Family Enterprise Management and Governance

Catalog description

This course is targeted at students that are or plan to be involved in family enterprises-irrespective of how-as an investor/owner, future leader, consultant, or employee. It will bring to light, many of the unique features (advantages and challenges) of a family enterprise. Students will be exposed to some critical themes that are unique to such enterprises-Role Definition, Effective Governance, Conflict Management, Succession and Fund Raising/Exit. They will acquire practical tools to effectively deal with them. One of the unique features of this class is that students will have an opportunity to discuss and analyze the specific opportunities and challenges they face in the family enterprise they represent (the level of sharing is of course entirely optional and up to each student to define). They will work on a Student Case project that allows them to dissect the issues and develop solutions, in a supportive team environment. This will be woven into the more traditional means of learning such as lectures, case studies, and guest speakers. Students will leave the course armed with clear insight into what to expect as they enter the family enterprise and how to navigate their unique environments. In doing so, they will amplify their ability to create enterprise, family and personal success.