THE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS

BA 4308.001: ENTREPRENEURSHIP
FALL 2007 M/W 10:00am – 11:15am
Instructor: Robert L. Robb
Classroom: SOM 1.107
Office: SOM 4.203
Email: r.robb@utdallas.edu
Phone (UTD office): (972) 883-4799
Office Hours: Mon/Wed 11:30am- 12pm, 1:30pm – 3pm, Or by appointment

I. PREREQUISITES, REQUIRED SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

There are no prerequisites for this course. Course participants are not expected to have a formal business
or management background.

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OVERVIEW

This course provides a broad-based introduction to entrepreneurship. The course activities will include
evaluating commercial potential of business ideas and opportunities, researching markets and
competition, managing patents and copyrights, valuing a business opportunity, developing a business
plan, acquiring resources, avoiding pitfalls, and financing the start-up. Participants in the course will
explore the mindset, considerations, realities, and real-world methods associated with the process
launching a new enterprise. Whether simply desiring to learn more about entrepreneurship or desiring to
launch an enterprise, the course will provide know-how and tools to be more effective in the
entrepreneurial process.
This is a team-based course that will permit groups of students to develop portions of a business plan
piece by piece.
Both team and individual assignments will be required, with the team project assignment comprising over
half of the final grade. A team project focused on the creation of a business plan for a new business
opportunity will comprise a major part of the course.

III. COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES

This course is intended to help engineering/science/technical and other students:

1. understand and assess entrepreneurial characteristics and abilities;
2. understand foundational principles, rewards and realities of entrepreneurship;
3. learn how to evaluate business opportunities;
4. develop an understanding of the issues involved in protecting intellectual property such as patents;
5. understand how to create a business plan and persuasive business plan presentation for an entrepreneurial
venture;
6. understand the basics of financial budgeting and forecasting
7. learn fundamentals of raising capital for the new venture;
8. Gain an understanding of how to avoid the typical pitfalls of entrepreneurship;
9. learn to work as a team to develop business strategies and solve problems.

1
IV. REQUIRED TEXT AND READING MATERIALS :

Entrepreneurship, Hisrich, Peters & Shepherd, 7th Edition (ISBN 0-07-321056-0)

Handout: “Opportunity Evaluation Checklist and Business Plan Outline”
Readings:
What is Strategy: Porter
How Competitive Forces Shape Strategy: Porter

V. ASSIGNMENTS AND ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Week Date Topic Readings/Assignment/Deliverables

1 Aug. 20 - Introduction & Overview
S1
N/A
Aug. 22 The Nature & Importance of Text: Chap 1
S2 Entrepreneurs
2 Aug. 27 -Entrepreneurial Characteristics Text: Chapter 3
S3 -The Individual Entrepreneur Assignments:
-Self Assessment 1. Teams formed and Team Rosters
submitted to Instructor
2. WA#1 due: Each student submits a new
business idea to instructor and to the
respective team members.

Aug. 29 -Creativity and The Business Idea Text: Chapter 5

S4 -Opportunity Feasibility Analysis—- Download and review: Webct Handout--
-Developing and testing the Opportunity Evaluation Checklist and Business
Business Concept Plan Outline

3 Sept. 3 -IDEO—Creativity Video WA#2 Due: Each team submit a selected

S5 business idea (with one alternative) for team
project to Instructor for approval
Sept. 5 The Business Plan: Creating and Text: Chapter 7
S6 Starting the venture Assignment: Review the teaching note titled,
Entrepreneur Personal vision “Opportunity Evaluation Checklist and
Business Plan Outline”

4 Sept. 10 Guest Speaker: Loreen Phillips

S7 Market research

Sept. 12 Entrepreneurial Myths

S8 -Building a Team
6 Sept. 17 Entrepreneurial Strategy Text: Chapter 13—Chapter 2
S9 Programmed serendipity Readings—Porter, “What is strategy?”
How Competitive Forces Shape Strategy:
Porter

