Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management

This course consists of three parts. The first part introduces students to the entrepreneurial activity. The second part concentrates on the survival and growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and focuses on the managerial aspects of SMEs when compared to large firms. The third part addresses the unique challenges faced by family businesses. Topics covered include the benefits, drawbacks of being an entrepreneur, developmental structures and designs, focus development, management during fast growth periods, lack of resources and financing, development of sustainable intangible resources (legitimacy, status, reputation, etc). Other topics related to family business management include ownership, governance, management, succession planning, generational gaps, delegation, control and the role of non-family members.