Course

Syllabus
Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Course Details

Course Title Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Credit Hours 2

Semester & Year Fall Semester, 2024-2025

Pre-requisites

Contact Hours

Class Type Days Time Classroom

Lecture/seminar F 15:30 pm-18:15 pm Online

Instructor details

Instructor Dr. Diederich Bakker

Room
Office Hours
Email [Link]@[Link]
Telephone

Course Introduction

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Welcome to the Innovation and Entrepreneurship course. Over the next 14 weeks, we will explore how
innovation and entrepreneurial thinking drive success in today’s dynamic world. Innovation is crucial for
both companies and individuals, enabling them to stay competitive, adapt to changing markets, and solve
complex problems. It is through innovation that businesses develop new products, improve services, and
create more efficient processes, all of which are vital for long-term growth.

Entrepreneurship, on the other hand, is the engine of economic progress. It fuels job creation, fosters
economic development, and turns innovative ideas into real-world solutions. Entrepreneurs bring fresh
perspectives to market needs, create new industries, and challenge established norms. In this course, you
will learn how to recognize opportunities, manage innovation within organizations, and develop the mindset
required to succeed as an entrepreneur. By the end of this course, you will understand how innovation can be
systematically managed and how entrepreneurial ventures can be the key to personal and economic growth.
Whether you aim to start your own business or innovate within an existing company, the skills you gain here
will be invaluable.

Course Objectives

This course explores the theories and practices of innovation and entrepreneurship, focusing on identifying
opportunities, creating value, and scaling new ventures. Students will engage with online readings,
participate in group projects, and develop their entrepreneurial mindset and skills.

The specific objectives are:

1 Understand key concepts and frameworks in innovation and entrepreneurship

2 Identify and evaluate business opportunities

3 Develop and pitch a business plan

4 Analyze the challenges and strategies for scaling a new venture

5 Apply innovative thinking to real-world problems

6 Collaborate effectively in teams

Contribution to Mission & program competence goals

CG4 Students demonstrate an understanding of the trend and extent of technological change and
innovation in the economic environment.
LO1Develop practical skills to apply economic knowledge in building and managing innovation-driven
organizations; and to create and sustain innovation strategies to exploit and develop new opportunities.

LO2Develop abilities to underpin entrepreneurship and its application in the recognition and exploitation
of economic opportunities in the context of a technological innovating market.

 Professional Knowledge and Competency  Global competency

Contribution to
 Technology & innovation  Sustainability  Social responsibility
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 School Mission

■[Link] the competency to communicate effectively within a business

environment involving different cultures.

■ 2. Develop an understanding of ethical business practices that demonstrates

Contribution to social responsibility to all stakeholders in the community and the natural
competence goals: environment.
Bachelor of
Management (Major ■ 3. Develop practical skills to apply business knowledge in building and
in International managing innovation-driven organizations; and to create and sustain innovation
Business) strategies to exploit and develop new opportunities.

■ 4. Develop abilities to underpin entrepreneurship and its application in the

recognition and exploitation of business opportunities in the context of a
technological innovating market.

■[Link] the competency to communicate effectively within a business

environment involving different cultures.

■ 2. Develop an understanding of ethical business practices that demonstrates

Contribution to social responsibility to all stakeholders in the community and the natural
competence goals: environment.
Bachelor of
Management (Major ■ 3. Develop practical skills to apply business knowledge in building and
in Electronic managing innovation-driven organizations; and to create and sustain innovation
Commerce) strategies to exploit and develop new opportunities.

■ 4. Develop abilities to underpin entrepreneurship and its application in the

recognition and exploitation of business opportunities in the context of a
technological innovating market.

Teaching Methodology

Based on the previously described course objectives, each session aims at acquiring a broad range of
theoretical as well as hands-on knowledge and practicing different skills. Therefore, the structure of each
meeting is different. I emphasize group learning, communication skills and self-study. It is of extreme
importance that you read the obligatory literature before you attend the session. During class time,
individual students and groups will be tasked with assignments either ad hoc or with 1 weeks’ notice. It is
highly relevant to prepare the weekly assignments and be prepared to present or lead discussions.

Course Materials and Readings

We are using the following eText: please refer to the weekly readings in the weekly outline.
Readings based on current events or discussion outcomes may be added throughout the semester

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Assessment Method (1)

Your grade will be determined by your performance on individual and teamwork participation. The final
grade will be determined as exhibited in Table 1.