Sept. 19 “The Pitch”--Preparing compelling

S10 presentations—Class time for teams
7 Sept. 24 - First in-class Presentation WA#2
S11 Business Concept Summary, and
Industry Analysis, presented by
all Teams
Deliverables: WA#3a & WA#3b, Team Paper
Due with Team Presentations
Due: Individual peer evaluation for project
segment

2
 Sept 26 - In-Class Presentation WA#2--
S13 continued:
Business Concept Summary, and
Industry Analysis, presented by
all Teams
8 Oct. 1 -Intellectual Property and other Text: Chap 6
S14 Legal Issues, (patents licensing,
contracts)

Oct. 3 The Organizational Plan Text: Chapter 9

S15 (choosing the legal form business
org)
Review for midterm
9 Oct 8 - Mid term Exam Covering Chapters 1,3, 5-9, 13, lecture
S16 material and Readings.

Oct. 10 - Midterm discussion

S17 - Team Meetings
10 Oct. 15 The Marketing Plan Text: Chapter 8
S18
Oct. 17
S19 Guest Speaker: George Michael,
Marketing
11 Oct. 22 -The Financial Plan Text: Chapter 10
S20
- Forecasting/budgeting

Oct. 24 Start-up List Review Due: WA#4, Start-up checklist with peer
S21 evaluation form
12 Oct. 29 - -Sources of Capital Text: Chapter 11
S22 -Financing New Ventures - Text: Chapter 12

Oct. 31 - Do’s and don’ts of fundraising

S23
13 Nov. 5 Personal Vision/Ethics
S24
Nov. 7 Ending the venture Chapter 17
S25
14 Nov. 12 Review for Presentation and Final, Handout: How to make major decisions –
S26 Decisions, careers, jobs, moves, etc.
Nov. 14 Essentials of Selling

15 Nov. 19 In-Class PresentationsWA#3: Deliverables: WA#5a & WA#5b, Marketing

S27 Marketing Plan, Assessment of Plan, Assessment of Risk & Financial Plan
Risk and Financial Plan Presentations and Papers Due today From All
Teams
-Individual Peer Evaluations Due today

3
 Nov. 21 In-Class Presentations Continued Deliverables: WA#5a & WA#5b, Marketing
S28 WA#3: marketing Plan, Plan, Assessment of Risk & Financial Plan
Assessment of Risk and Financial Presentations and Papers Due today From All
Plan Teams
-Individual Peer Evaluations Due today

16 Nov. 26 Closing Lecture

Course review, The process of
entrepreneurship

17 TBD Final Exam Final (All chaps with emphasis on chaps. 10-
S32 12,14, 15, 17, handouts and slides)

Location: TBD
1
this course schedule is not absolute. While every effort will be made to follow the schedule as listed,
changes may be made as needed. It is the student’s responsibility to track changes that are announced.

VI. GRADING, COURSE ASSIGNMENTS, DUE DATES

Grades will be based on group and individual work assignments (WA’s), exams and peer evaluation. These
assignments, their due dates, page limits, and their relative weight in determining your final grade are summarized in
the table below:

Due Team or Length Form Grading

Assignment Date Individual (pages) Weight
WA #1 – Individual Opportunity Analysis, Business 8/27/07 Individual 1-2 Outline 5%
Idea Description
Team Selected and Rosters (with team captain 8/27/07 Team n/a n/a
designated) submitted to Instructor
WA#2 - Teams submit business ideas for approval 9/3/07 Team 1-2 n/a
WA #3a Group Paper: Industry Analysis and 9/24/07 Team Project 6 -10 Outline 10%
Description of New Venture (with peer evaluations)
WA #3b Group Presentation: Industry Analysis and 9/24/07 Team Project PowerPt. n/a 10%
Description of New Venture
Midterm Exam 10/8/07 Individual 10%

