Evaluation
1. COURSE PROJECT (60%)
A major part of this Master Class is working on and delivering projects. These can take one of two forms, chosen by the student.
- Term Paper: Students will work in teams to examine a go-going start-up project, and will have to conduct 2-3 in-depth interviews to carefully study this venture. As such, students will have a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience working with distinguished investment firms, apply class lessons and takeaways, and have an inside view on how deals are sourced and/or executed.
- Entrepreneurial Venture: Students choosing this form will work on their own start-up / entrepreneurial venture in the area of FinTech / Financial Services. This venture can either be something that has already begun development or else a well-thought out idea that students wish to pursue in depth in order to examine viability. The project for these teams will consist of a write-up of progress made on the venture during the semester, the underlying economics of the venture, and an in-depth industry analysis. When feasible, we will pair these teams with advisors from FinTech or sharing economy start-ups and VC firms, who will guide students on their venture and background research.
- Project grading and deliverables:
Mid-semester progress report: By mid-semester, student teams are required to submit a 1-2 page report describing progress on their project and team dynamics. (20%)
Group presentation: Student groups will present their findings and conclusions in a 15-minute presentation (based on a prepared PowerPoint deck) to faculty. (40%)
Note: Electronic versions of the PowerPoint should be delivered via course website one week before the presentation.
2. Class Participation / Cases (40%)
|
There is no textbook for this course. Relevant materials (articles, cases, class notes, news articles) as mandatory readings will be distributed in advance with TA’s assistance.
|