurship, an innovative, 100% online program. Learn more at http://mte.umd.edu/landing.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship
This module includes a welcome to the course, an orientation to our teaching approach and faculty, and an introduction to the fundamentals of innovation and entrepreneurship.
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Entrepreneurial Mindset, Motivations, and Behaviors
This module explores entrepreneurial thinking with attention to entrepreneurial mindset, entrepreneurial motivations, and entrepreneurial behaviors.
Industry Understanding
This module examines how to recognize entrepreneurial opportunities based on market conditions and industry factors.
Customer Understanding and Business Modeling
This module introduces approaches to understanding customers, developing compelling solutions, and crafting winning business models.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines industry understanding, which is a core skill for entrepreneurs
Teaches how to build innovative business models, which is valuable to founders
Taught by Dr. James V. Green, a recognized expert in technology entrepreneurship
Introduces approaches to effectively understand customers, which has wide applications in business
Provides a sampling of ideas and techniques explored in the University of Maryland's master's degree in technology entrepreneurship
Involves explicit guidance on enhancing one's entrepreneurial mindset, motivations, and behaviors

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Reviews summary

Envisioning new companies: a solid first step in entrepreneurship

Learners say this course is largely positive for those seeking to develop new business ideas. Students appreciate the engaging video lectures, which are available both as standalone recordings and as recordings of actual classroom sessions. The course is described as well structured, helping you get your ideas organized systematically. You'll discover how to analyze the markets, determine customer needs, and assess a business idea's viability. While the content is considered basic by some, it's seen as a preparatory step for more advanced business or entrepreneurship courses you might take later.
Well-organized and systematic
"The course is rather well-structured and really helps you get your thinking organized in a systematic way."
"A good (if somewhat surface-level), precursor to more advanced courses and reading, e.g. Business Models Generation."
Clear and engaging
"I really like the business plan evaluation that has left me with a quest to learn more about it."
"The profesor very interactive, easy to keep up with and great mastery on delivering the course content."
"The challenges are fun and push you to deeply understand the content."
Solid overview of entrepreneurship principles
"offers practical tools for aspiring entrepreneurs"
"helps me develop the skills to recognize and evaluate potential business opportunities."
"Techniques to identify market gaps, understand customer needs, and assess the viability of my idea"
"Improve my decision-making and strategic decision-making which is crucial for entrepreneurs."
Provides valuable insights and tools
"This course has been a turning point in my thinking towards entrepreneurship."
"With lots of ideas in my head, I was able to pass this course with good grades."
"Reading material and PPT slides are accurately provided."
"I thank University of Maryland from bottom of my heart for serving us this course."
"Thank you, you are doing a great job by making valuable resource like education available to all."
Time-consuming videos
"Very informative but take note it is time consuming watching the videos."
"The lectures were very dry, with few examples, that I already knew."
"I didn't find anything innovative about this course. Just average, nothing special."
Audio issues in some videos
"It doesn't has sound and video quality."
"It´s getting older, I think 2012-2013 in tech very examples doesn´t very applicable today."
"In some occasions, the audio of classes is MONO sound, no stereo, very uncomfortable."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Developing Innovative Ideas for New Companies: The First Step in Entrepreneurship with these activities:
Review Innovation and Entrepreneurship principles
Refresh your knowledge of basic concepts and principles of innovation and entrepreneurship to provide a strong foundation for this course.
Browse courses on Entrepreneurship
Show steps
  • Review notes and materials from previous courses or self-study
  • Complete practice questions or exercises to test your understanding
Create a digital or physical notebook for course notes, readings, and activities
Stay organized and improve your retention by compiling all course materials in one accessible location.
Show steps
  • Choose a digital or physical notebook system
  • Establish a clear structure for organizing notes, readings, and activities
  • Consistently add to and update your notebook throughout the course
  • Review your notebook regularly to reinforce your learning
Read "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries
Gain valuable insights into the iterative approach to building successful startups and developing innovative products.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of the book
  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts and principles
  • Reflect on how the ideas presented in the book apply to your own entrepreneurial endeavors
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Complete online tutorials on innovation models
Enhance your understanding of different innovation models and techniques to foster creativity and problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on Design Thinking
Show steps
  • Search and identify reputable online platforms offering tutorials on innovation models
  • Enroll in and complete the selected tutorials
  • Apply the concepts learned in the tutorials to your own projects or entrepreneurial pursuits
Join online business forums
Engage with other entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from their experiences.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant online forums and communities
  • Create a user profile and actively participate in discussions
  • Share your own insights and experiences while seeking feedback and perspectives from others
Compile a list of resources on entrepreneurial funding and investment
Build a valuable resource that will assist you in exploring different funding options for your entrepreneurial ventures.
Browse courses on Investment Strategies
Show steps
  • Search online for articles, websites, and databases related to entrepreneurial funding
  • Identify reputable sources such as industry publications, government agencies, and investment firms
  • Organize the resources into a structured list or database
  • Include information on funding stages, types of investors, and application processes
  • Update the list regularly to ensure it remains current and relevant
Write a blog post on identifying entrepreneurial opportunities
Demonstrate your understanding of opportunity assessment by writing a blog post that outlines the key factors and methods for identifying potential entrepreneurial ventures.
Show steps
  • Research and gather insights on opportunity assessment frameworks
  • Brainstorm potential business ideas based on your research
  • Evaluate the ideas using industry analysis, customer understanding, and business modeling
