Entrepreneurship
Radha Kanwal Sharma
9781773610245
351 pages
Arcler Education Inc
Overview
Entrepreneur and entrepreneurship are the two terms which are current areas of interest as well as research in the management circles. An entrepreneurs’ contribution to an economy cannot be overlooked. The substantial contribution to GDP is one of the most significant of the entrepreneurial inputs. Employment generation, development of infrastructure , optimum utilisation of natural resources of a country, societal benefits as a result of corporate social responsibility and societal gains of marginalised strata through social entrepreneurs are other major contributions of entrepreneurial activities in an economy.This book Entrepreneurship is penned down with the aim of making the reader aware of the concept and evolution of entrepreneurship. It also tracks the journey of entrepreneurs from earlier times to contemporary scenario. For the ease of understanding, the book is divided into ten chapters:Chapter one, Entrepreneur-An Introduction, describes the meaning of the term entrepreneur, the characteristics, predisposition towards innovation, types of entrepreneurs and the risks that they undertake. It also divulges the details of entrepreneurship and the common mistakes made by entrepreneurs which may lead to the failure of the start up.The second chapter Theories of Entrepreneurship tracks the evolution of entrepreneurship .It discusses the entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship from the perspectives of different thinkers, economists and social scientists.The third chapter Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Motivation focuses on the unique behavioural characteristics of entrepreneurs that set them apart from the rest of the crowd. The motives behind choosing to set up business rather than treading the safer path of a job are also discussed.Promoting a Venture, the fourth chapter, takes a detailed overview of the general process that takes place before an entrepreneurial venture is actually set up. This includes all measures that ensure an entrepreneur taking calculated risk so that start up does not run into imminent risk.Subsequently, project planning is undertaken and feasibility study is done. This results in detailed and step by step report. This report covers everything, from conception and viability of the idea to the possibilities of its survival and sustainability in market, which in turn affects the possibility of raising finance from investors and institutions in the initial stage. This is covered in the fifth chapter.The seventh chapter describes different sources of raising capital during initial as well as later stages of the life of a business enterprise. All sources from personal investment to IPO and loans from institutions, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each have been discussed.The seventh chapter is about the role that an entrepreneur plays in an economy and society, his contribution to economic development and economic growth along with other contributions to society has been pondered about.The eighth chapter enlists various challenges that entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial ventures come across. This chapter also highlights the preparedness of economies and societies towards entrepreneurial pursuits. The chapter ends with two stories of first generation Indian Entrepreneurs describing their journey, challenges faced and difficulties conquered.The ninth chapter is about emerging class of entrepreneurs called social entrepreneurs. These individuals believe in doing their bit to marginalised section of society without nurturing the aim of profit maximisation. Although, this class of social entrepreneurs share some characteristics with their counterparts (the entrepreneurs), yet they are different in pursuit of their goalsThe last chapter contains five case studies of entrepreneurs from across the world, tracing their journeys, obstacles fought, strategies applied, businesses expanded and histories being created.The cases end with questions for the reader to ponder about the given situation.Every chapter contains at least one question in the end that refers to live example or case study of the entrepreneur in the country of the reader and relate the topic discussed with his chosen entrepreneurial venture.Hope that the readers will find the book interesting. The feedback and suggestions to make this endeavour better are most welcome.
Author Bio
Dr Radha Kanwal Sharma obtained her PhD in business management from Punjabi University Patiala, India. She has published several papers in refereed journals. Apart from writing books, she has designed modules of Organisation Behaviour for epathshala project of University Grants Commission India. She has successfully organised several national seminars and conferences. Her research interests include entrepreneurship, leadership, knowledge management and business strategy.