Table 1. Assignments and percentage

1. Reflective Essay on Personal

Entrepreneurial Goals

2. Opportunity Recognition Exercise 5%

3. Market Research Report 10%

4. Business Model Canvas 10%

5. Draft Business Plan Outline 5%

6. Funding Strategy Proposal 10%

7. Case Study Analysis on Innovation

10%
Management

8. Marketing Plan for Startup Idea 10%

9. Legal Considerations Report 10%

10. Scaling Strategy Presentation 5%

11. Social Impact Analysis 5%

12. Pitch Deck Development 5%

13. Final Project Submission and Presentation 10%

14. Peer Assessment and Final

5%
Reflective Essay

Total 100%

Assessment Method (2)

This class also follows the rules and expectations regarding letter grades provided by Beijing Foreign
Studies University (BFSU) and it also follows the grading curve policies. See table 2.

Table 2. Number and letter grade correspondence

Points Grades Grade points

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 90-100 A 4.0

85-89 B+ 3.7

82-84 B 3.3

78-81 B- 3.0

75-77 C+ 2.7

72-74 C 2.3

68-71 C- 2.0

64-67 D+ 1.5

60-63 D 1.0

0-59 F 0

Assessment Method (3)

Please relate to the session detail section for the specific scope and depth of each assignment expected from
individual students and groups. All assignments are listed below. They can also be found in table 1 and the
weekly session overviews.
1. Reflective Essay on Personal Entrepreneurial Goals
2. Opportunity Recognition Exercise: 5%
3. Market Research Report: 10%
4. Business Model Canvas: 10%
5. Draft Business Plan Outline: 5%
6. Funding Strategy Proposal: 10%
7. Case Study Analysis on Innovation Management: 10%
8. Marketing Plan for Startup Idea: 10%
9. Legal Considerations Report: 10%
10. Scaling Strategy Presentation: 5%
11. Social Impact Analysis: 5%
12. Pitch Deck Development: 5%
13. Final Project Submission and Presentation: 10%
14. Peer Assessment and Final Reflective Essay: 5%

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Course Outline

Week Date Topic Reading Activity

The Discipline of
Innovation by Peter
Introduction to Innovation Drucker
1 13-Sep Lecture and seminar
and Entrepreneurship

How to Identify
2 20-Sep Opportunity Recognition Business & Market Lecture and seminar
Opportunities ([Link])

The Retailer's Guide to

Market Research and
3 27-Sep
Validation
Market Research - Lecture and seminar
Shopify

IMD Business School: A

Short Video Series on
4 4-Oct Business Model Generation the Business Model Lecture and seminar
Canvas
([Link])

Write your business

plan | U.S. Small
5 11-Oct Developing a Business Plan Lecture and seminar
Business Administration
([Link])

Crowdfunding Is
Increasing—How To
6 18-Oct Financing New Ventures Lecture and seminar
Have A Successful
Campaign ([Link])

Summary of The
7 25-Oct Innovation Management Innovator’s Dilemma | Lecture and seminar
by Duarte M | Medium

24 Unique Startup
8 1-Nov Marketing for Startups Marketing Strategies Lecture and seminar
([Link])

5 Common Legal Issues

For Entrepreneurs | MSL
Legal Issues in 360 ([Link]),
9 8-Nov Lecture and seminar
Entrepreneurship 8 Legal Requirements
When You Start A
Business | Entrepreneur.

How to Create and

10 15-Nov Scaling the Venture Execute a Growth Lecture and seminar
Strategy ([Link])

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 Schwab Foundation for
11 22-Nov Social Entrepreneurship Lecture and seminar
Social Entrepreneurship

How to Successfully
Pitching and Presentation Pitch Your Business
12 29-Nov Lecture and seminar
Skills Idea to Investors |
Bplans