Midterm Project, WA#4 (start-up checklist) 10/24/07 Team 5%

WA #5a Paper: Marketing Plan, Assessment of Risk 11/19/07 Team Project 8-12 pgs + Outline 20%
and Financial Plan, Estimating Cash requirements Worksheets
WA #5b Presentation: Marketing Plan, Assessment 11/19/07 Team Project PowerPt. 15%
of Risk & Financial Plan, Estimating cash
requirements
Individual Peer Evaluation by Team Members 9/24/07, Individual 10%*
10/24/07
11/19/07

Final Exam TBD Individual 10%

Class Participation Individual 5%*
*Peer evaluations and class participation including attendance may have greater impact 100%
on grades than 5*–see guidelines below for each

4
GRADE SCALE
A = 89% OR GREATER
B = 80% TO 88%
C = 70% TO 79%
D = 60% TO 69%

VII. COURSE POLICIES and GUIDELINES

SELF INTRODUCTION
Each student should post a Self-Introduction in the Discussion area of WebCT prior to the first class. Please include
contact information, work experience, major, and special interests or hobbies. This information will be used to set
up my grade book and assist in the formation of groups for the course.

FORMATION OF GROUPS
Much of the work in this course will be performed in small groups (5-6 members). The group members will be
collectively responsible for completing each of the group assignments listed in this Syllabus. The grades earned on
group projects will be assigned equally to each group member, subject to adjustment based on the Peer Evaluation
(see Peer Evaluation information below).

Students will have the opportunity to form their own groups during the first two weeks of the course, based on
common interests and preferred group interaction times (see Self Introduction above). It is important that you select
your groups to include a diverse set of skills. A typed list of the members, including the designated Team
Captain, of each group (with name, email and telephone contact information) should be submitted to the
instructor by the beginning of class on August 27, 2007. Anyone who has not joined a group prior to that time
will be assigned to a group by the instructor.
LECTURE NOTES
The MS PowerPoint slides used in lectures and certain other course materials will be available on WebCT6
(http://webct.utdallas.edu) under course ID BA 4308. You should be able to access WebCT6 with your UTD ID and
password. Call computer services at (972) 883-2911 if you need assistance.

CLASS PARTICIPATION and PREPARATION

Five percent (5%) of your grade will be based on attendance and active participation in class discussions and
exercises. From time to time, it may be necessary to miss a class due to illness or personal matters. Please inform
instructor of these absences. If participation becomes an issue, or if more than 2 classes are missed, the student’s
grade may be impacted. Attendance will be tracked because attendance may impact team performance.

Each student is expected to have read all assigned materials prior to the start of class and be prepared to discuss the
ideas, concepts and issues they raise. If it is determined that students are not prepared for class, pop quizzes may be
instituted and factored into the individual’s grade. These quizzes cannot be made up if missed.

GUIDELINES FOR ALL WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

Evaluation: Particular care should be taken to fully address the requirements for each paper detailed in the
assignment. An evaluation by the instructor of written assignments will include multiple factors, including (a)
how well instructions were followed, (b) how clear and concise responses are to assignment parameters; (c)
demonstrated ability to apply the course concepts and frameworks in written summaries; (d) the degree of
professionalism and effectiveness regarding structure, content and communication, and in the case of the Team
Project; (d) the degree of correlation between the work product and the criteria associated with the Checklist for
Opportunity Evaluation and Business Plan Outline.

5
Identification of Assignments. All submitted assignments should be identified as follows: (a) a header on each page of
the paper or spreadsheet should include the course designaation, the assignment number, and the names of all team
members. For example, “BA 4308_WA#3_[last names].doc” would identify a team’s Written Assignment #3.

