Entrepreneurship in the Private and Social Sectors

Course Number 1622

Senior Lecturer Robert F. Higgins
Adjunct Lecturer Richard Cavanagh (Harvard Kennedy School of Government)
Winter; Q3Q4, 20 Sessions
Paper

Educational Objectives

Entrepreneurship in the Private and Social Sectors introduces the theory and practice of entrepreneurial management in the private and social sectors. The course seeks to prepare students for future work and leadership in and with entrepreneurial ventures and to provide an informed perspective to those who may someday promote or regulate such ventures. In addition, the course looks at the increasingly common relationships among the private, public, and social sectors in healthcare, housing, education, and other industries.

Content and Organization

For the first two-thirds of the course, with the help of readings and cases, we will discuss and explore entrepreneurial strategies, management and leadership in each sector.

In the final third of the course, small groups of students will prepare and conduct presentations of a group research project about a new venture idea in the private, social, or public sectors. Alternatively, students may present analyses and recommendations for an existing entrepreneurial venture or leader. These projects will require substantial primary and secondary research; a short briefing memorandum to prepare for the presentation; and a 30 minute presentation. (The instructors will meet with each group, at mutually convenient times outside the class schedule, to help structure the project and provide coaching on the presentation.)

In addition, each student will prepare and submit a short individual paper on a past, present or prospective entrepreneurial venture - - applying the course insights to either a case study or a proposal/business plan for a new venture. Grades will be based 1/3rd on the quality of class participation, 1/3rd on the group research presentation, and 1/3rd on the individual paper.