Entrepreneurship and Finances

Faculty

Faculty of Agricultural Science and Landscape Architecture

Version

Version 1 of 03.07.2025.

Module identifier

44B0481

Module level

Bachelor

Language of instruction

German

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

only winter term

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Brief description

In mature market economies, in the agricultural and food sector and especially in primary agricultural production, it is becoming increasingly difficult to grow (quantitatively) in traditional business areas unless international markets are opened up. Existing companies are increasingly adopting so-called diversification strategies or non-entrepreneurs are setting up a company in this sector. Starting a business has many challenges. Firstly, a good business idea must be found, but a founder must also have knowledge of management, risk protection and financing in order to start up successfully.

Teaching and learning outcomes

1. basics, forms and challenges of setting up a business, constituent decisions when setting up a business 2. development of a business idea 3. determination and presentation of market potential and scalability 5. evaluation of the business idea and its risks 4. special financing and funding options when setting up a business 6. preparation and evaluation of a business plan.

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
30Lecture-
20Seminar-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
30Preparation/follow-up for course work-
20Work in small groups-
50Creation of examinations-
Graded examination
  • Written examination or
  • oral exam
Remark on the assessment methods

The standard form of examination is the written examination (alternative form of examination may be chosen by the examiner and then announced at the beginning of the course)

Exam duration and scope

written exam, 2 hours

Recommended prior knowledge

Economic basics in corporate management, business administration and ideally in investment calculation and controlling are advantageous.

Knowledge Broadening

Students have knowledge of the tasks, challenges and decisions to be made when setting up a business. They have an overview of the financing and funding options suitable for the start-up situation. They have knowledge of certain methods of business model genesis and evaluation, market assessment and the creation and evaluation of a business plan.

Knowledge deepening

Students are able to describe and evaluate a business model that they have developed. They know how to assess risks and which form of financing is suitable.

Knowledge Understanding

Students can determine the data required to verify the heuristic prototype of a business model from various sources and prepare it in such a way that a sufficient basis for judgement is created for further action.

Application and Transfer

They are able to prepare, initiate and assess business start-ups within the agricultural and food sector. You can use the canvas method to develop and present a business model and check it for consistency and prospects of success. They can derive and evaluate market potential. You will be able to carry out an initial feasibility check of a business idea, present it in writing and calculate its economic viability using investment calculation methods and financial planning tools.

Academic Innovation

Students can design methods and procedures that are suitable for developing business model innovations for selected challenges and opportunities from society and the market and for moderating development processes.

Communication and Cooperation

Students can consistently present and discuss a business idea.

Academic Self-Conception / Professionalism

Students can identify, evaluate and use tools and techniques for developing a business model and company concept in relation to different start-up contexts. They can scrutinise business ideas and evaluate their success using different methods.

Literature

- ARNOLD, J. (2008): Existenzgründung, 2. Aufl., Burgrieden, 2008. - BERK, J./DEMARZO, P. (2007): Corporate Finance, 2nd edition, Boston. - EHRMANN, H.(2007): Unternehmensplanung. In: Olfert, K. (Hrsg.): Kompendium der praktischen Betriebswirtschaft, 5. Aufl., Ludwigshafen. - FISCHER, A.(2009): Grundlagen des Controlling – Break-even-Analyse, Berlin. - HERING, T./VINCENTI, A.J.F. (2005): Unternehmensgründung, München. - HOFERT, S. (2010): Praxishandbuch Existenzgründung - Erfolgreich selbstständig werden und bleiben, Eichborn Verlag, Frankfurt/M. - KAIRIES, P.(2007): So analysieren Sie Ihre Konkurrenz - Konkurrenzanalyse und Benchmarking in der Praxis, 7. Aufl., Renningen. - KÜSSELL, F. (2006): Praxishandbuch Unternehmensgründung - Unternehmen erfolgreich gründen und managen, GWV Fachverlage, Wiesbaden. - NAGL, A. (2010): Der Businessplan, 5. überarb. Aufl., Stuttgart. - OLFERT, K./REICHEL, C. (2008): Finanzierung. In: Olfert, K. (Hrsg.): Kompendium der praktischen Betriebswirtschaft, 5. Aufl., Ludwigshafen. OSTERWALDER, A. et al (2011): Business Model Generation, Campus Verlag Frankfurt/New York. - OSTERWALDER, A. et al (2015): Value Proposition Design, Campus Verlag Frankfurt/New York.

Linkage to other modules

The module builds on previous modules such as Strategic Business Management (BLW) or Business Management and Communication (BNE, BLP) or the Innovation Management and Future Skills project. It prepares students very well for the project study programme and the final thesis. It is also useful for preparing for the practical project.

It is particularly suitable for students who are interested in setting up or co-founding a company as part of their studies, becoming self-employed/freelance or joining a company/successor. It is also of interest to students who would like to work in company management / as a director or in other management positions or in consultancy.

Applicability in study programs

  • Food Production Engineering and Business
    • Food Production Engineering and Business B.Eng. (01.09.2025)

  • Agricultural Technologies
    • Agricultural Technologies B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Managing Sustainable Food Systems
    • Managing Sustainable Food Systems B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Agriculture
    • Agriculture B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

    Person responsible for the module
    • Schnitker, Karin
    Further lecturer(s)

    Vertreter Prof. Dr. Jan Berstermann