Format. Written assignments will be submitted in MS Word, MS Excel or MS Powerpoint format, as appropriate.
All written assignments are to be submitted in hard copy form and electronic form. Each paper submitted should be
in professional form. The use of charts and exhibits is encouraged, to the extent that they help you make your
points. Cover pages, charts or exhibits, and lists of references will not be included in the page count. Charts and
exhibits should be numbered and appropriately referenced in the body of the document. A list of references should
be attached as required. The written assignments should use 11-12 point type, single-spaced, with 1” margins all
around. The original copy of the individual assignment, Team project and PowerPoint presentation will be kept on
file and will not be returned. Upon submission of the last written Team Project, WA #5a, a CD containing the exact
electronic file of the business plan hardcopy must be attached onto the last page of the original hardcopy that
contains all Team Project papers and presentations submitted or made during the course.
o Grades will be lowered for:
ƒ Use of incomplete sentences, misspelled words, or poor grammar
ƒ Missing required sections
ƒ Failure to attach the full project on a disk in the finished plan

Assignment Submission, Due Dates and Late Paper Policy. The written assignments must be submitted to the
instructor via email and hard copy prior to the beginning of class period either at the instructor’s office or in the
classroom, on the date they are due. Due to the nature of the assignments and the discussion and presentations
taking place on the days assignments are due, late assignments will not be accepted. Please do not submit
assignments through WebCT. Team assignments are to be submitted only by one member of the team, the Team
Captain. The Team Captain will receive the grade results for the assignment and will be responsible for sharing that
feedback with the other members of the team.

TEAM PROJECTS

A Team project focused on the identification and analysis of a new business opportunity will comprise a major part of the course.
Each Team will make two presentations and write two papers during the semester associated with their team project. In
addition, after each set of presentations each student will complete and submit individual peer evaluations (therefore, each
individual will submit two peer evaluation forms associated with the business plan projects (one upon submission of WA#3 and
the other upon submission of WA#5 (A third peer evaluation form will be submitted for WA#4 work), that evaluate the
performance of each respective Team member for a team projects--).
Students will work in teams of 5 to 6 members. Teams are self selecting. The Team projects associated with the business plan
will account for 55% of your grade. The projects require a wide range of knowledge including some knowledge of finance and
accounting. Therefore, a broad range of backgrounds and knowledge among the group members is beneficial.

The individual opportunity analysis, business idea description—wa #1

Each student will submit the individually developed, new, Business Idea, WA#1, to the instructor and to the
student’s respective team for consideration for the Team Project by August 27, 2007.
In developing a Business Idea the student should:
• Select an industry and identify a specific business concept or opportunity to research.
• Conduct a preliminary evaluation of the business opportunity following the Opportunity Evaluation
Checklist and Business Plan Outline found in the course materials on WebCT6
• Summarize your business opportunity in the context of the market and competitive environment
in a 1-2 page paper to be submitted to the instructor and team members. Include the following
with your summary:
1. Project description (What significant need does it fill?, How big is the need? How grand
is your solution?)
2. How is Product or Service unique/different/superior to other offerings?
3. Who is the customer?
4. Is there significant financial return potential (vs. modest financial potential)?

6
 5. What is its “Value Proposition” --How will your idea benefit customers (why they will
buy?) (benefits to the customer (e.g.,faster, less expensive, higher quality, more reliable,
more accurate, more convenient, better performance, more fun, less work, etc. )

Formation of Teams.
The class will be divided into small teams of 5-6 members. The team members will be collectively responsible for
completing each of the Team Project assignments. The grades earned on Team Projects will be assigned equally to
each group member, subject to individual adjustment based on the Peer Evaluation (each team member must
contribute equally based on their peer evaluation to qualify for the full team grade—as described below).

Team Leaders Selection. Each team should elect a “Team Leader” to direct the development of the various
components of the business plan, organize team meetings, help lead team discussion and communicate with
instructor from time to time. The course instructor may communicate to the Team Leader as needed.

Approach for developing a project. Each student will present the individually developed Business Idea described
in Work Assignment (WA) #1 above to his or her team for consideration as candidate for the Team Project.

