For autumn quarter, this class will be offered in dual mode but it is possible that the faculty member will not be in the classroom.

This course primarily is designed to benefit entrepreneurs, early stage investors and corporate managers responsible for new ventures. The course builds non-mathematical models of success in the world of entrepreneurial business through intensive analyses of both archival and current cases. Students are required to analyze assigned cases carefully, develop and discuss new cases, and present a well-developed new business proposal to the class.

Emphasis is placed on creating a framework to analyze business opportunities of all sizes. The centerpiece is a set of models abstracted from the cases prepared during the course. These models allow students to categorize ideas quickly, discuss benefits, note problems, and ideally, predict performance.

The class is not a series of "nuts and bolts" lectures about running small businesses, nor is it a guest lecture series. Participants must be willing to become involved with the material and approach the topic with analytic rigor. From that effort, an organized way of thinking should evolve that will allow students to make better decisions on potential new venture proposals.

It is mandatory to attend the first class session, even if the student has not been formally admitted.

Course readings in Canvas, and current articles from the Wall Street Journal and other sources.

Based on quality of class participation; weekly written work completed individually; and group presentation of original business start-up ideas.

Auditors permitted only in their last quarter of Chicago Booth residency, limited to room capacity, and must have written approval from the instructor to attend.

Provisional grades will be available for those graduating. No pass/fail grades.