Overview:

VCSME is a field course focused on operating and creating value in small and medium firms. Most of the sessions and lessons are taught through the lens of Entrepreneurship through Acquistion (EtA), but the lessons learned can be applied to many career paths and jobs. While not a prerequisite, many students who take VCSME have taken Financial Management of Small Firms (FMFS) in the fall semester. Students often take VCSME together with the field course Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (EtA).

Career Focus:

This course is geared towards students interested in Entrepreneurship through Acquisition including Search Funds, Self Funded search, and other EtA models. While the course is taught through the lens of EtA, the operating, leadership, and value creation lessons can be applied to many different career paths in management and investing.

Educational Objectives:

The educational objectives are to experience practical and theoretical models of value creation in small and medium firms. While small firms differ in industry, size, and complexity, there are many common themes that entrepreneurs focus on to drive value creation. Class sessions include a combination of vignette (mini-case) discussions, class exercises, role playing, and heavy guest participation. The course concept is to “bring the field to the students”.

Course Content and Organization:

Selected course sessions:
1. First day speech role play and early actions post acquisition
2. Financial systems, accounting, and metrics
3. Difficult conversations: Demotion, termination, star performer feedback
4. Hiring, recruiting talent to small firms, leading “A” players
5. Sales and building sales organizations in small firms
6. Growth through acquisition
7. CEO prioritization and Culture
8. Capital allocation
9. Selling your company and life post exit

Grading / Course Administration:

Grading is 50% based on class participation, 25% of pre-class assignments, and 25% final project (individual or teams of two).