Entrepreneurship

Recommended Prerequisites

The course provides an introduction to entrepreneurship. Therefore, there are no specialized technical prerequisites.

Teaching Methods

Classes combine oral presentation with learn-by-doing approaches. The contents are lectured in a practical and interactive way, with basis on case-study analysis and practical challenges. Also, methods include project-base learning (group work).

Learning Outcomes

The course has the following main objectives: to encourage a culture of entrepreneurship, to promote the development of innovation and entrepreneurial competences, and to familiarize students with the business environment of civil engineering.

In particular, students should become knowledgeable about generation of business models, ways to come up with and present value propositions for the customer, market and trend analysis. They should also learn to master the methods and tools appropriate for each purpose.

By the end of the course students are expected to have acquired the ability to i) identify and shape opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation, ii) transform a mere business idea into a reality, and iii) to lead and manage innovation and change within companies/organizations.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Introduction

- The relevance of innovation and entrepreneurship

- Fundamental concepts

- Types of entrepreneurship

- Entrepreneurial motivation

- The innovationlandscape in civil engineering

Sources and Opportunities for Entrepreneurship

- Criativity tools and ideation

- Technological innovation

Creating Value for the Customer

- Customer job/needs

- Market segmentation

- Value Proposition

Business Models

- Fundamental concepts and tools/frameworks

- Business Model typologies

The Search Process and Validation

- Lean startup methodology

- Testing process and tools

- Preliminary viability analysis

- Profitability and scalability

Business Environment and Strategy

- Strategic positioning

- Competitive advantage

- Blue Ocean strategy

- Competitive and value chain analysis

Innovation Management

- Managing innovation projects

- Leading change

- Building systemic innovation in organizations.

Head Lecturer(s)

Luís Alberto Proença Simões da Silva

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Report of a seminar or field trip: 20.0%
Exam: 40.0%
Project: 40.0%

Bibliography

[1] Saraiva, P.M. (2015). Empreendedorismo: do conceito à aplicação, da ideia ao negócio, da tecnologia ao valor. Coimbra, Portugal: Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra.

[2] Osterwalder, A. and Pigneur, Y. (2010). Business Model Generation. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken.