This special-topic course will focus on starting and managing a successful business. Topics will include marketing, finance, human resources, operations, legal issues, initial public offering, and succession and estate planning. Due to the engineering background of the delegates, special emphasis will be on exploring the legal issues involved in the process of applying for a patent. The course will enable a participant to evaluate his or her own desires and prospects for a career as an entrepreneur. In so doing, it will provide the aspiring entrepreneur with a framework for selecting, funding, and starting his or her own business.

For Whom: Engineers with an interest in innovation and entrepreneurship; Engineers looking to develop new products and services, or setting up a new business area or a new start-up company; Engineers working in large companies as well as entrepreneurial engineers who are looking to set-up or have already set up a new company.