Department of Entrepreneurship

Academic Programmes

(BS Entrepreneurship) The BS Entrepreneurship program at GC University Lahore cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset in students, equipping them to establish and manage businesses. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and mentorship to cover key areas such as opportunity recognition, business planning, and financial management. With an emphasis on experiential learning, students engage with real-world projects and industry professionals. Graduates are ready to start their own ventures, foster growth in SMEs, or take on entrepreneurial roles across industries.

Program’s Vision Statement

To be the leading institution in fostering entrepreneurship and honing skills for managing SMEs.

Program’s Mission

Our BS in Entrepreneurship strives to nurture an entrepreneurial spirit, providing the necessary tools to initiate, manage, and expand successful ventures and SMEs. We use hands-on learning, mentorship, and industry involvement to mold adaptive, innovative entrepreneurs who can stimulate economic growth and positively influence the business landscape.

Program’s Goals
  • Develop Entrepreneurial Mindset: Foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among students.
  • Business Start-up and Operations: Provide students with the knowledge and skills to effectively start, operate, and manage entrepreneurial ventures and SMEs.
  • Practical Experience: Offer experiential learning opportunities, internships, and practical projects to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
  • Networking and Industry Connections: Facilitate interactions with industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and mentors to enhance students' network and exposure to real-world entrepreneurial experiences.
  • Innovation and Adaptability: Promote innovation, adaptability, and resilience to prepare students for the challenges of the dynamic business environment.
  • Ethical and Social Responsibility: Instill ethical values and social responsibility in entrepreneurship, encouraging students to create ventures that have a positive impact on society.

Scheme of Study for BS (Hons) Entrepreneurship

An undergraduate degree program may be offered with a number of combinations such as;
(I) a single major
(II) a single major with one minor
(III) a single major with two minors
(IV) double majors without any minor (The Department is not offering this option currently)
Single Major An undergraduate degree program with a single major is focused on one disciplinary specialization and comprises of a minimum of 120 credit hours other than requirements of field experience / internship and capstone project. The breakup of credit hours is as under:
i. General education courses: 30 credit hours
ii. Major: minimum 78 credit hours
iii. Interdisciplinary / allied courses: minimum 12 credit hours
Single Major with One Minor An undergraduate degree program with a single major
and one minor is focused on one disciplinary specialization and one secondary but
supporting concentration and comprises of a minimum of 132 credit hours other than
the mandatory requirements of field experience / internship and capstone project. The
breakup of credit hours is as under:
i. General education courses: 30 credit hours
ii. Major: minimum 78 credit hours
iii. Interdisciplinary / allied courses: minimum 12 credit hours
iv. Minor: minimum 12 credit hours
Single Major with Two Minors An undergraduate degree program with a single major and two minors is focused on one disciplinary specialization and two secondary but supporting concentrations and comprises of a minimum of 144 credit hours other than the mandatory requirements of field experience / internship and capstone project. The breakup of credit hours is as
under:
i. General Education: 30 credit hours
ii. Major: minimum 78 credit hours
iii. Interdisciplinary / allied courses: minimum 12 credit hours
iv. Minor 1: minimum 12 credit hours
v. Minor 2: minimum 12 credit hours
Double Majors An undergraduate degree program with double majors without any minor is focused on two related or unrelated disciplinary specializations and comprises of a minimum of 198 credit hours other than the mandatory requirements of field experience / internship and capstone project. The breakup of credit hours is as under:
i. General Education: 30 credit hours
ii. Major 1: minimum 78 credit hours
iii. Major 2: minimum 78 credit hours
iv. Interdisciplinary / allied courses: minimum 12 credit hours

Scheme of Study with Single Major in the Department

A: General Education Courses All undergraduate degree programs comprise a mandatory set of 30 credit hours for general education courses as prescribed in this policy which will be covered in the first four semesters of the degree program.
Course Code Number of Courses Credit Hours
Arts & Humanities

01

02

Natural Sciences

01

02+1

Social Sciences

01

02

Functional English

01

03

Quantitative Reasoning

02

03

Islamic Studies / Religious Education

01

06

Pakistan Studies

01

02

Applications of ICT

01

02+1

Entrepreneurship

01

02

Civics and Community Engagement

01

02

B: Distribution/Interdisciplinary Courses
All the undergraduate degree programs comprise a mandatory set of minimum 12 credit hours for interdisciplinary / allied courses. This is valid for all undergraduate degree programs except for associate degrees, where the credit hours of interdisciplinary / allied courses may be less or more than 12 credits. Interdisciplinary/distribution courses are those offered in allied or complementary disciplines to reinforce the notion of interdisciplinary competency and to support horizon of the major. These distribution courses are other than the major and Gen Ed. In the case of Entrepreneurship, students may take up any course from Economics, Management Sciences, Commerce.

