Entrepreneurial Thinking

Description

By the end of the course, the students will be able to: ' Develop an entrepreneurial mindset and understand how it can be applied in different contexts, ' Identify and describe problems in different contexts in a generative and systemic manner, ' Create and evaluate potential solutions using different models, tools, and frameworks, ' Realizing solutions considering different contextual factors such as resources and constraints ' Applying techniques fostering critical thinking, co-creation, and feedback literacy ' The effectiveness of the teaching will be evaluated using surveys at multiple stages of the course. This course enables students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and use it to solve problems through innovative solutions in different contexts. We will explore how an entrepreneurial mindset and the corresponding tools matter in the start-up and corporate worlds, but equally in NGO, university, social movements contexts, and private life contexts. Broadly, the course will cover the following themes: 1) Introduction to entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial thinking, 2) Seeing problems and deciding to act, 3) Understanding problems and reframing them into opportunities, and 4) Developing and selecting solutions. Within these themes, we will discuss the role of curiosity, volition, confidence, imagination, and resourcefulness, and explore and apply frameworks and tools such as design thinking, systems thinking, and scientific thinking for entrepreneurial action. Moreover, we will use tools such as the Business Model Canvas, the Value Proposition Canvas, and the Market Opportunity Navigator, and build basic skills in co-creation, team building, pivoting, using and giving feedback, and managing risk. In this course, we use a mix of short input sessions and multiple interactive teaching approaches focusing on exploring, experimenting with and applying new concepts, tools, and techniques. The course adopts a playful, play-based approach, which aims at transforming the learning experience and leading to more sustainable learning outcomes. Play-based approaches encourage active participation, collaboration, and critical thinking among students, as they allow to explore, experiment, and solve problems in a variety of different contexts. In particular, we will use Lego and games, interactive simulations, and other playful strategies to convey and directly apply knowledge and skills. Throughout the semester, we will have multiple interventions from external actors sharing their experience with entrepreneurial solutions and projects in different contexts.