The course Entrepreneurial Practice offers students the possibility to gain insights into the topics of opportunity recognition, evaluation, and implementation. By observing the workplace and conducting qualitative interviews in an organization from the Austrian start-up scene, students get the opportunity to make use of their theoretical and methodological knowledge and to reflect theoretically on entrepreneurial practices. Based on their research, students develop strategic recommendations for the organization.

In the E&I Entrepreneurial Practice course, students learn and practice:

- Working with qualitative research methods to identify and understand entrepreneurial practices

- Understanding how entrepreneurs recognize opportunities

- Understanding how opportunities are turned into successful business models

- Understanding how external dynamics shape entrepreneurial success

- Understanding how frameworks can be used for internal and external company analysis

- Deriving strategic recommendations based on prior analysis.

The course targets students with a sound understanding of the basics of entrepreneurship & innovation management who enjoy learning and applying theoretical frameworks and qualitative research methods as well as gaining practical start-up experience. The majority of the course will revolve around applying the material covered during the kickoff to a real organization in Vienna. Please note, that all course sessions in November 2022 will take place at the company site in Vienna.  

After successfully completing the E&I Entrepreneurial Practice course, students will have...

...gained insights on how entrepreneurs spot market opportunities for new businesses, and how to exploit such opportunities.

...understood business planning as the process of determining an enterprise’s objectives, strategies and activities to ensure its viability from the perspective of all involved stakeholders

...learned how to conduct internal and external analyses (e.g. market, competition, product life-cycle)

...applied qualitative research methods

...developed strategic recommendations based on their analyses

Students must attend at least 80% of all classes and events to successfully complete the course.

The lecture consists of:

• 1 Kickoff day at the start
• Case study work in groups of 2-3 students at the company site
• Optional coaching appointment
• Final Presentation of the results

Please note that attendance is mandatory during the first and last session!

- theoretical input session including practical examples

- gain practical start-up experience and do qualitative research at the company site in Vienna

- gain the possibiltiy to network with start-ups

- receive mentoring from the instructors

- summarize results in a final, results-oriented presentation

Grades will be based on the following assignments:

•       Participation: 20% (individual  grade)
•       Reflection paper: 10% (individual grade)
•       Final presentation: 70% (group grade)

The following students may register for the course:

• Students enrolled in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation specialization program

Please note that course registration is binding. The moment your registration is received, it is regarded as a clear commitment on your part. Students cannot drop the course or transfer to another course (once the add/drop period is over) with no exceptions, as it would be unfair to other students (who might not have gotten into the course of their choice because of the spot you registered for). The number of students accepted to the course will only be expanded if there is no space in any other course 3.