MBA Concentration : Curriculum

A Year of Action and Value

The McGuire Program is comprised of 9 credits, with courses in:

• New venture finance
• Competitive advantage and industry analysis
• Venture development (two courses)

The venture plan is the key deliverable of the McGuire Program. Thus, the venture development courses are the capstone of the Program in which students pursue the idea path — moving from concept to a comprehensive, professionally presented, investment-quality new venture plan.
  

Team Formation and Summer Research

Students begin forming teams and selecting venture ideas in the spring and independently research the viability of their team ideas during the summer.

This research plays a critical role in the year’s program — Not only does it enable students to do their own due diligence on ideas, it also provides a foundation for work and prepares the team to hit the ground running when the fall semester starts.

Key deliverables include a research presentation and a binder collection of research notes, articles, and handouts.
  

Fall Semester

Fall activity focuses on the innovation, validation, strategy, and business plan phases of the idea path.

Innovation: Students work to transform ideas into opportunity and build market, product and competitive knowledge.

Validation: Students define market position and competitive advantages and outlines needed resources.

Strategy and Plan: Students apply course learning, resources, and research assessment to creating a new venture plan and strategies for strategies bringing a product to market. Key deliverables include recruiting a formal advisory team, building a business plan, and presenting findings.
  

Spring Semester

Spring concludes the first 4 phases of the idea path and transitions teams into the final phase.

Execution: Teams focus on fine-tuning communication and presentation skills and simulating venture execution. Students participate in tradeshows, negotiation sessions, crisis management exercises, and other activities. Some teams may represent the Program in intercollegiate competitions. All teams will participate in the McGuire Business Plan Competition. Key deliverables include a final business plan, tradeshow display, and final presentation.

Throughout the year, local, regional, and national business leaders join the program in our Guest Speaker Series to share real-world perspectives, unique insights, and valuable experiences.

Students participate in a variety of learning activities and complete assignments. They are assessed throughout the year, not only on the progress of their ventures, but also on team success and development of the entrepreneurial skill set.

Final grades depend heavily on the format, articulation, and presentation of the plan, as well as students' ability to master each phase of the idea path. Venture teams must:

• Identify gaps
• Conduct research
• Contact possible customers, partners, and advisors
• Resolve issues
• Execute strategies where appropriate
• Bring together and use all relevant information and resources

Ultimately, teams are responsible for creating the best plan possible. Professional materials are required at all times as a reflection of the team's work and accomplishment.
  

For further information, please contact us.