Active participation, individual (20% of total grade)
The pedagogy of the course is based on active learning and much of the knowledge is created through participation in the exercises and cases. For this reason individual participation will be noted and graded. Extra credits may be provided based on activity during lectures and seminars, level of participation, hand-in of questions to guest lecturers, etc. 75% participation is required to pass the course. Before each session, course participants are expected to read assigned literature and case studies thoroughly. Participation during guest lectures is compulsory.
Homework assignments, individual (20% of total grade)
During the course, four assignments will be asked for related to discussions in class. Assignment instructions will be posted on the course web continuously. The assignments are expected to be submitted at the respective session and may not exceed 2 pages. All homework assignments need to be handed in, in order to pass the course. Late hand-ins will only receive maximum half of the original points. After graded assignments have been returned, or in case the assignment has been covered in class, no extra credits will be provided.
Written test, individual (25% of total grade)
There will be a written test focused on evaluation of business plans. It covers materials discussed in class, and assigned literature readings. The test will emphasize understanding rather than mere factual repetition, which points to the importance of consistent attendance and active class participation. All students are expected to write the test at the assigned time. Students who are unable to write the test at one of the two scheduled occations must contact the course director to make alternative arrangements. The latter will provide maximum half of the original points.
Course assignment and opposition, group (35% of total grade)
The students are, in groups of five, expected to write a financing plan for an optional start-up firm (i.e. the company should be unlisted, be less than 5-10 years old with a maximum yearly revenue of 25-30 mSEK). The students need to identify their own cases. The plan could include, for example: a summary of the business and the market it operates in, a financial assessment, for what purpose financing is searched for and level of capital requirements, possible financial source options, possible valuation methods, valuation, etc. The report submitted must not exceed 20 pages including exhibits.
In addition, the students will act as opponents to one of the other group’s plan. The opponents’ reflections should be handed in (max 2 pages) and be presented at the final seminar.
For all course assessments, the valuation of quality will be based on, for example, the comprehensiveness and quality of written documents, to what extent the students show a good understanding of key terms and concepts, to what extent arguments and numbers are well-founded and justified, to what extent oral presentations or written documents comes out as an appropriate and convincing.
Note! In order to promote class discussion and facilitate participation without distractions, please do not use laptops during lectures. Laptops may be used only during presentations or group work sessions.
See “active participation above”. Attendance is compulsory.
