Free online courseBusiness Fundamentals for Entrepreneurs
Duration of the online course: 23 hours and 49 minutes
New course
Discover essential entrepreneurship skills and business strategies with NPTEL's comprehensive online course for aspiring entrepreneurs.
In this free course, learn about
Course Introduction
Business Overview
Types of Companies
Vision, Mission, Goals and Strategy
Innovation in Business
Manufacturing and Logistics
Business Finance Fundamentals
Leadership and Human Resources
Environment, Society and ESG
Market Research
Understanding Customers and Customer Segments
Value-Based Marketing
Marketing Communication and Branding
Entrepreneurial Growth Opportunities
Strategic Planning for Entrepreneurs
Sales Channels and Distribution
B2B Sales and Sales Funnel
Digital Prototyping for Startups
Advanced Startup Finance
Customer Service Management
Supply Chain Management
Entrepreneurial Skills and Mindset
From Invention to Innovation
Business Risk Management
Business Information Systems
Understanding Customer Needs
Course Description
Explore the essentials of entrepreneurship with the Business Fundamentals for Entrepreneurs course offered by NPTEL. This comprehensive course is designed to equip budding entrepreneurs with the foundational knowledge needed to establish and grow a successful business. Delve into topics such as business overview, company dynamics, and effective vision and strategy formulation to create a solid grounding in business concepts.
Throughout the journey, enrich your understanding of innovation, manufacturing processes, and the intricacies of finance, enabling you to manage key business operations effectively. The course further addresses essential leadership skills and discusses the relationship between business and society, highlighting the impact of business practices on the environment.
Learn to conduct thorough market research, understand customer behaviors, and implement value-based marketing strategies to gain a competitive edge in the market. Communication is key, and this course provides insights into crafting effective marketing communications and leveraging sales channels to reach target audiences.
The course also covers advanced concepts such as B2B transactions and customer service management, essential for maintaining strong relationships with clients. Dive into supply chain management and explore the strategies needed to navigate business risks and handle business information effectively.
With expert modules enhancing your learning experience, this course is an excellent stepping stone for anyone looking to delve into the world of entrepreneurship and business management. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your existing business knowledge, this course promises to deliver valuable insights into the world of business.
Course content
Video class: Course Introduction - Business Fundamentals for Entrepreneurs10m
Exercise: Who can benefit from the business fundamentals course?
Video class: Week 1: Module 1: Part 1 - OVERVIEW OF A BUSINESS?10m
Exercise: Which of the following statements best defines a business?
Video class: Week 1: Module 1: Part 2 - OVERVIEW OF A BUSINESS?44m
Exercise: Which of the following factors is NOT part of the business environment discussed in the transcript?
Video class: Week 1: Module 2: Part 1 - COMPANY28m
Exercise: What is a company?
Video class: Week 1: Module 2: Part 2 - COMPANY27m
Exercise: What type of company has a minimum of two and a maximum of 200 owners?
Video class: Week 2: Module 3: Part 1 - VISION, MISSION, GOALS, STRATEGY15m
Exercise: What is a key aspect of defining a company's purpose?
Video class: Week 2: Module 3: Part 2 - VISION, MISSION, GOALS, STRATEGY32m
Exercise: Why are company values important?
Video class: Week 2: Module 3: Part 3 - VISION, MISSION, GOALS, STRATEGY20m
Exercise: What is the 360° approach to setting company goals?
Video class: Week 2: Module 4: Part 1 - INNOVATION31m
Exercise: What is a key driver of innovation in a company, according to the transcript?
Video class: Week 2: Module 4: Part 2 - INNOVATION33m
Exercise: What is a characteristic of 'new to the world' innovation?
Video class: Week 3: Module 5: Part 1 - MANUFACTURING37m
Exercise: What is the primary advantage of mass manufacturing?
Video class: Week 3: Module 5: Part 2 - MANUFACTURING34m
Exercise: What role does logistics play in mass manufacturing and distribution?
Video class: Week 3: Module 6: Part 1 - FINANCE37m
Exercise: Understanding Business Financial Statements
Video class: Week 3: Module 6: Part 2 - FINANCE24m
Exercise: What is one of the key aspects of financial management?
Video class: Week 4: Module 7: Part 1 - LEADERSHIP32m
Exercise: What are the first three aspects of the 5E Leadership Model discussed?
Video class: Week 4: Module 7: Part 2 - LEADERSHIP23m
Exercise: What is a key element of Human Resource Management discussed in the module?
Video class: Week 4: Module 8: Part 1 - ENVIRONMENT, SOCIETY24m
Exercise: What is the main focus of ESG in business?
