Case Study Of A Small Scale Polytechnic Entrepreneurship Capstone Course Sequence

Abstract

A multidisciplinary entrepreneurial senior capstone has been created for engineering technology students at a research I land-grant university statewide extension. The two semester course sequence welcomes students from Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Graphics Technology, and Organizational Leadership. The goal was to provide an avenue for technology students to learn about, actively participate in, and form small scale startups in a multidisciplinary approach. Student are introduced to fundamental techniques and methodologies for effective product development, such as design thinking, technical data package, rapid prototyping, testing, and validation. As well as entrepreneurship concepts, such as product ideation, market research, capital exploration, customer acquisition, customer discovery, intellectual protection, marketing and branding, and leadership. The capstone has provided real-world, hands-on learning of the components and processes necessary to take a product idea from initial concept to successful business. Currently entering in to its third year, the capstone continues to evolve. This paper presents a brief description of the capstone, including formation, execution, and outcomes. The curriculums used are outlined and future changes are discussed. Lastly, the presentation of challenges, lessons learned, and course accomplishments will be discussed.