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Business | Beedie School of Business Simon Fraser University Calendar | Spring 2025

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Certificate

Admission Requirements

A student in any faculty at SFU may declare this certificate through the Beedie School of Business.

Limitations

Units applied to one certificate may be applied also to major or minor programs of a bachelor's degree under the normal regulations governing those programs but may not be applied to another Simon Fraser University certificate or diploma.

Grade Requirements

In addition to normal university grade point average requirements, the Beedie School of Business requires a minimum 2.30 overall SFU Business course grade point average for entry into all 300 and 400 division business courses.

For a course to be accepted as fulfilling a prerequisite, or for a lower division requirement, or for a core course to be accepted in a student's program in business, a student must have obtained a minimum grade of C- (C minus).

A minimum grade point average of 2.00 calculated on all courses applied towards the certificate is required for graduation from a business certificate.

Program Requirements

Students must complete the following, including foundational business courses, a capstone course, and additional coursework from a variety of disciplines.

Core Courses

Students complete one of

BUS 238 - Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Innovation (3)

Students will build collaborative and creative skills necessary to become effective innovators through hands-on application via interdisciplinary teamwork. Entrepreneurship and innovation of all types will be addressed including social, commercial, creative, sustainable and technological perspectives. Prerequisite: 12 units. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Amyn Somani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
BUS 240 - Introduction to Innovation (3)

An introduction to key innovation concepts and processes, and how innovation is organized in established organizations and start-ups. Students will learn their role as agents of innovation by practicing techniques that help them anticipate opportunities, generate innovative concepts, and implement innovation in established organizations, entrepreneurial ventures and society. Prerequisite: 12 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 VJ Terzic
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D200 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey

and all of

BUS 314 - Resourcing New Ventures (3)

Start-up and early-stage ventures have particular financial challenges associated with the uncertain and unproven nature of the project. This course analyzes how entrepreneurs and their financial backers can spot, create and manage value. Topics covered include opportunity recognition, cash flow forecasting, valuation methodologies, financial contracts, and careful negotiations. Various sources are considered for start-up capital (private debt, angel financiers, venture capitalists, development banks), and different strategies are considered for harvesting or exiting (initial public offerings, merger, acquisition, leveraged buy-out, shut down) a venture. Prerequisite: BUS 238 or BUS 240, with a minimum grade of C-; 45 units.

BUS 338 - Foundations of Innovation (3)

An introduction to the theory and practice of the management of technological innovation. The external environment for technological innovation is examined through investigation of national and regional systems of innovation. The internal firm capabilities for creating and sustaining innovative firms are explored in detail, from the creation of ideas through to the commercialization of new products and services. Proficiency is gained in identifying sources of innovative value, implementing processes to capture it, and creating strategies for commercialization. Prerequisite: BUS 238 or BUS 240, with a minimum grade of C-; 45 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Amyn Somani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
BUS 361 - Project Management (3)

Introduction to the hard and soft skills of project management. Management software and techniques such as work breakdown, estimation, budgeting and status reporting are used. Applies structured processes and develops team-based skills and knowledge. Assumes no prior computing or technical knowledge. Prerequisite: 45 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Connie Kar Wai Liu
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D200 Connie Kar Wai Liu
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey

and one of*

BUS 477 - Startup Experience (4)

This experiential course will expose students to the planning and development process of creating a startup. Emphasis is placed on integrating and applying all of the foundational skills acquired in previous entrepreneurship and innovation classes in a real world setting. Prerequisite: BUS 338 and BUS 360W, or innovation and entrepreneurship certificate students with BUS 338 and an upper division Writing (W) course, both with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units. Recommended: BUS 314, BUS 361.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Douglas Fast
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
Surrey
ENV 495 - Environmental Capstone (4) **

This project-based course, to be taken in the final year of undergraduate study, will provide students with an opportunity to integrate and demonstrate the knowledge and skills gained through their undergraduate study. Projects involve collaborative work, analytical methodologies and communication of environmental complexity. Prerequisite: 90 units.

HSCI 495 - Applied Health Science Project (4)

A transdisciplinary approach to integrating and applying knowledge from both academic disciplines and non-academic fields to jointly develop innovative solutions to particular scientific and societal problems in human health. Coursework emphasizes collaboration and is based on community-embedded projects. Prerequisite: Minimum 90 units completed.

IAT 430 - Make Change Studio III: Refinement and Production (3) ^

Immerses students in the development and launch of a sustainable product offering and business model. Students will develop production, operating, communication and marketing plans and then deliver products to real customers. Prerequisite: BUS 339 with a minimum grade of C- and an upper division Writing (W) course. Corequisite: BUS 476.

and BUS 476 - Make Change Studio IV - Promotion, Packaging and Launch - Launching a Design-Led Business (4) ^

Immerses students in the development and launch of at least one sustainable product or service offering and business model. Students will develop production, operating, communication and marketing plans, and produce and then deliver products and services to real customers. The course culminates in students taking their products and services to market at a public venue. Prerequisite: IAT 330 and BUS 339, both with a minimum grade of C-, or instructor permission to enroll in the course. BUS 360W or innovation and entrepreneurship certificate students with an upper division Writing (W) course, with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units. Corequisite: IAT 430.

IAT 499 - Graduation Project (6)

Students will complete a project of significant size and scope that allows them to bring together skills and knowledge learned across a variety of courses in SIAT. They will produce a design, media, or interactive system artifact that is of a high caliber ("portfolio' quality) along with a detailed report of the project activities completed throughout the term, the methods or processes used, the knowledge learned, and a description of the final outcomes. Projects will be presented publicly at an end-of-the-term graduation showcase. Prerequisite: Completion of 90 units (ensuring a 4th year equivalent student), including 18 upper division IAT units plus IAT 309W with a minimum grade of C-. Enrollment is competitive - each term we will enroll a maximum of 20 students or team based on the strongest student project ideas and CGPA.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
E100 Andrew Hawryshkewich
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
Surrey
MSE 410 - Capstone Design Technical Project I (3) ^^

Students will combine their technical and mechatronic design knowledge to conceive, and design a product. A comprehensive report is required at the end of the term. Prerequisite: Completion of at least 24 units from the upper division list of MSE curriculum courses and completion of two co-op terms (MSE 293 or MSE 294 and MSE 393 or MSE 394). Must not be taken concurrently with MSE 493 or MSE 494. Students with credit for ENSC 405W or SEE 410W may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Farid Golnaraghi
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
OPL1 Farid Golnaraghi
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Surrey
and MSE 411 - Capstone Design Technical Project II (3) ^^

Students will apply their technical knowledge to develop a prototype system representing a product that was designed earlier in MSE 410. Students will then present it to a panel of engineers, faculty and student members. Prerequisite: MSE 410. Must not be taken concurrently with MSE 493 or MSE 494. Students with credit for ENSC 440 or SEE 411 may not take MSE 411 for further credit.

Elective Coursework

Students# will complete two of*

BISC 373 - Brewing Science (3)

This interdisciplinary course exposes students to the science and art of brewing, including the ingredients and process of brewing. Discussion of malting, barley and hop cultivation, and yeast fermentation, as it relates to the brewing process, as well as business, advertising, marketing of beer will be included. Students may not count this course toward their biological science honours, major, or minor requirements. Prerequisite: 60 units. Breadth-Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Zamir Punja
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
BUS 291 - Selected Topics in Business Administration (3) ***

The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interest of faculty and students. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: As stated by the faculty at the time of offering; 12 units.

BUS 292 - Selected Topics in Business Administration (3) ***

The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interest of faculty and students. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: As stated by the faculty at the time of offering; 12 units.

BUS 339 - Make Change Studio II - Iteration and Prototyping (4)

Students work in small teams to rapidly and repeatedly conceive a new business, produce its first prototype product or service and test that product or service with potential business customers. Through several such iterations, students learn practical business planning, the importance of people, context and technology and effective teamwork skills. Prerequisite: BUS 238, IAT 330, both with a minimum grade of C-, 45 units; or permission from the instructor.

BUS 394 - Selected Topics in Business Administration (3) ***

The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interest of faculty and students. Prerequisite: As stated by the faculty at the time of offering; 45 units.

BUS 395 - Selected Topics in Business Administration (3) ***

The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interest of faculty and students. Prerequisite: As stated by the faculty at the time of offering; 45 units.

BUS 406 - Startup Accelerator (3)

Entrepreneurial ideas undergo a transition from being a concept within a classroom to being able to survive as a commercially viable enterprise. Intensive coaching and mentoring through sector-specific mentors and organizations will provide students with experience in market validation, pitching and business planning as ventures move to incubators, accelerators, or sustainable operations. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. BUS 360W or innovation and entrepreneurship certificate students with an upper division Writing (W) course, with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units. Students with credit for a Selected Topics in Business Administration, when offered as New Venture Accelerator, may not complete this course for further credit.

BUS 443 - New Product Development and Design (3)

Understand how to develop and launch new products that will be successful with customers. Students will learn to: identify product/service opportunities; generate and evaluate concepts; develop concepts into products; launch new products. Prerequisite: BUS 343 and BUS 360W, or innovation and entrepreneurship certificate students with BUS 343 and an upper division Writing (W) course, both with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Mitsu Feng
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
BUS 450 - Managing Emerging Opportunities (3)

Develops abilities to identify and evaluate emerging opportunities in the specific context of consulting. Through innovation consulting projects with real clients, participants will develop their problem-solving and interpersonal skills, and practice delivering analysis and recommendations to satisfy client needs. Prerequisite: BUS 360W or innovation and entrepreneurship certificate students with an upper division Writing (W) course, with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units.

