Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
Questions will be resolved before or after class. To resolve non-face-to-face questions, this will be done by videoconference.
Introduction
The course is aimed at showing the key elements in the creation of technology-based companies and their management. Throughout the course four chapters/subjects will be studied (Strategy, Finance, Marketing and Commercial Law) that make up the hard core of all business management. In addition, the subject modifies the contents for biomedical companies and start-ups.
Pre-course requirements
None.
Objectives
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To know the basic concepts for the creation of companies and their strategic direction.
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To know the basics of business finance.
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To know the basic concepts of marketing with special reference to product development.
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To know the basic concepts of commercial law in the creation of companies and protection of intellectual property.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
- CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
- CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- CB05 - That students have developed the necessary learning skills to undertake subsequent studies with a high degree of autonomy.
- CE18 - To identify the different stages of the process of a transfer of basic knowledge to a product, technology or service as well as methods for entrepreneurship and innovation that facilitate the various stages of the transfer of knowledge.
- CG05 - To be aware of the different fields and dynamics in biomedical companies where a graduate in Biomedical Science can work.
- CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
- CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
- CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
- CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
- CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
- CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
- CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
- CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
- CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
- CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
- CT12 - To apply scientific method.
- CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
- CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to a culture of peace and democratic values.
Learning outcomes of the subject
At the end of the course, the student:
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Understands entrepreneurship strategies, knows how to use business plans as a work tool and understands the role of bio-incubators in the transfer of knowledge.
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Knows the basic processes for the creation of companies in the academic environment (spin-off) as well as the necessary tools to manage it effectively.
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Knows the basic principles of business finance.
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Knows the basic principles of marketing and, with a special reference, the product development processes.
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Gets to know the basic principles that regulate start-up law.
Syllabus
1) Business strategy
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Company vs start-up
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Business plan
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Canvas
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Objectives and Key Results
2) Finance
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Basic accounting
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Net present value
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R&D taxation
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Financing of start-ups
3) Marketing
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Introduction
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Promotion: segmentation and positioning
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Pricing strategies
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Placement
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Product:
i. Agile
ii. SCRUM
iii. Kanban
iv. Inception Deck
4) Commercial law
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Corporate structure
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Contract
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Partner agreements
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Protection of intellectual property
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Technology transfer
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Lectures: 50-minute presentation of a theoretical topic by the teacher.
Clinical cases or case methods (CM): Approach to a real or imaginary situation. Students work on the questions formulated in small groups or in interaction with the teacher and the answers are discussed. The teacher actively intervenes and, if necessary, contributes new knowledge.
Virtual education (VE): Online material that the student can consult from any computer, at any time and that will contribute to the self-learning of concepts related to the subject.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1) Students in first sitting:
- Class participation and attitude: 10% (autoevaluation)
- Business plan presentation: 50%
- Test: 40%
For the self-assessment, the student must take into account that the grade can be reviewed by the teacher and these criteria will be taken into account:
Excellent performance
• Initiates information related to the topics covered
• Accurately demonstrates content knowledge of the task
• Clarifies points that others may not understand
• Share personal experiences or opinions related to the topic.
• Provides relevant/succinct information to the class
• Actively participates in class exercises.
• Demonstrates ability to apply, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize course material.
• Demonstrates willingness to try to answer unpopular questions.
• It is based on the contributions of other students.
Average performance
• Participates in group discussions when prompted
• Demonstrates knowledge of course material
• Provides clear, concise, and "good" information about class assignments.
• Offers information, but tends to reiterate the intuitive
• Attend classes regularly
Unacceptable performance
• Does not participate even when asked directly
• Does not contribute information to the discussions
• Does not demonstrate knowledge of the readings
• Shows up to class: does nothing
• Distracts the group / class
• Irrelevant discussion
Attendance at all MC is mandatory to pass the subject in the 1st call.
2) Students in second or subsequent sitting: the class participation and business plan scores will be saved. In case of failure, only the test will be repeated.
In the second sitting may only aspire to a maximum mark of 6 out of 10.
General points to bear in mind about the evaluation system:
1) In the presentation of the business plan, a minimum grade of 5 must be obtained in order to attain an average.
2) Attendance for case methods is mandatory. In the case of unjustified non-attendance, the class participation and attitude grade will be 0.
3) Class participation is understood to be the contribution of interesting ideas or the raising of pertinent questions that help to improve the quality of the session, whether it is a lecture or case methods.
4) Attendance for theoretical classes is not compulsory but the attendees must be governed by the rules laid down by the teachers. In the case of not arriving on time, enter in silence without disturbing or interrupting the class. In the case of non-attendance at a minimum of 65% of sessions, the participation in class will be given low marks.
Bibliography and resources
The Enterpreneur’s Guide to a Biotech Startup.
Peter Kolchinsky. www.evelexa.com .
Free download: https://www.ctsi.ucla.edu/researcher-resources/files/view/docs/EGBS4_Kolchinsky.pdf
Evaluation period
- E2 17/06/2024 A09 16:00h