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9 units (3-0-6); third term 2007-2008                                                                                                                Professor: Ken Pickar
T, TH 2:30-4:00pm, Thomas 306                                                                                                                         TA: Rahul Deb

E103 is for students interested in learning how rapidly evolving technologies are harnessed to produce useful products and successful businesses. Students will work through Harvard Business School Case Studies, supplemented by lectures and invited business leaders to elucidate the key issues. The cases will be taken from various industries (financial services, semiconductor, medical devices, biotech, aerospace, etc.) The course is designed for students considering working in companies (any size including startup) or perhaps eventually going to business school.

Teams will also work on a final projet for the class. There are two options for the project. Teams can choose to do an assessment of a technology or technology field and make projections about the future of this field. The other option is to perform an innovative capabilities audit of a technology-focused company. You can choose any size firm - there are many in the Pasadena and Southern California area to allow for easier networking. More details in the syllabus.

Topics include technology as a growth agent, financial fundamentals, integration into other business processes, product life cycle, product development pipeline, learning curves, risk assessment, financial implications, technology trend methodologies (scenarios and projections), core competencies, portfolio management, motivation, rewards and recognition, outsourcing and joint ventures.


Contact Information:

Ken Pickar, x4185                                                                                                                                             Rahul Deb, Available after class
Thomas 101 (please call to schedule appointment)                                                                                              (E-mail to set up a meeting)