BUS 453 - Sustainable Innovation (3)

Challenges associated with continuing innovation are examined and students work to generate innovative solutions by challenging existing economic models. Students learn about sustainable opportunity, recognition, and screening, and understand how great ideas to 'save the planet' can get off the ground. Prerequisite: BUS 360W or (corporate environmental and social sustainability certificate students or innovation and entrepreneurship certificate students with an upper division Writing (W) course), with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units. Recommended: BUS 338. Students with credit for BUS 49X when offered as Sustainable Innovation may not complete this course for further credit.

BUS 490 - Selected Topics in Business Administration (1) ***

The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interests of faculty and students. Prerequisite: Will vary according to topic. BUS 360W with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units.

BUS 491 - Selected Topics in Business Administration (2) ***

The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interests of faculty and students. Prerequisite: Will vary according to topic. BUS 360W with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units.

BUS 492 - Selected Topics in Business Administration (3) ***

The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interests of faculty and students. Prerequisite: As stated by the faculty at the time of offering and BUS 360W with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units.

BUS 493 - Selected Topics in Business Administration (3) ***

The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interests of faculty and students. Prerequisite: As stated by the faculty at the time of offering and BUS 360W with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units.

BUS 494 - Selected Topics in Business Administration (3) ***

The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interests of faculty and students. Prerequisite: As stated by the faculty at the time of offering and BUS 360W with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units.

BUS 495 - Selected Topics in Business Administration (4) ***

The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interests of faculty and students. Prerequisite: As stated by the faculty at the time of offering and BUS 360W with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units.

CA 381 - Thriving as a Cultural Entrepreneur (3)

Focus on skills and knowledge required to thrive as a creator/entrepreneur in contemporary society. Exploration of the life cycle of various creative enterprises and the development of a personal plan to realize the student's goals. Additional topics to include an introduction to strategic and financial planning, brand development, contracts and business culture. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for FPA 381 may not take this course for further credit.

CMNS 425 - Applied Communication for Social Issues (4)

An advanced seminar in applied communication that focuses on the research and strategic design of media messages, campaigns and programs for public awareness, education, and social change. This course involves the application of theories and approaches in critical media analysis to the tasks of media design and media use for public understanding, engagement and participation around social issues. Prerequisite: 26 CMNS units with a minimum grade of C- or 60 units with a minimum CGPA of 2.00.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Martin Laba
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
CMPT 120 - Introduction to Computing Science and Programming I (3)

An elementary introduction to computing science and computer programming, suitable for students with little or no programming background. Students will learn fundamental concepts and terminology of computing science, acquire elementary skills for programming in a high-level language, e.g. Python. The students will be exposed to diverse fields within, and applications of computing science. Topics will include: pseudocode; data types and control structures; fundamental algorithms; recursion; reading and writing files; measuring performance of algorithms; debugging tools; basic terminal navigation using shell commands. Treatment is informal and programming is presented as a problem-solving tool. Prerequisite: BC Math 12 or equivalent is recommended. Students with credit for CMPT 102, 128, 130 or 166 may not take this course for further credit. Students who have taken CMPT 125, 129, 130 or 135 first may not then take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Diana Cukierman
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D200 John Edgar
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Surrey
D201 John Edgar
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
D202 John Edgar
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
D203 John Edgar
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Surrey
D204 John Edgar
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Surrey
D205 John Edgar
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
D206 John Edgar
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
D207 John Edgar
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Surrey
D208 John Edgar
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Surrey
CMPT 320 - Social Implications - Computerized Society (3)

An examination of social processes that are being automated and implications for good and evil, that may be entailed in the automation of procedures by which goods and services are allocated. Examination of what are dehumanizing and humanizing parts of systems and how systems can be designed to have a humanizing effect. Prerequisite: A CMPT course with a minimum grade of C- and 45 units. Breadth-Science.

HSCI 130 - Foundations of Health Science (4)

How health, illness and disease are defined and measured for individuals and populations. Research strategies used to identify how health, illness and disease are distributed across human populations and how environmental, socio-economic, demographic, biological, behavioural and political factors influence individual and population health. Breadth-Social Sci/Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Robert Hogg
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
HSCI 305 - The Canadian Health System (3)

A comparative analysis of the Canadian health care financing and delivery systems and policies. History, organizational principles, health care resources, costs, access to care, quality, and equity. Societal and political issues, threats and values that affect Canada's health care system and others around the world. Prerequisite: 60 units, including nine HSCI units with a minimum grade of C-.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
OL01 Helen McTaggart-Cowan
Online
HSCI 312 - Health Promotion: Individuals and Communities (3)

Theoretical frameworks and their applications in health promotion and disease prevention. The development, implementation, and evaluation of programs aimed at individuals and communities in Canada and globally. Prerequisite: 60 units, including either HSCI 130 or BPK 140, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for HSCI 401 prior to Fall 2010 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Kate Tairyan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
IAT 330 - Make Change Studio I: Introduction (3)

The foundation course of the Business of Design program. An introduction to design and business through jointly resolving a business problem with a real client. Individually, students prototype a product or service contributing to an aspect of the larger problem. Sustainability is a goal throughout the course. Prerequisite: BUS 238 with a minimum grade of C-.

