1

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship
Dominic Lopez
RWS 1301
Joanna Hinojosa

Entrepreneurship

Introduction
Entrepreneurship studies the financial, marketing, political, and social parts of
starting a business or working for a corporate business. This discipline is part of the
college of Business administration. As of fall 2014, fifty-two faculty members of this
college are employed. The College of Business Administration (COBA) building is
located on campus behind the library. I chose Entrepreneurship because I find this
discipline in my interest and I have some knowledge of what an entrepreneur is. I would
like to gain more knowledge about this discipline as I get more into this major. As a new
student in this discipline I thought it would be easy to start a business and create a
product to make a profit. What I did learn is that it is very difficult to start a business and
survive because you have to take many situations into consideration. I learned interesting
information about how to be successful in this discipline by researching about. I chose
this method because it will help me investigate and find out how to I will survive this
major of study.
1. What do I have to do to become a successful student in Entrepreneurship?
2. What general knowledge will I receive to become a successful student in
Entrepreneurship?
3. What social relationship should I think about if I want to become a successful
student in Entrepreneurship?
My research helped me understand my discipline and what I will have to do to become a
successful student.
Background
My knowledge about this discipline was very limited because I have not
experienced what an entrepreneur really does. I know they have the ability to create a

Entrepreneurship

business and profit from a product they sell. While investigating entrepreneurship, I have
found that if a student wants to be successful in this major, they must have the ability to
analyze opportunities, write a business plan, and have financial literacy. The most
important element of being successful is to network. Building connections with people
who are successful in this business can be guidance for you and share essential advice.
There are some challenges while studying this major such as not having any idea what
entrepreneurship is about, financial literacy, and not putting in hard work to obtain great
knowledge. You must be serious about pursuing your degree in entrepreneurship because
being committed to create a business is what professors look for.
Methodology
Data Method Selection
The data that I needed to collect in order to get a better understanding about this
discipline was learning more in depth what I was getting into, what it takes to pursue my
education in this major, and how I will benefit from the knowledge I will gain. My
research methods worked well in helping understand entrepreneurship better than I did
prior to my research. My methods were good choices because my research questions
were all answered and I understood my discipline more.
Data Collection
Interviews
I conducted two different interviews with two professors that are insiders to
entrepreneurship. First, I interviewed in person, Diana Olivas who is the Director of
Center for Hispanic Entrepreneurship. I chose her because she has a good education
background in business and I wanted to know about entrepreneurship from a womans

Entrepreneurship

perspective. The interview lasted for about ten minutes and it took place in her office in
the COBA building. Last, I also interviewed Professor Arturo Diaz through via email and
he teaches classes for corporate entrepreneurship. I chose him because he has experience
on the corporate side of entrepreneurship and he shares his knowledge with his students. I
did meet with him in his office in the COBA building for a few minutes to discuss my
research paper. The questions I asked him, shown in Appendix A, were generally for me
to learn what it takes to be an insider in this discipline.
Survey
Shown in Appendix B, I designed a survey for students that way I can record what
students in this discipline think about it. I conducted my survey on October 20, 2014 with
Professor Diaz. I had him pass them out at the last five minutes of one of his classes for
the students to complete before they left class. Twenty surveys were distributed and all of
them were collected for my research. Most of the students that took part in my survey
were mostly juniors and seniors.
Documents
The document that I used, shown in Appendix D, helped me with my research is
degree information to get a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in
Entrepreneurship. This helped me understand more in depth on what you need to in order
to expand your education in this discipline. The information given is used to help
students understand what it takes to pursue an MBA in Entrepreneurship. It provides
what characteristics they must have, a bachelors in Entrepreneurship, what you will
learn, and what classes you need to take. (MBA in Entrepreneurship: Degree Info.