Selection of a Team Business opportunity –WA#2. From the Business Ideas presented by respective team
members, each Team will select a first and second choice for business plan development (and the two related group
papers/presentations during the semester). The team business idea selected by the Team should be submitted to the
instructor at the beginning of class on or before Sept 3, 2007. Selection of an appropriate opportunity to pursue for
the project is critical. The idea must meet several basic criteria. It must meet standards of good taste and
usefulness—a good rule of thumb: Pick something in which you would consider investing money. Franchises are
not allowed due to the fact that you do little of the background work. It must be a large enough opportunity that it
will require at least $100,000 in investment capital and it must have the potential to generate at least $1,000,000 in
revenue in the 5th year. That means that bars, restaurants, sports facilities, most retail models only qualify if they are
scalable by franchising or expansion to multiple locations. This expansion must be part of the business plan being
created by the group. A viable entrepreneurial opportunity is one that brings something new, valuable, innovative
and difficult to imitate to the market and creates a position where the industry forces (supplier power, buyer power,
barriers to entry, substitutes and rivalry) are favorable to the new venture. New ventures that go head to head with
established firms in crowded markets are not recommended.

Once a business Idea is selected and approved, it is then developed into a business plan by the Team during the
semester. Accordingly, each Team will make 2 presentations and write 2 papers during the semester associated with
their selected business idea.

WA # 3a, #3b, Paper & Presentation: Opportunity and Industry Analysis and Description of New Venture
This paper should be 6 to 10 pages in length and should be in outline format as much as possible. As a guide
for this paper and presentation, the Team should use sections 1 through 4 in Comprehensive Checklist and
sections I, II and III under the Business Plan heading, both of which are part of the course handout, Opportunity
Evaluation Checklist and Business Plan Outline (download Checklist from WebCT6). The first section of this
paper should provide a description of the business concept and its products or services and why they are unique
or special. Particular emphasis should be placed on the competitive advantage of your new venture. The
second section should briefly discuss the unmet needs of the market that the products or services are providing
and the customers being targeted. The third section should provide an overview and analysis of the industry in
which the venture will operate. The Industry analysis section will include the future outlook and trends, analysis
of overall industry, market needs, possible opportunity and associated unmet needs it fulfills along with industry
forecasts. The fourth section will provide a description of the objectives (short term and long term) of the
company. Evaluate the feasibility and attractiveness of the business idea or concept using the Checklist noted
above and the concepts and frameworks provided in the text including Chapters 5 and 7.

WA #5a, #5b, Paper & Presentation: The complete business plan including the addition of The Marketing
Plan, Assessment of Risk, and Financial Plan

This paper and presentation should also improve upon the first assignment ( WA#3b). In addition to a refinement of
the summary of the business concept, Product information and Industry analysis given by the team previously in
WA#3a and WA#3b, the team will add three major segments to the plan:

7
1) The marketing plan: This segment of the plan should be 3- 6 pages and include a brief analysis (reiteration) of
the target market(s). The segment of the paper and presentation should include a detailed marketing plan including
the general marketing strategy (including business model), target customers, positioning of the firm (relative to
competition), advertising and promotional activities, pricing strategy, sales and distribution strategy, sales forecasts,
service and support, and detailed marketing budget.
2) the Risk Assessment and Financial Plan (including timeline).
This segment of the paper should be 3 to 6 pages in length and should include a) resource requirements of the firm
until company becomes self-sustaining (how much capital is needed for start-up and operations, e.g., capital
expenditures, personnel, facilities and equipment (this should be summarized in a budget table—which is a Use of
Proceeds from financing), b) funding sources , c) the investment deal (how much equity for investment and
projected returns), d) pro-form Income Statement for 3 years (monthly for the first 12 months and quarterly for years
2 and 3—See examples in textbook) and a break-even analysis, e) critical risk factors, and f) a timeline chart of
events and milestones to be achieved over the next year. NOTE: In the presentation, provide a very simple, brief
and legible summary of key financial information (e.g., a summary table of the budget (use of proceeds, including
capital expenditures), a summary table of the income statement (with revenue projections, costs, profit and Income
for next 3 years), and a break-even chart (NOTE: DO NOT INCLUDE IN THE PRESENTATION A FULL
SPREADSHEET OF DATA)
The Paper (WA#5a) will be due before the beginning of class on November 19, 2007 and the Presentation
(WA#5b) will be ready for presented in class on November 19, 2007.