IAT 333 - Interaction Design Methods (4)

Examines concepts of design practice and related design methods for interaction designers. Design methods include ethnography, personas, design games, role-playing, scenarios, participatory workshops, and prototyping. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 238 with a minimum grade of C- or IAT 235 with a minimum grade of C- completed before the Spring 2025 term.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Ron Wakkary
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D200 Sessional
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
IAT 431 - Speculative Design (4)

Provides students with the opportunity to experiment with designing in various non-normative frameworks provided by cultural studies, critical theory and phenomenology. Students will examine design's potential for cultural, social and ethical critique of emerging technologies and society. Rather than merely illustrating theoretical positions, this examination involves enacting and embodying differing theoretical positions, thereby rendering criticism productive. Individual design expertise and voice is emphasized. Prerequisite: Completion of 60 units, including IAT 309W and IAT 333, with a minimum grade of C-.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Ron Wakkary
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
IAT 481 - Special Topics in Interactive Arts and Technology (Science) (3)

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term. This course can be repeated for credit up to a maximum of three times, if topic studied is different. Variable units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Prerequisite: Completion of 60 units.

MSE 110 - Mechatronics Design I (3)

First year project course designed to provide students with a first exposure to the challenges of project organization. Students are responsible for designing and constructing a mechanical robot optimized to solve a particular chosen task. The engineering challenges of the project are expected to focus half on mechanical design and half on control algorithm design and implementation. Students with credit for ENSC 182 may not take MSE 110 for further credit.

or MSE 111 - Mechatronics for non-Engineers (3)

Project course designed to provide non-engineering students with a first exposure to mechatronic systems engineering concepts and the challenges of project organization. Students are responsible for designing and constructing a mechanical robot optimized to solve a particular chosen task. The engineering challenges of the project are expected to focus on mechanical design, control algorithm design and implementation. MSE students cannot earn credit for this course in lieu of or in addition to MSE 110.

POL 150 - Science, Policy, and Innovation (3)

Explores how science and technology intersect with public policy. From debates about climate change to the proper boundaries of security and privacy in the Information Age, the politicization of science is an inescapable reality that has far-reaching consequences for scientific advances innovation, and human quality of life. Breadth-Hum/Social Sci/Science.

POL 457W - Technology and Innovation Policy (4)

Examines challenges posed by the development of new technologies and the controversies associated with innovation policy. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 457 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

PUB 101 - Publication of Self in Everyday Life (3)

An exploration of how social media have transformed social behaviour (presentation of self) into proto-publishing (publication of self) by encouraging greater public participation in publishing in all forms of publishing in society. Using online tracking to discern practices, attention is given to how social media contribute to the social identities of participants and how they affect social interaction.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Suzanne Norman
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D101 Suzanne Norman
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D102 Suzanne Norman
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
PUB 201 - The Publication of Professional Self (3)

Social media are transforming the public behaviour of organizations into publishing activities focused on the management of their social identities. In the context of emerging conceptual frameworks, students will learn about, track, and discern social media practices, and then develop and implement strategies for interactions of organizations with governments, partners and rivals, consumers, citizens and society. Prerequisite: PUB 101.

PUB 212 - Public Relations and Public Engagement (3)

A critical and applied approach to theories and practices of professional public engagement, with a focus on public relations. This course is problem-centred and issues-driven, and emphasizes the development of knowledge and skills of effective and strategic professional public engagement across a wide range of current and emerging media technologies, platforms, and communication environments. Prerequisite: 25 units; PUB 210W highly recommended.

PUB 456 - Institutional and International Event Planning and Management (4)

An exploration of events and their management with emphasis on theories, social context, practices in the context of audience building, market creation and community building. Skill development, including curating, planning, design, marketing, human and financial resource management, sponsorship, budgeting, risk management and program evaluation are featured in this course. Prerequisite: 75 units.

# Students completing a bachelor of business administration may not use business courses to meet the requirements of this section.

* Substitutions with appropriate course content may be possible with permission from the Beedie School of Business.

** ENV 495 will only count toward this certificate when offered as part of Change Lab. Students are to consult with a Faculty of Environment advisor before enrolling in this course.

*** When offered as a selected topics course in innovation and entrepreneurship.

^ Make Change Studio

^^ Technology Entrepreneurship @ SFU