Entrepreneurship

n.d.). I chose this document because it gives me a view of what students have to do to
obtain an MBA in this discipline.
Another document that I found helpful was a degree plan for students who want to
get their bachelors in Business Administration (BBA) in Entrepreneurship. This degree
plan gives you information about what classes you need to take. Such as Global Business,
Introduction to Politics, Accounting, Small Business Management, etc
(Entrepreneurship, n.d.). It is used to guide students when they are registering for their
first semester. The students will use this degree plan throughout their college career to let
them know what classes they need, so they will not be in a class that they do not need to
be in. I chose to use this document because this is what many students will need if they
are going to study entrepreneurship.
Site Observation
My site observation took place in a long classroom with about sixty desks at the
COBA building. The observation was an hour and half; it started at twelve pm and ended
at one-thirty pm. I sat in the back corner of the classroom to get a view of the students
and Professor Diaz. There were twelve males and eight females, so the class was well
dominated by males. I noticed the students sitting in the front were very involved in the
lectures and the students sitting in the back were not into the lecture.
Data Coding
The information that I gathered made sense because everything you need to learn
is straightforward and taught through well-experienced professors. Of course it is all a
process to gain this kind of knowledge. Also, shown in Appendix, Professor Diaz stated,
You have to be very committed. This is what made a lot of sense to me because many

Entrepreneurship

students lack commitment in order to pursue the career they dream of. I distributed this
information well enough to answer my secondary questions. If I had not gathered
valuable information to answer my questions, then I did not put effort in my
investigation.
Results
What do I have to do to become a successful student in Entrepreneurship?
There was information that helped me receive a variety of answers were answered well
by Professor Diaz. Shown in Appendix A, in order to become a successful student in
Entrepreneurship you have some knowledge about this discipline, be very committed,
and have the will to network. This question has been fully answered because not only did
I receive one answer, but also I had a few. I had no issue researching this major nor did I
have issues answering this secondary question.
What general knowledge will I receive to become a successful student in
Entrepreneurship?
The information gathered was very helpful in answering this question which is shown in
Appendix A. The general knowledge that a student will receive is to have the ability to
analyze opportunities, write a business plan and have financial literacy. I truly believe
that this question was answered backed up by essential information. There were no issues
with my research to answer this question. This was one of the questions I needed
answered because every student wants to know what they will learn from this discipline.
What social relationship should I think about if I want to become a successful
student in Entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship

I received good information for this question as well, but I think it was too narrow
because it was straightforward. The answer for this question is to be able network well
with people that are insiders of this discipline. This may have been a straightforward
answer, but it completes my question because it is simple, networking is a very important
social relationship in business. If you are able to build connections with people, that gives
you a better chance of getting a job. I had no issue finding the answer for this question
through my research.
Conclusion
Being part of Entrepreneurship takes a lot of hard work and commitment to
pursue your dream. You must create a vision and dream about starting your own business
to sell a specific product. Based on Appendix G, this discipline is a great major to study if
it is in your interest. By reading my research paper you can get a better understanding of
what you will be facing and how to make sure that this study is right for you. Education
is a key for success; it all depends on what you do with that key.

Entrepreneurship
References
Entrepreneurship. (n.d.). UTEP College of Business Administration Web Site. Retrieved
from http://business.utep.edu/Degrees/BBA/Entrepreneurship.aspx
MBA in Entrepreneurship: Degree Info. (n.d.). Education Portal Web site. Retrieved
from http://education-

portal.com/articles/Master_of_Business_Administration_MBA_Entrepreneurship
_Degree_Overview.html

Entrepreneurship
Appendix A
Interview Questions
1. What is the most challenging part of studying entrepreneurship?
Lack of knowledge, Financial Literacy, and Lack of hard work.
2. What distinguishes good entrepreneur students?
Passion about subject, Motivation for self-improvement, Independence,
Success.
3. What is your ideal student in this discipline?
Same as two, with lots of commitment to course.
4. Is there a student organization for entrepreneurs?
Yes, CEO (Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization).
5. How can a student get involved in it?
Contact CEO UTEP chapter and join.
6. What benefits can students acquire by being involved?
The most important, networking. Most jobs are filled this way.
7. If you can change anything in this discipline, what would you make different?
Have the ability to have more serious students committed in creating
businesses, teach more entrepreneurship classes, and help more students.
8. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful
entrepreneur?
a. Ability to analyze opportunities

b. Ability to write a business plan

c. Financial Literacy

9. What motivates you to teach students about entrepreneurship?

As an Entrepreneur myself, expert in business, I love teaching success and
watching it grow. That is what I live for.