  • Draft and publish your blog post, sharing your findings and insights
Attend a startup pitch event
Expose yourself to the realities of pitching and gain insights into the investment and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant startup pitch events in your area
  • Register and attend the event
  • Take notes on the pitches, particularly focusing on the problem being addressed, the solution offered, and the business model
  • Network with other attendees, including entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors
Develop a business plan for a startup venture
Put your entrepreneurial skills into practice by creating a detailed business plan that outlines your strategy, target market, and financial projections.
Browse courses on Business Planning
Show steps
  • Conduct industry and market research to identify a viable business opportunity
  • Develop a solution or product that addresses the identified need or problem
  • Craft a business plan that includes sections on market analysis, marketing strategy, operations, and financials
  • Present your business plan to potential investors or mentors for feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Developing Innovative Ideas for New Companies: The First Step in Entrepreneurship will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Business Development Manager
Business development managers are responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities. They work closely with customers to understand their needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course can help business development managers by providing them with the skills to identify and analyze entrepreneurial opportunities, enhance their entrepreneurial mindset, improve their strategic decision-making, and build innovative business models.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns that promote products and services. They work closely with other departments to develop marketing strategies and ensure that campaigns are aligned with the company's overall goals. This course can help marketing managers by providing them with the skills to identify and analyze entrepreneurial opportunities, enhance their entrepreneurial mindset, improve their strategic decision-making, and build innovative business models.
Product Manager
Product managers are responsible for developing and managing products. They work closely with engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to ensure that products meet the needs of customers. This course can help product managers by providing them with the skills to identify and analyze entrepreneurial opportunities, enhance their entrepreneurial mindset, improve their strategic decision-making, and build innovative business models.
Sales Manager
Sales managers are responsible for leading and motivating sales teams. They work closely with customers to understand their needs and develop sales strategies that meet those needs. This course can help sales managers by providing them with the skills to identify and analyze entrepreneurial opportunities, enhance their entrepreneurial mindset, improve their strategic decision-making, and build innovative business models.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs are individuals who start and operate their own businesses. They are responsible for all aspects of their business, from developing the idea to marketing and selling the product or service. This course can help entrepreneurs by providing them with the skills to identify and analyze entrepreneurial opportunities, enhance their entrepreneurial mindset, improve their strategic decision-making, and build innovative business models.
Business Analyst
Business analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying areas for improvement. They work closely with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course can help business analysts by providing them with the skills to identify and analyze entrepreneurial opportunities, enhance their entrepreneurial mindset, improve their strategic decision-making, and build innovative business models.
Operations Manager
Operations managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a business. They work closely with employees to ensure that the business runs smoothly and efficiently. This course may be useful for operations managers by providing them with the skills to identify and analyze entrepreneurial opportunities and enhance their entrepreneurial mindset.
UX Designer
UX designers are responsible for designing the user experience of products and services. They work closely with other designers and stakeholders to ensure that products and services are easy to use and enjoyable. This course may be useful for UX designers by providing them with the skills to identify and analyze entrepreneurial opportunities and enhance their entrepreneurial mindset.
Management Consultant
Management consultants are responsible for advising businesses on how to improve their operations. They work closely with clients to identify areas for improvement and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course may be useful for management consultants by providing them with the skills to identify and analyze entrepreneurial opportunities and enhance their entrepreneurial mindset.
Graphic designer
Graphic designers are responsible for creating visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This course may be useful for graphic designers by providing them with the skills to identify and analyze entrepreneurial opportunities and enhance their entrepreneurial mindset.
Project Manager
Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work closely with stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course may be useful for project managers by providing them with the skills to identify and analyze entrepreneurial opportunities and enhance their entrepreneurial mindset.
Data Scientist
Data scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. They work closely with other stakeholders to develop insights that can be used to improve decision-making. This course may be useful for data scientists by providing them with the skills to identify and analyze entrepreneurial opportunities and enhance their entrepreneurial mindset.
Software Engineer
Software engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing software applications. They work closely with other engineers and stakeholders to ensure that software applications meet the needs of users. This course may be useful for software engineers by providing them with the skills to identify and analyze entrepreneurial opportunities and enhance their entrepreneurial mindset.
Web Developer
Web developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites. They work closely with other developers and stakeholders to ensure that websites are functional, user-friendly, and accessible. This course may be useful for web developers by providing them with the skills to identify and analyze entrepreneurial opportunities and enhance their entrepreneurial mindset.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data and making recommendations on investments. They work closely with clients to understand their financial goals and develop investment strategies that meet those goals. This course may be useful for financial analysts by providing them with the skills to identify and analyze entrepreneurial opportunities and enhance their entrepreneurial mindset.

