Thomas H. Byers,
Stanford University Richard C. Dorf,
University of California, Davis Andrew J. Nelson,
University of Oregon
ISBN: 0073523429 Copyright year: 2015
Feature Summary
The book is organized in a modular format to allow for both systematic learning and random access of the material to suit the needs of any reader seeking to learn how to grow successful technology ventures. Readers focused on business plan and model development should consider placing a higher priority on Chapters 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19. Regardless of the immediate learning goals, the book is a handy reference and companion tool for future use. We deploy the following wide variety of methods and features to achieve this goal, and we welcome feedback and comments.
Principles and Chapter Previews—A set of 20 fundamental principles is developed and defined throughout the book. They are listed in the inside front cover as well. Each chapter opens with a key question and outlines its content and objectives.
Examples and Exercises—Examples of cutting-edge technologies illustrate concepts in a shaded-box format. Information technology is chosen for many examples because students are familiar with its products and services. Exercises are offered at the end of each chapter to test comprehension of the concepts.
Sequential Exercise and Spotlights—A special exercise called the “venture challenge” guides readers through a chapter-by-chapter formation of a new enterprise. At the end of each chapter’s narrative, a successful enterprise is profiled in a special “spotlight” section.
Business Plans—Methods and tools for the development of a business plan are gathered into one special chapter, which includes a thoroughly annotated table of contents. A sample business plan is provided in appendix A.
Cases—Eight comprehensive cases are included in appendix B. A short description of each case is provided in Table P1. Additional cases from
Harvard and ECCH are recommended on this textbook’s websites.
References and Glossary—References are indicated in brackets [Smith, 2001] and are listed as a complete set in the back of the book. This is followed by a comprehensive glossary.
Chapter Sequence—The chapter sequence represents our best effort to organize the material in a format that can be used in various types of entrepreneurship courses. The chapters follow the four-part layout shown in
Figure P1. Courses focused on creating business plans and models can reorder the chapters with emphasis on Chapters 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19.
Video Clips—A collection of suggested videos from world-class entrepreneurs, investors, and teachers is listed at the end of each chapter and provided on this textbook’s websites. More free videos clips and podcasts are available at Stanford’s Entrepreurship Corner website (see http://ecorner.stanford.edu).
Websites and Social Networking—Please visit websites for this book at both
McGraw-Hill Higher Education (http://www.mhhe.com/byersdorf) and
Stanford University (http://techventures.stanford.edu), for supplemental information applicable to educators, students, and professionals. For example, a complete syllabus for an introductory course on technology entrepreneurship and a sample presentation for each chapter are provided for instructors.
2015