C: Internship and Capstone Project

Students are required to do internships to gain the practical experience of the field. In this regard Department provides required directions to its students by highlighting those organizations where they can enter to learn by their own experiences. NGOs, Industrial zones, Chambers of Commerce, and Industry, and SMEDA etc. are the few of the relevant places where these students will be guided to penetrate and learn the skills to have their own startups business models. This experience will help the students to explore the world beyond the classroom learning and polish their professional skills and develop networking which would assist them in their future. This discipline demands such kind of field experience for developing business strategies and breakthrough of ideas for their successful entry into practical world.

The capstone project is an essential part of the education of Entrepreneurship. In this project, students can choose a topic related to their field of study and use their research and analytical skills to propose solutions to the issues they identify in the new start-ups and ongoing business ventures. By doing so, they can demonstrate their proficiency in coming up with better ideas which will be more innovative practically, thought provoking and having the attributes of leadership skills. The capstone project also allows students to showcase their creativity and ability to work independently, providing an excellent opportunity for them to prepare for their future careers.

D: Major Courses and Various Course Streams

These courses are specific to the main field in which the degree program is offered. The requirement to satisfy a single major is minimum of 78 credit hours for the undergraduate degree program. Students are provided a variety of course streams as well for their specializations. This will make the degree more professional, attractive, and compatible with the World’s standards. Below is given the detail about distribution of course with respect to their semester wise break, domain wise and area of specializations.

1. Core Course

Semester Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
I ENP-1102 Introduction to Economics 3
II ENP-1101 Introduction to Entrepreneurship 3
III ENP-1202 Microeconomics 3
IV ENP-1104 Business Mathematics 3
IV ENP-1105 Business Communication 3
IV ENP-1201 Small Business Management 3
V ENP-1103 Principles of Marketing 3
V ENP-1203 Financial Accounting 3
V ENP-1204 Business Statistics 3
V ENP-2102 Macroeconomics 3
V ENP Business Analytics for Entrepreneurs 3

2. Main Course (Elective)

VI ENP-2104 Operations Management for SMEs 3
Electives ENP-2202 Managerial Economics 3
Electives ENP-2106 Entrepreneurial Leadership and Team Building 3
Electives ENP-2201 Entrepreneurial Law and Intellectual Property 3
Electives ENP-2204 Global Entrepreneurship 3
Electives ENP-3102 Economics of Entrepreneurship 3
Electives ENP-4101 Entrepreneurship in Emerging Industries 3
Electives ENP-4104 Intellectual Property Management for Entrepreneurs 3
Electives ENP-4201 Entrepreneurial Finance in Emerging Markets 3

Entrepreneurship and Management

Electives ENP Entrepreneurial Mindset and Resilience 3
Electives ENP-3204 Entrepreneurial Negotiations and Deal Making 3
Electives ENP-3206 Managing Family Businesses 3
Electives ENP-4105 Retail and Franchise Management 3

3. Technology and Innovation Management

Electives ENP-1205 Innovation and Creativity 3
Electives ENP-2101 New Venture Creation 3
Electives ENP-4103 Creativity and Design Thinking in Entrepreneurship 3
Electives ENP-2205 Technology and Entrepreneurship 3
Electives ENP-3201 Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship 3
Electives ENP-3205 Fintech and Entrepreneurship 3
Electives ENP Managing High-Growth Startups 3

4. Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Business Development

Electives ENP-2203 Social Entrepreneurship 3
Electives ENP-4202 Entrepreneurship and Economic Development 3
Electives ENP-3202 Sustainable Entrepreneurship 3
Electives ENP-3101 Entrepreneurial Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility 3