13 6-Dec Final Project Presentations - Lecture and seminar

Peer Assessment and

14 13-Dec - Lecture and seminar
Course Review

15 20-Dec Class revision and outlook Lecture and seminar

Session Details

Session 1, Sep 13

Session 1: Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship

 Topics: Course overview, key concepts

 Readings:
o The Discipline of Innovation by Peter Drucker
 Assignment: Reflective essay on personal entrepreneurial goals (Individual)
o Scope: Reflect on your personal goals as an aspiring entrepreneur. Discuss your motivations,
strengths, weaknesses, and how you plan to develop your entrepreneurial skills throughout
this course.
o Depth: Provide specific examples and tie your reflection to course concepts and readings.
o Word Count: 500 words.
Due date: Week 2-Wednesday 12.00 pm China Time
File name: Assignment number_Surname_First Name_Student number
For example: 1_Bakker_Diederich_123456789

Session 2, Sep 20

Session 2: Opportunity Recognition

 Topics: Identifying opportunities, creativity in entrepreneurship

 Readings:
o How to Identify a Business Opportunity by HBS Online. How to Identify Business & Market
Opportunities ([Link])
 Assignment: Opportunity recognition exercise (individual) 5%
o Scope: Identify and analyze a potential business opportunity in your local community or a
market you are interested in. Describe the problem, the potential solution, and why it is a
viable opportunity.

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 o Depth: Use tools and frameworks discussed in class to support your analysis.
o Word Count: 600 words.
o Due date: Week 3-Wednesday 12.00 pm China Time
File name: Assignment number_Surname_First Name_Student number

 Group formation: Once the class list is final, groups will be formed by the instructor at the end of
week 2. Groups will be notified and asked to meet and discuss the group project:

Your task is to work as a group to create a start-up concept based on a product or service that
addresses a real need in your local community or a market of your choice. The goal is to identify a
viable idea that your team can develop throughout the semester. Here are the steps to get started:

1. Identify a Problem or Opportunity: Explore problems faced by people in your community, or

examine emerging trends in a market you find interesting. Look for unmet needs, inefficiencies, or
areas where improvements could make a difference.
2. Brainstorm Solutions: Based on your research, come up with several ideas that could solve the
identified problem. Think creatively and be open to all suggestions.
3. Evaluate Ideas: Discuss the feasibility of each idea. Consider factors such as market demand,
competition, available resources, and the skills of your group. Choose one idea that you all believe
has the most potential for success.
4. Reach Consensus: Make sure everyone in your group agrees on the selected start-up idea. Your
team will work on this concept for the rest of the semester.

 Each week, the session topics will guide you through key stages of start-up development, including
market research, business models, funding strategies, product development, marketing, etcetera.

Session 3, Sep 27

Session 3: Market Research and Validation

 Topics: Customer discovery, market analysis

 Readings:
o A Guide to Market Research by Shopify. The Retailer's Guide to Market Research - Shopify
 Assignment: Market research report (group) 10%
o Scope: Conduct primary and/or secondary research on the target market for your startup idea.
Include data on market size, customer segments, competitors, and trends.
o Depth: Provide detailed analysis supported by data and reference sources appropriately.
o Word Count: 1500-2000 words.
Due date: Week 4 Thursday 12.00 pm China Time
o File name: Assignment number_Group Number
For example: 3_Group 2

Session 4, Oct 4

Session 4: Business Model Generation

 Topics: Business model canvas, value proposition

 Readings:
o Business Model Canvas Explained by Strategyzer. IMD Business School: A Short Video
Series on the Business Model Canvas ([Link])

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  Assignment: Business model canvas for chosen idea (group) 10%
o Scope: Develop a Business Model Canvas for your startup idea. Explain each of the nine
components, including value propositions, customer segments, and revenue streams.
o Depth: Ensure each section is well thought out and logically consistent.
o Word Count: 1,000-1,500 words (plus visual canvas).
Due date: Week 5-Wednesday 12.00 pm China Time
File name: Assignment number_Group Number

Session 5, Oct 11

Session 5: Developing a Business Plan

 Topics: Elements of a business plan, financial projections

 Readings:
o How to Write a Business Plan by SBA. Write your business plan | U.S. Small Business
Administration ([Link])
 Assignment: Draft business plan outline (group) 5%
o Scope: Create an outline for a full business plan for your startup. Include key sections as
outlined in the business plan by SBA.
o Depth: Focus on this structure and key points. Realise that things of your idea and business
can still change.
o Word Count: 2000 words.
Due date: Week 6-Wednesday 12.00 pm China Time
File name: Assignment number_Group Number

