BUSAD X428 - Entrepreneurial Strategies and Planning
Course Description
This applied course examines the strategic and financial skills required to develop and evaluate new business ventures. Students are guided through the complete process of researching, designing, and presenting a business plan for a product or service concept. Learners use AI-assisted research and planning tools to analyze market opportunities, model financial outcomes, and prepare persuasive, investor-ready presentations.
Topics include opportunity identification, competitive analysis, financial modeling, value-proposition design, marketing strategy, human-resource planning, and leadership communication.
Course Outline
DATE SUBMITTED: Dec 1, 2025
COURSE NUMBER: BUSAD X428
TITLE: Entrepreneurial Strategies and Planning
UNITS: 4 AU
INSTRUCTIONAL HOURS: 36
INSTRUCTOR: Michael Penn
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This applied course examines the strategic and financial skills required to develop and evaluate new business ventures. Students are guided through the complete process of researching, designing, and presenting a business plan for a product or service concept. Learners use AI-assisted research and planning tools to analyze market opportunities, model financial outcomes, and prepare persuasive, investor-ready presentations.
Topics include opportunity identification, competitive analysis, financial modeling, value-proposition design, marketing strategy, human-resource planning, and leadership communication.
MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT: 40
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
- Gain an applied understanding of entrepreneurship as a process of opportunity recognition, validation, and execution.
- Create cohesive business plans by integrating key functional disciplines like marketing, finance, operations, and leadership.
- Apply critical and creative thinking skills to design innovative and sustainable business concepts.
- Strengthen presentation, persuasion, and leadership abilities in professional business contexts.
- Leverage generative AI tools to enhance research, modeling, and communication effectiveness.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Identify and validate entrepreneurial opportunities through research and analysis.
- Apply financial modeling techniques to assess venture feasibility and ROI.
- Formulate a comprehensive business plan that integrates market, operational, and managerial strategies.
- Employ generative AI tools to conduct business analysis and refine professional communications.
- Deliver a persuasive pitch presentation that articulates the venture's vision, value proposition, and financial case.
- Integrate ethical and sustainable considerations into venture design and execution.
METHODOLOGY (i.e. lecture, small group exercises, field activities):
- Lecture
- Discussion
- Project Work
- Small Group Exercises
- Case Studies w/ Discussion
PRIMARY MODES OF ASSESSMENT:
- Exams (Midterm/Final)
- Presentations
- Participation
- Projects/Portfolios
SUGGESTED TERM(S) / SEMESTER(S):
- Fall
- Winter
- Spring
INTENDED AUDIENCE:
Students (undergraduate or recent graduate); Early- to mid-career professionals; Entrepreneurs or business owners; International learners
Learner Outcomes
- Identify and validate entrepreneurial opportunities through research and analysis.
- Apply financial modeling techniques to assess venture feasibility and ROI.
- Formulate a comprehensive business plan that integrates market, operational, and managerial strategies.
- Employ generative AI tools to conduct business analysis and refine professional communications.
- Deliver a persuasive pitch presentation that articulates the venture's vision, value proposition, and financial case.
- Integrate ethical and sustainable considerations into venture design and execution.
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Entrepreneurship : Core Requirement (1 Course)
- International Business Development : Required Course (Choose 1)