Presentations in Class. Team presentations of the various components of the business plan (WA#’s 3b, & 5b)
should be of high standards and presented in MS Power Point format. A team’s presentation will be graded based
on the quality of (a) the content of the presentation, (b) the presentation style and quality, and (c) the ability of the
team to justify its position in the Q&A in Class. All presentations will be made in the Team context, wherein in all
members will give portions of the presentation. The content and length will be detailed later in the semester

Team Member Participation in Group Projects. Each team member will create portions of each group project as
agreed by team members and the team will integrate the respective pieces. Please remember to save sufficient time
to properly edit the work into one integrated paper that will be agreed upon by the team and Team Leader (disjointed
papers will not score well).

Individual Peer Evaluation by Team Members

A peer evaluation of the respective individual team members will be utilized to adjust individual grades on all group
assignments (maximum range of +/- 20% of the group grade). The peer evaluation form attached to this syllabus
will be completed individually and turned in by each team member as part of each Team Project assignment. A
total of 3 individual peer evaluation forms will be turned in during the semester (associated with WA #’s 3, 4, and
5).

All of us have been on teams where someone did not contribute fully but expected the same grade as those making
strong contributors. Fairness will prevail. Individual grades for each group project and presentation will be
computed based on the team score for each project with allowances for team peer evaluations that each team
member receives. Therefore, strong contribution to projects, regular attendance at team meetings, and
collaborative, cooperative and friendly attitudes and are essential for optimal grading. See the attached
student peer evaluation form with example form. Students will not directly grade (A, B, etc.) one another but will
provide the instructor with feedback (with peer evaluation forms) as to the percentage of contribution of each
member on a base of 100%. Individual grades may be lowered by the instructor given poor peer evaluations.
Additional instruction regarding peer evaluation will be provided on the peer evaluation form.

As mentioned, Peer evaluations are due with each major project or report (associated with WA’s 3a-b, 4, and 5a-b).
Failure to complete a peer evaluation can result in reduction in grade. Evaluations will be kept confidential. The
team is accountable for warning any student who is in danger of receiving a failing peer evaluation. Failure of a
team to warn a team member in a timely manner as described may invalidate negative ratings. Interim evaluations
may be completed at any time during the semester and submitted to the instructor as a means of identifying a
problem with a team member. At that time, the instructor will talk with all parties involved to determine what
course of action may need to be taken. Please do not be afraid to discuss these problems with the instructor early on.

8
Warnings as to failure on peer evaluations most often reverses a negative course of action on the part of a team
member. Please handle individual team member issues with proper care, courtesy and diplomacy.

Students dropped from teams, with approval from the instructor, will be required to complete a group project on
their own. Other options include dropping or failing the course.

EXAMS

Questions on exams will be multiple choice or short answer.

FIELD TRIP POLICIES

Off-campus Instruction and Course Activities

Off-campus, out-of-state, and foreign instruction and activities are subject to state law and University
policies and procedures regarding travel and risk-related activities. Information regarding these rules
and regulations may be found at the website address
http://www.utdallas.edu/BusinessAffairs/Travel_Risk_Activities.htm. Additional information is available
from the office of the school dean. Below is a description of any travel and/or risk-related activity
associated with this course.

STUDENT CONDUCT & DISCIPLINE

The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and regulations for the
orderly and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility of each student and each student
organization to be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations which govern student conduct and
activities. General information on student conduct and discipline is contained in the UTD publication, A
to Z Guide, which is provided to all registered students each academic year.

The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of recognized and
established due process. Procedures are defined and described in the Rules and Regulations, Board of
Regents, The University of Texas System, Part 1, Chapter VI, Section 3, and in Title V, Rules on Student
Services and Activities of the university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and
regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are
available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-6391).

A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of citizenship. He or
she is expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the Regents’ Rules, university regulations,
and administrative rules. Students are subject to discipline for violating the standards of conduct whether
such conduct takes place on or off campus, or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for
such conduct.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty. Because the
value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done by the student for that
degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high standard of individual honor in his or her
scholastic work.

Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related to applications
for enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission as one’s own work or material that is not
one’s own. As a general rule, scholastic dishonesty involves one of the following acts: cheating,

9
plagiarism, collusion and/or falsifying academic records. Students suspected of academic dishonesty are
subject to disciplinary proceedings.

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from any other source
is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university’s policy on plagiarism (see general catalog for
details). This course will use the resources of turnitin.com, which searches the web for possible
plagiarism and is over 90% effective.

EMAIL USE
The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication between faculty/staff and
students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises some issues concerning security and the identity of
each individual in an email exchange. The university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent
only to a student’s U.T. Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students official only if
it originates from a UTD student account. This allows the university to maintain a high degree of confidence in the
identity of all individual corresponding and the security of the transmitted information. UTD furnishes each student
with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with university personnel. The Department of
Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method for students to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to
other accounts.
WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level courses. These
dates and times are published in that semester's course catalog. Administration procedures must be
followed. It is the student's responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements from any class. In other
words, I cannot drop or withdraw any student. You must do the proper paperwork to ensure that you will
not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to attend the class once you are enrolled.

STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities, of the
university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures.

In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other fulfillments of
academic responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious effort to resolve the
matter with the instructor, supervisor, administrator, or committee with whom the grievance originates
(hereafter called “the respondent”). Individual faculty members retain primary responsibility for
assigning grades and evaluations. If the matter cannot be resolved at that level, the grievance must be
submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy of the respondent’s School Dean. If the matter is not
resolved by the written response provided by the respondent, the student may submit a written appeal to
the School Dean. If the grievance is not resolved by the School Dean’s decision, the student may make a
written appeal to the Dean of Graduate or Undergraduate Education, and the deal will appoint and
convene an Academic Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results
of the academic appeals process will be distributed to all involved parties.

Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students,
where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations.

INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY

As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably missed at the
semester’s end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An incomplete grade must be
resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first day of the subsequent long semester. If the required work
to complete the course and to remove the incomplete grade is not submitted by the specified deadline, the
incomplete grade is changed automatically to a grade of F.

10
DISABILITY SERVICES

The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational opportunities equal to
those of their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in room 1.610 in the Student Union.
Office hours are Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to
7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:

The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22
PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)

Essentially, the law requires that colleges and universities make those reasonable adjustments necessary
to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. For example, it may be necessary to remove
classroom prohibitions against tape recorders or animals (in the case of dog guides) for students who are
blind. Occasionally an assignment requirement may be substituted (for example, a research paper versus
an oral presentation for a student who is hearing impaired). Classes enrolled students with mobility
impairments may have to be rescheduled in accessible facilities. The college or university may need to
provide special services such as registration, note-taking, or mobility assistance.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an accommodation.
Disability Services provides students with letters to present to faculty members to verify that the student
has a disability and needs accommodations. Individuals requiring special accommodation should contact
the professor after class or during office hours.

RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS

The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required activities for the travel to and
observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property tax under
Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas Code Annotated.

The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible regarding the absence,
preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused, will be allowed to take the exam or complete the
assignment within a reasonable time after the absence: a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum
of one week. A student who notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam or assignment may not be
penalized for the absence. A student who fails to complete the exam or assignment within the prescribed period may
receive a failing grade for that exam or assignment.

If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose of observing a religious
holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the student has been given a reasonable time to complete
any missed assignments or examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief
executive officer of the institution, or his or her designee. The chief executive officer or designee must take into
account the legislative intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student and instructor will abide by the decision of the chief
executive officer or designee.