Session 6, Oct 18

Session 6: Financing New Ventures

 Topics: Funding sources, venture capital

 Readings:
o Funding Your Startup: Crowdfunding vs. VC by Forbes. Crowdfunding Is Increasing—How
To Have A Successful Campaign ([Link])
 Assignment: Funding strategy proposal (individual) 10%
o Scope: Propose a strategy for funding your startup, considering different sources such as
venture capital, crowdfunding, or bootstrapping. Justify your choices.
o Depth: Provide a detailed explanation of why the selected funding sources are appropriate
and feasible.
o Word Count: 1200 words.
Due date: Week 7-Wednesday 12.00 pm China Time
File name: Assignment number_Surname_First Name_Student number

Session 7, Oct 25

Session 7: Innovation Management

 Topics: Managing innovation within organizations, R&D

 Readings:

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 o Read the summary of the “The Innovators Dilemma”. Summary of The Innovator’s Dilemma
| by Duarte M | Medium. Then find a suitable case study and illustrate the management
(successful or not) of innovation within companies and organisations.
 Assignment: Case study analysis on innovation management (individual) 10%
o Scope: Analyze the case study on innovation management. Identify key challenges, strategies
used, and the outcomes.
o Depth: Apply relevant theories and frameworks from the course to your analysis.
o Word Count: 1000 words.
Due date: Week 8-Wednesday 12.00 pm China Time
File name: Assignment number_Surname_First Name_Student number

Session 8, Nov 1

Session 8: Marketing for Startups

 Topics: Go-to-market strategies, branding

 Readings:
o Startup Marketing Strategies by Neil Patel. 24 Unique Startup Marketing Strategies
([Link]).
 Assignment: Action oriented marketing plan for startup idea (group) 10%
o Scope: Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy based on Patel’s operational strategies
for your startup
o Depth: Relate to your prior findings and decisions such as market research and business
model canvas to justify your strategy.
o Word Count: 2000 words.
Due date: Week 9-Wednesday 12.00 pm China Time
File name: Assignment number_Group Number

Session 9, Nov 8

Session 9: Legal Issues in Entrepreneurship

 Topics: Intellectual property, business formation

 Readings:
o Legal Issues Facing Entrepreneurs. 5 Common Legal Issues For Entrepreneurs | MSL 360
([Link]) and 8 Legal Requirements When You Start A Business | Entrepreneur.
 Assignment: Legal considerations report (group) 10%
o Scope: Identify and discuss the legal issues relevant to your startup. Make sure you relate to
the local legal frameworks that your business is situated in.
o Depth: Provide practical advice and reference legal frameworks where applicable.
o Word Count: 1000 words.
Due date: Week 10-Wednesday 12.00 pm China Time
File name: Assignment number_Group Number

Session 10, Nov 15

Session 10: Scaling the Venture

 Topics: Growth strategies, scaling challenges

 Readings:

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 o How to Scale Your Business: 10 Growth Strategies by Oberlo. How to Create and Execute a
Growth Strategy ([Link])
 Assignment: Scaling strategy presentation (group) 5%
o Scope: Create a presentation on how you plan to scale your startup. Include strategies for
scaling operations, market expansion, and managing growth.
o Depth: Focus on clear, actionable strategies with supporting rationale.
o Format: 10-12 slides with accompanying speaker notes.
Due date: Week 11-Wednesday 12.00 pm China Time
File name: Assignment number_Group Number

Session 11, Nov 22

Session 11: Social Entrepreneurship

 Topics: Creating social value, sustainability

 Readings:
o What is Social Entrepreneurship by Schwab Foundation. Schwab Foundation for Social
Entrepreneurship
 Assignment: Social impact analysis (individual) 5%
o Scope: Analyze the potential social impact of your startup idea. Discuss both positive and
negative impacts on society and the environment.
o Depth: Tie your analysis to concepts like corporate social responsibility and sustainability.
o Word Count: 500-700 words.
Due date: Week 12-Wednesday 12.00 pm China Time
File name: Assignment number_Surname_First Name_Student number

Session 12, Nov 29

Session 12: Pitching and Presentation Skills

 Topics: Effective pitching, communication skills

 Readings:
o How to Pitch a Business Idea by Bplans. How to Successfully Pitch Your Business Idea to
Investors | Bplans.
 Assignment: Pitch deck development (group) 5%
o Scope: Develop a pitch deck to present your startup idea to potential investors. Include key
elements like the problem, solution, market opportunity, business model, and financial
projections.
o Depth: The deck should be concise but compelling, using visuals effectively.
o Format: 10-12 slides.
Due date: Week 13-Wednesday 12.00 pm China Time
File name: Assignment number_Group Number