Reading list

We've selected 45 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Developing Innovative Ideas for New Companies: The First Step in Entrepreneurship.
Explores the challenges that large, established companies face when trying to innovate. It provides a framework for understanding why companies often fail to innovate, and offers advice on how to overcome these challenges.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of entrepreneurship. It covers topics such as opportunity recognition, business model development, and venture financing. It is frequently used as a textbook in entrepreneurship courses.
Is considered a classic in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship. It provides a framework for understanding why large, successful companies often fail to innovate and how smaller, more agile companies can succeed.
Provides a practical guide to building a successful startup. It introduces the concept of the Lean Startup, which method for developing products and services quickly and efficiently.
Offers a unique perspective on entrepreneurship. It argues that the best way to build a successful startup is to create something new and different, rather than copying existing products or services.
Provides a unique perspective on創業論, emphasizing the importance of creating new products and services that don't already exist.
Provides guidance on how to market and sell technology products to mainstream customers. It identifies the key challenges that companies face when crossing the chasm from early adopters to mainstream customers.
Provides a practical guide to getting customers for your startup. It offers advice on how to develop a marketing and sales strategy, and how to measure your progress.
Provides a framework for understanding the challenges of marketing and selling technology products to mainstream customers. It valuable resource for any entrepreneur who is targeting a new market.
Provides a practical guide to implementing the Lean Startup methodology in large organizations.
Provides a practical guide to the legal and financial aspects of starting a business. It must-read for any entrepreneur who is planning to raise capital.
Provides a comprehensive guide to starting and running a successful business. It covers all aspects of the startup process, from idea generation to exit planning.
Provides a framework for developing good strategy. It explains the difference between good and bad strategy, and offers advice on how to develop a strategy that will help you achieve your goals.
Provides a controversial but thought-provoking look at the traditional work paradigm. It valuable read for any entrepreneur who is looking for ways to work smarter, not harder.
Provides a refreshing perspective on work and business. It valuable read for any entrepreneur who is looking to build a more efficient and productive business.
Provides a classic perspective on the challenges of starting and running a small business. It valuable read for any entrepreneur who is looking to build a successful and sustainable business.
Provides a practical guide to building a successful business using the lean startup methodology. It valuable resource for any entrepreneur who is looking to build a more efficient and effective business.
Identifies the five skills that are essential for successful innovation. It valuable resource for entrepreneurs who want to learn how to create and implement disruptive innovations.
Provides advice on how to start and run a successful business. It covers a wide range of topics, from marketing to sales to customer service.
Provides practical advice on how to start a successful business. It valuable resource for entrepreneurs who want to learn how to overcome the challenges of starting a new venture.
Provides practical advice on how to start a business with a small budget. It valuable resource for entrepreneurs who want to learn how to start a business without a lot of money.
Provides a comprehensive overview of business fundamentals. It valuable resource for entrepreneurs who want to learn the basics of business.
Provides advice on how to build a successful small business. It covers a wide range of topics, from marketing to sales to customer service.
Provides advice on how to get rich. It covers a wide range of topics, from investing to real estate to starting a business.
Provides a framework for using design thinking to solve problems. It valuable resource for entrepreneurs who want to learn how to use creative problem solving to create successful products and businesses.
Provides a framework for developing and testing new products. It valuable resource for entrepreneurs who want to learn how to create successful products.

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