11
 BA 4308.001
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

PEER EVALUATION FORM

(TO BE USED AFTER EACH OF TWO MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS (WA#3 and WA#4)
INSTRUCTIONS
The peer evaluation process is intended to provide group members with an opportunity to contribute to the evaluation of
the performance of your team members on group activities. On the form below, you may rate the performance and
contributions of your team members (including yourself) in the preparation of the group assignments. Instructions
follow:
1. Enter the names of your group members (alphabetically by last name). Include yourself.
2. Evaluate each assignment separately. Each team member will begin with 100 points on each assignment.
3. You may reallocate the total number of points among team members within a range of 80 to 120 points for each individual,
based on their contributions to the group effort on that assignment.
4. The total number of points allocated on any single assignment must equal 100 times the number of members of the team. If
you have four members on the team, the total for each column should be equal to 400.
5. I will calculate an overall assessment as a weighted average of the individual ratings, using the percentage weights
indicated below.
Please sign the evaluation at the bottom of the page, place it in a sealed envelope and turn it in with each Team Project
assignment on the date it is due (there will be 3 separate evaluation forms filled out during the semester).

Team #______ Name___________________________

Project: _________________ Signature ________________________

Evaluation INSTRUCTIONS:

* Grade the performance of each team member (including yourself) using the following criteria.
Initiative while working on project.
Attendance at scheduled Team meetings.
Timeliness, quality and completeness of assigned work?
Team spirit.
Overall contribution to project completion?

* To score the various team members, first begin by multiplying the number of team members on your
team, including yourself by 100. The resulting product equals the total number of points your team
can achieve. For example, if there are 5 members (including yourself) on the team, then the total
number of points that must be distributed among the members of your team is: 5*100 = 500. You
must distribute points among your team members based on each member’s overall contribution to
the team project. If all team members contributed equally then each would receive a score of 100. If
an individual contributed an extra effort to the project that team member’s score could be higher than
100 which means that one or more persons would receive less than 100.

* For any team member whose points are significantly above or below the team average (i.e, greater
than 110, or less than 85), please make specific comments indicating why the team member received
that score.

* Fold the evaluation sheet and return it to the instructor with each finished Team Project.

12
 BA 4308.001
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Assignment ________________________________
POINTS
NAME OF TEAM MEMBERS
ALLOCATED per
TEAM MEMBER

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Total Points (Number of team members x 100)

Comments on High and Low rated team members.

Please be as specific as possible regarding rationale for rating high or low

COMMENTS
Group
Member Comments (please support and justify any assessment below 90% or above 110%) Continue on reverse if necessary.

Prepared by: ____________________________________

13
 BA 4308.001
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

PEER EVALUATION FORM--EXAMPLE

INSTRUCTIONS
The peer evaluation process is intended to provide group members with an opportunity to contribute to the evaluation of
the performance of your team members on group activities. On the form below, you may rate the performance and
contributions of your team members (including yourself) in the preparation of the group assignments. Instructions
follow:
6. Enter the names of your group members (alphabetically by last name). Include yourself.
7. Evaluate each assignment separately. Each team member will begin with 100 points on each assignment.
8. You may reallocate the total number of points among team members within a range of 80 to 120 points for each individual,
based on their contributions to the group effort on that assignment.
9. The total number of points allocated on any single assignment must equal 100 times the number of members of the team. If
you have four members on the team, the total for each column should be equal to 400.
10. I will calculate an overall assessment as a weighted average of the individual ratings, using the percentage weights
indicated below.
Please sign the evaluation at the bottom of the page, place it in a sealed envelope and turn it in with your final group
assignment on April 25th.

PEER EVALUATION
Group Member (list alphabetically)
1 Samuel Adams 100

2 Brett Favre 100

3 Michael Finley 90

4 George Washington 110

TOTAL (must equal 100 X number of group 400

members)

COMMENTS
Group
Member Comments (please support and justify any assessment below 90% or above 110%) Continue on reverse if necessary.
1 Sam was late on most assignments and did not contribute much to group project

2 I did my fair share on all of the assignments.

3 Didn’t seem interested at first, but carried the load for the group on the final presentation

4 A solid contributor throughout.

Signature: _____________________________________
Print Name: ____ Brett Favre ____________________
14
 BA 4308.001
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

15