Session 13, Dec 6

Session 13: Final Project Presentations

 Topics: Group project presentations, feedback sessions

 Readings: None
 Assignment: Final project submission and presentation (group) 10%

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 o Scope: Submit a comprehensive business plan for your startup, incorporating feedback from
previous assignments. Present your business plan to the class.
o Depth: The business plan should be detailed, well-organized, and professionally formatted.
The presentation should be clear and persuasive.
o Word Count: 3,000-4,000 words (plan); 15-20 minutes (presentation).
Due date: Week 14-Wednesday 12.00 pm China Time
File name: Assignment number_Group Number

Session 14, Dec 13

Session 14: Peer Assessment and Course Review

 Topics: Reflecting on learning, peer assessment

 Readings: None
 Assignment: Peer assessment and final reflective essay (individual) 5%
o Scope: Provide constructive feedback on your peers’ final presentations and group
performance throughout the semester and write a reflective essay on what you have learned
throughout the course.
o Depth: Your reflection should include how your understanding of innovation and
entrepreneurship has evolved.
o Word Count: 500 words for reflective essay and use the form provided for the peer
assessment
Due date: Week 15-Wednesday 12.00 pm China Time
File name: Assignment number_Surname_First Name_Student number

Session 15, Dec 20

Session 15: Class revision and outlook

 Topics: the future of entrepreneurship

Miscellaneous issues

 If I need to communicate with you outside of class, I will use the email provided by BFSU. You are
responsible for checking this email system.

 I reserve the right to make adjustments in course requirements. Classes are somewhat organic and
changes are to be anticipated.

 If a student misses examinations without the proper excuse, I reserve the right to allow the student to
re-take the test/assignment.

 This is an online classes have their own rules and characteristics:

1. Instructions for Students During Online Classes:
2. Be Punctual: Log in a few minutes before class starts to avoid disruptions.
3. Use Your Camera (if required): Keep your camera on to engage more actively and maintain a
professional presence.
4. Mute Your Microphone: Unless speaking, mute your microphone to avoid background noise.

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5. Stay Focused: Avoid multitasking or browsing unrelated sites. Stay present and participate
actively in discussions.
6. Respectful Communication: Use clear, polite language and give your classmates and instructor the
chance to speak.
7. Be Prepared: Complete pre-readings and assignments before the class to engage meaningfully with
the content.

Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty

Plagiarism is the unauthorized use of another’s work or ideas and the representation of
I
these as one’s own.

Definition of Plagiarism: “The practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them
off as one’s own”. (OED)
This includes among others but not limited to
(a) copying another individual’s or group’s ideas and work, copying materials from the internet
and other published sources and producing such materials verbatim,
(b) Using others’ ideas and work without proper citation of the original proponent or author of
the idea. Students are expected to produce original work of their own for assignments and
examinations.
BFSU considers plagiarism as a serious breach of professional ethics. Plagiarism will not be
tolerated in any form at BFSU. Penalties can be as severe as expulsion from the university. To
avoid plagiarism it always best to do your own work or cite the work of others appropriate. Refer
to your student handbook for a more detailed description of plagiarism and the associated
penalties.
In this class, the rules are:
1. The first instance of plagiarism will result in a “zero” for the assignment in question.
2. The second instance of plagiarism will result in a fail grade for the entire course.
3. The third cumulative instance of plagiarism, academic dishonesty and violation of school
disciplinary rules in this and other classes will result in serious disciplinary action which
could include expulsion from BFSU.
4. The instructor will report each instance of plagiarism, academic dishonesty and violation of
school disciplinary rules to the disciplinary officer.

II Academic dishonesty

Academic Dishonesty includes but not limited to: (a) plagiarism, (b) cheating during
examinations, (c) obtaining/providing information for reports, assignments and examinations by
fraudulent means, (d) falsification of information or data, and (e) false representation of others’
effort as one’s own. Some examples of academic dishonesty are: copying from other students
during examinations; copying material from other students’ reports/ assignments and submitting
the same as one’s own report; creating fictitious interview materials for assignments or reports.
These are just a few examples and not exhaustive.

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