The ultimate goal of this course is to prepare the student for the exciting, challenging, demanding process of starting his/her own Internet-based ("dot-com") venture. To accomplish this, the course will be divided into two parts.
In the first part, the student will be introduced to the Internet from a (minimal) technological point of view, and from a business point of view. The effect of the Internet on the economy and business as well as the converse effect of business on the development of the Internet will be explored.
The second part will be dedicated to the "nuts-and-bolts" of launching an Internet-based startup. It will cover technology, business models, financing, intellectual property, and other pertinent issues.
This course will be offered on "Internet time": five intensive five-hour lecture sessions over two weeks [including, if possible, outside lectures by entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, and others involved in Internet-based ventures -- based on accessibility and availability], accompanied by students’ immersion in reading and projects. Students will get a "hands-on" experience developing their own Internet-based startup business plan.
Should resources permit, a business plan contest will be offered, where students will be able to have their business plans judged by experienced operators in this space. Hopefully, we will be able to recruit prominent judges and to raise monetary contributions to award first, second, and third prizes to the best business plans. The business plan competition will take place [if at all] at a later time, not during the actual course.