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Entrepreneurship
Appendix B
Survey
1. What is your academic classification?

____ Junior
____ Senior
____ Graduate
2. How would you rate your experience in your very first Entrepreneurship class you
had during your college career?
____

Excellent

____ Good
____ Fair
____ Poor
3. How much knowledge have you gained from Entrepreneurship?
____

A great deal

____

Some practical knowledge

____

None

4. How many hours do you study a week?

____

0-2 hours

____

2-4 hours

____

4-6 hours

____

6 or more

5. What is the most common teaching style your current professor uses?
____

Hands-on

____

Lecture

____

Visual

6. Are you involved in Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization (CEO)?

____

Very involved

____

I want to be involved

____

Not involved

7. Rate the level of difficulty in Entrepreneurship.

____

Very hard

Entrepreneurship
____ Hard
____ Medium
____ Easy
____ Very easy
8. What overall rating would you give Entrepreneurship?
____ Excellent
____ Good
____ Fair
____ Poor
9. What advice would you give to an incoming freshman that wants to study
entrepreneurship?

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Entrepreneurship
Appendix C
Site Observation Notes
Date

Start

End

Location

10-20-2014

12:05 pm

1:30 pm

COBA 331

Professor uses lecture

Students understand material well

He gets students involved

Students that sit in the front are very interested

Students take exams at home

Some students separate themselves from others

The professor has good experience with corporate entrepreneurship

Twelve male and eight female students

Professor makes sure that his students understand the lecture

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Entrepreneurship
Appendix D
Document

MBA in Entrepreneurship: Degree Info

Take a look at some of the required courses in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in
Entrepreneurship program, and find out what's typically required for admission. See some
popular careers for graduates, and learn what continuing education options exist.

Essential Information
In a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship program, students gain the analytic
skills needed to develop effective business strategies. Additionally, they get a global
perspective of business, along with a mind for business ethics, corporate social responsibility
and problem-solving. This degree program combines traditional MBA coursework with
entrepreneurial-oriented courses in venture creation, finance and marketing, giving students the
insight to build thriving businesses.
These programs are designed for students who want to lead and manage business enterprises,
such as those who want to start their own businesses, as well as those who are involved in
family businesses or have backgrounds in entrepreneurial endeavors.

Educational Prerequisites
In general, a student seeking admission into an MBA degree program in entrepreneurship has
earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Students may be
required to demonstrate program preparedness through graduate test scores, such as GMAT or
GRE, and letters of recommendation. Additionally, some programs require prior work
experience.

Course Topics
The programs delve into entrepreneurial strategies, management and leadership. MBA in
Entrepreneurship programs explore entrepreneur and business management courses like:

Family business management

Gender differences in entrepreneurship

Law and entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurial research

Laws of electronic businesses

Finance

Financial accounting

Venture capital

Entrepreneurship
Popular Career Options
In addition to business ownership, program graduates are prepared for various leadership and
management positions in a wide array of fields such as:

Business operations

Financial management

Information security

Accounting and auditing

Human resources

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Entrepreneurship

Appendix E
Document

Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is the process of identifying and pursuing business opportunities. It may involve
starting a business by creating a product or service, solving a market problem, or filling gaps in the
current marketplace. Entrepreneurs must have the ability to plan and execute their ideas in a way that
allows them to be successful in the marketplace. Necessary entrepreneurial skills include finance,
marketing, basic management and leadership. Entrepreneurs must also be able to secure financial
resources to fund their business ideas.
The course of study for the Bachelor of Business Administration degree includes four sets of academic
requirements:
University Core Curriculum Requirements
Business Foundation Requirements
Business Core Requirements
Major Option Requirements

42 semester hours
15 semester hours
39 semester hours
24 semester hours
Total: 120 semester hours

Below is a suggested course of study to complete the BBA in Entrepreneurship in four years. The
courses suggested by the College of Business for fulfillment of the University Core Curriculum are
included in this plan. To see a complete list of course options, see the UTEP Degree Plans tool at
degreeplans.utep.edu.

