Welcome to BUS 310: Launching New Ventures

Note: This course code has changed from B 383 to BUS 310. You may occasionally see references to the old course code or title.

Course description

This course provides real-world, hands-on learning on what it is like to actually start a company. This is a practical class. The objective is to create an entrepreneurial experience, practice working as a team, and turn an idea into a company.

Required Materials

1. Osterwalder, A. & Pigneur, Y. (2010). Business Model Generation. New Jersey: Wiley. The link for this book is provided in the course, free of charge through the library. You may read it online, but it is not available for download. If you need a hard copy or a downloadable copy, you will need to purchase it.
   • Compare prices for your textbooks through the University Store Price Comparison site. They will show you all of the options from the University Store plus several online options to help you find the best price.
2. Entrepreneurs are constantly presenting their ideas to others. To help you become experienced in presenting your ideas, you will use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint (either from Microsoft Office or Office 365) extensively in this course.
   • As a BYU-Idaho student, you can access the web-based Office 365 through your my.byui.edu > email portal.
   • If you prefer to download the software, you can do so for free by following the instructions in the University Store > OnTheHub portal.
3. All other materials are provided in the course.

Learning Model Architecture

The learning model is a defining aspect of the BYU-Idaho experience that provides a pattern for continual learning and personal development long after graduation. Each week you will Prepare, Teach One Another, and Ponder & Prove.

Course Structure

• You will be expected to spend an average of twelve hours a week on this course.
  • It is important to begin your studies at the beginning of each week and pace yourself throughout the week.
    • Do not wait until the due dates to start your studies.
• You will learn new concepts, and then apply them in both individual and group projects.
• You will complete two large projects in the course; the group project mentioned below and an individual project, completed in Weeks 01–09.
• Each week begins with individual preparation activities.
  
  • In some weeks, there are assignments due as part of preparation.
  • All preparation activities are due/should be complete by Wednesday 11:59 PM Mountain Time.
• In Weeks 02–07, you are expected to attend synchronous meetings as your main source of a Teach One Another activity.
  • To accommodate various schedules, there are several meetings to sign up for. (See the course for full details.)
  • Complete your case study draft before attending the synchronous meeting.
  • Edit and finalize your work after the meeting and submit it by Saturday 11:59 PM Mountain Time.
• In Weeks 08–14, you will complete a group project as your Teach One Another activity.
  • You will choose how and where to communicate.
• Ponder & Prove assignments are completed individually and are due Saturday at 11:59 PM Mountain Time.
• Some assignments will be due Fridays at 11:59 PM Mountain Time.
  • Use your Calendar and To-Do List to stay on track.

Course Outline

Grading

• This course uses the BYU-I standard grading scale.
• Citizenship is worth 10% of your grade.
  • You will automatically receive this by being an active, positive participant in the class.
  • You will lose it by not participating with your group, not working well with others, or otherwise not displaying good citizenship.
• Because of the nature of the class, a professional experience where concepts build on each other from week to week and a heavy emphasis on group work, you are expected to submit your work on time.
  • Grade deductions for late assignments will be at the discretion of your instructor.
  • Late work will adversely affect the whole team and therefore, affect your grade.
    • Your portion of the grade for group assignments will be evaluated by your group leader.
• Assignments which are turned in on time and receive a low grade can be turned in again for a higher grade.
  • Assignments which are turned in late receive no second chances.

Grading Categories	Point Allocation
Individual Project	240 pts. (about 24%)
Case Analysis	225 pts. (about 22%)
Group Project & Teach One Another Activities	225 pts. (about 22%)
Reflection Journal & Miscellaneous Assignments	215 pts. (about 22%)
Citizenship	100 pts. (about 10%)

University Policies

See the University Polices page located in the module for information about specific policies such as sexual harassment, complaints, and students with disabilities.