Video class: Week 4: Module 8: Part 2 - ENVIRONMENT, SOCIETY20m
Exercise: What is one of the main pressures on companies to focus on ESG practices?
Video class: Week 5: Module 9 Part 1 - MARKET RESEARCH19m
Exercise: Why is market research important for companies?
Video class: Week 5: Module 9 Part 2 - MARKET RESEARCH27m
Exercise: What is the Difference Between Primary and Secondary Research?
Video class: Week 5: Module 10 Part 1 - CUSTOMERS27m
Exercise: What is the primary reason 42% of startups fail according to the course module?
Video class: Week 5: Module 10 Part 2 - CUSTOMERS33m
Exercise: What is the Difference Between B2B and B2C Businesses?
Video class: Week 6: Module 11 Part 1 - VALUE BASED MARKETING16m
Exercise: What invention allowed for the first major use of print advertising?
Video class: Week 6: Module 11 Part 2 - VALUE BASED MARKETING35m
Exercise: What is a key component of Value-Based Marketing?
Video class: Week 6: Module 12 Part 1 - MARKETING COMMUNICATION26m
Exercise: What is the main advantage of branding for companies?
Video class: Week 6: Module 12: Part 2 - MARKETING COMMUNICATION26m
Exercise: What is the primary purpose of advertising for a company?
Video class: Expert Module - Module A : Prof. Raj Jaswa24m
Exercise: What key concept helps entrepreneurs identify growth opportunities according to this course?
Video class: Expert Module - Module B : Prof. Ramesh Mangaleswaran16m
Exercise: What is the first step in developing a strategic plan according to the text?
Video class: Week 7: Module 13: Part 1 - SALES CHANNELS24m
Exercise: What is the role of a sales channel?
Video class: Week 7: Module 13: Part 2 - SALES CHANNELS36m
Exercise: What is one primary function of a distributor in a sales channel?
Video class: Week 7: Module 14: Part 1 - B2B20m
Exercise: What is the initial step in the sales funnel approach discussed?
Video class: Week 7: Module 14: Part 2 - B2B30m
Exercise: What is a key characteristic of B2B sales that distinguishes it from B2C?
Video class: Expert Module - Module C : Mr. Ashok Balasubramanian1h01m
Exercise: What is the primary advantage of digital prototypes for entrepreneurs?
Video class: Expert Module - Module D : Prof. Umakant Jayaram: Part 138m
Exercise: What is a key financial concept for managing startup cash flow?
Video class: Expert Module - Module D : Prof. Umakant Jayaram: Part 255m
Exercise: What is a general ledger in accounting?
Video class: Expert Module - Module D : Prof. Umakant Jayaram: Part 339m
Exercise: What is the term for costs that remain unchanged regardless of the level of production or sales?
Video class: Expert Module - Module D : Prof. Umakant Jayaram: Part 446m
Exercise: Which principle of Finance emphasizes that all risks are not equal?
Video class: Expert Module - Module D : Prof. Umakant Jayaram: Part 520m
Exercise: How do Venture Capitalists evaluate startup investments?
Video class: Week 8: Module 15: Part 1 - CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGEMENT19m
Exercise: What is a key factor in building customer loyalty according to the course?
Video class: Week 8: Module 15: Part 2 - CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGEMENT35m
Exercise: What is an essential component for successful customer service management?
Video class: Week 8: Module 16: Part 1 - SUPPLY CHAIN26m
Exercise: What is the main function of a supply chain in a business context?
Video class: Week 8: Module 16: Part 2 - SUPPLY CHAIN24m
Exercise: What is an example of a supply chain with high lead time and unpredictable demand?
Video class: Expert Module - Module E : Prof. Raj Jaswa34m
Exercise: What are the key skills for becoming a successful entrepreneur according to the transcript?
Video class: Expert Module - Module F : Prof. Raj Hirwani36m
Exercise: What is the primary distinction between an invention and an innovation?
Video class: Week 9: Module 17: Part 1 - BUSINESS RISK32m
Exercise: What is an example of a market risk in business?
Video class: Week 9: Module 17: Part 2 - BUSINESS RISK17m
Exercise: What is a business continuity risk?
Video class: Week 9: Module 18: Part 1 - BUSINESS INFORMATION18m
Exercise: What is the ultimate objective of using business information in a company?
Video class: Week 9: Module 18: Part 2 - BUSINESS INFORMATION31m
Exercise: What was a key initiative in the 1980s to integrate production and sales processes?
Video class: Expert Module - Module G : Dr. Nishant Tikekar: Part 120m
Exercise: What is essential for understanding customer needs in entrepreneurship?
Video class: Expert Module - Module G : Dr. Nishant Tikekar: Part 216m
Exercise: What is a strategy for launching a unique product to appeal to mass customers?