Freshman Year
RWS 1301
MATH 1320
HIST 1301
BUSN 1301
COMM 1302
15
RWS 1302
MATH 2301
HIST 1302
PHIL 2306
ECON 2303
15

First Semester
Hours
Rhetoric and Composition I
3
Mathematics for Social Sciences I
3
History of the United States to 1865
3
Introduction to Global Business
3
Business and Professional Communication
3
Second Semester
Hours
Rhetoric and Composition II
3
Mathematics for Social Sciences II
3
History of the United States since 1865
3
Ethics (COBA Recommended)
3
Satisfies the HUMANITIES Component Area
Principles of Economics I
3

Sophomore Year
Third Semester

Hours

Entrepreneurship

ECON 2304
ACCT 2301
POLS 2310
THEA 1313
GEOL 1211
GEOL 1111

Third Semester
Hours
Principles of Economics II
3
Principles of Accounting I
3
Introduction to Politics
3
Introduction to Theatre (COBA Recommended)
3
Satisfies the VIS PREF Component Area
Principles of Earth Sciences I AND
2
Principles of Earth Sciences Lab I (COBA Recommended)
1
Satisfies the NAT SCI 1 Component Area

15
ACCT 2302
POLS 2311
QMB 2301
BUSN 3304
GEOL 1212
GEOL 1112

Fourth Semester
Hours
Principles of Accounting II
3
American Government and Politics
3
Fundamentals of Business Statistics
3
Global Business Environment
3
Principles of Earth Sciences II AND
2
Principles of Earth Sciences Lab II (COBA Recommended)
1
Satisfies the NAT SCI 2 Component Area

15

Junior Year
BLAW 3301
FIN 3310
MGMT 3303
MKT 3300
QMB 3301
15
MGMT 3306
MGMT 3310
ACCT 3314
CIS 3345
BUSN

Fifth Semester
Hours
Legal Environment of Business
3
Business Finance
3
Introduction to Management and Organizational Behavior
3
Principles of Marketing
3
Quantitative Methods in Business
3
Sixth Semester
Hours
Entrepreneurship
3
Creativity and Innovation
3
Managerial Accounting
3
Management Information Systems
3
Upper-Level Business Elective (3300 or 4300 level)
3
15

Senior Year
MGMT 3320
FIN 3330
ECON 3310
OSCM 3321
BUSN

MGMT 4300
FREE
MGMT

Seventh Semester
Hours
Small Business Management
3
Finance for Entrepreneurs
3
Managerial Economics
3
Production/Operations Management
3
Upper-Level Business Elective (3300 or 4300 level)
3
15
Eighth Semester
Hours
Strategic Management
3
Upper-Level Business or Non-Business Elective (3300 or 4300 level)
3
Upper-Level Entrepreneurship Elective I
3

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Entrepreneurship

MGMT
MGMT

Eighth Semester
Select one from BLAW 4391; MGMT 4306, MGMT 4320; MKT 4301
Upper-Level Entrepreneurship Elective II
Select one from BLAW 4391; MGMT 4306, MGMT 4320; MKT 4301
Upper-Level Entrepreneurship Elective III
Select one from BLAW 4391; MGMT 4306, MGMT 4320; MKT 4301

Hours

3
3
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Entrepreneurship
Appendix F

ACADEMIC CLASSIFICATIONS
Juniors

Seniors
0%6%

94%

Graduates

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Entrepreneurship
Appendix G

HOURS OF STUDY A WEEK

0-2 Hours

2-4 Hours

4-6 Hours

6%
21%

26%

47%

6 or more

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Entrepreneurship
Appendix H

OVERALL DISCIPLINE RATING

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

0%

33%

67%