5. Financial Management for Entrepreneurs

Electives ENP-2103 Entrepreneurial Finance 3
Electives ENP-3105 Venture Capital and Private Equity 3
Electives ENP-4106 Strategic Pricing for Entrepreneurs 3
Electives ENP-4203 Crowdfunding and Alternative Financing 3
Electives ENP-2105 Marketing for Entrepreneurs 3
Electives ENP-3104 E-commerce and Online Entrepreneurship 3
Electives ENP-2206 Entrepreneurial Sales and Negotiations 3
Electives ENP-4102 Social Media Marketing for Entrepreneurs 3
Electives ENP-3203 Entrepreneurial Marketing Strategies 3
Electives ENP-4105 Retail and Franchise Management 3

Offering of Minors in the Department of Entrepreneurship

1 Economics
2 Public Policy
3 Finance
4 Human Resource Management

(MS ESME) - The MS in Entrepreneurship & SME Management program aims to shape skilled professionals who can foster growth in small and medium-sized enterprises. It combines theory and practice, providing comprehensive knowledge in entrepreneurship principles and SME management strategies. This interactive, real-world focused program enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, preparing students for leadership roles in SMEs or to launch their own ventures. It emphasizes innovation, creativity, ethical business practices, and promotes sustainable businesses contributing to economic growth and societal welfare. By fostering collaborations with industry experts and entrepreneurs, students gain valuable insights and network connections. The program equips graduates to thrive in the dynamic entrepreneurial landscape as impactful leaders and innovators.

Program’s Vision Statement

To develop highly skilled and knowledgeable individuals equipped with a deep understanding of public policy and its impact on society, capable of addressing complex policy challenges and driving positive change at local, national, and global levels.

Program’s Mission Statement

Our mission is to create a robust learning environment that prepares aspiring entrepreneurs to seize opportunities, tackle challenges, and drive the growth of SMEs through fostering entrepreneurial spirit, promoting innovation, and endorsing ethical and socially responsible business practices.

Program’s Goals
  • Develop Entrepreneurial Mindset: Foster an entrepreneurial mindset among students by instilling creativity, adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to take calculated risks.
  • Deepen Knowledge in SME Management: Provide advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in the areas of SME management, including finance, marketing, operations, and strategic planning.
  • Enhance Entrepreneurial Skills: Develop essential entrepreneurial skills, such as opportunity recognition, business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and leadership, through experiential learning opportunities and real-world projects.
  • Cultivate Innovation and Creativity: Encourage and nurture innovation and creativity among students, enabling them to develop unique solutions and products that differentiate their businesses in competitive markets.
  • Foster Collaboration and Networking: Facilitate a collaborative learning environment where students can connect, share ideas, and build valuable networks with fellow entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and mentors.
  • Promote Ethical and Social Responsibility: Emphasize ethical decision-making and social responsibility in entrepreneurship, encouraging students to create sustainable and socially impactful businesses that contribute positively to their communities and the broader society.

Scheme of Study for MS Entrepreneurship & SME Management

Year 1 - Semester 1

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
ESME 7301

Strategic Management for Entrepreneurs (Core Course) 3
ESME 7109 SME Management (Core Course) 3
Elective 1 3
Elective 2 3

Year 1 - Semester 2

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
ESME 7104 Legal Aspects of SMEs (Core Course) 3
ESME 7303 Applied Research Methods (Core Course) 3
Elective 1 3
Elective 2 3

LIST OF ELECTIVES

ESME 7302 Sectoral Analysis 3
ESME 7110 Leadership Seminars 3
ESME 7111 Entrepreneurial Marketing 3
ESME 7206 Finance and Feasibility Analysis for Entrepreneurs 3
ESME 7207 Quality Management 3
ESME 7201 Country Case Studies on SME Development 3
ESME 7302 Sector Analysis 3
ESME 7107 Business Strategy and Competitiveness 3

Year 2 – Semesters 3 and 4

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
ESME 7499 Thesis 12

(PhD ESME Leadership) - (to be designed and approved) - The Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship and SME Leadership program cultivates scholars for academia, research, and leadership in SMEs through advanced research, critical thinking, and in-depth entrepreneurial knowledge. Candidates study interdisciplinary subjects including innovation, entrepreneurial finance, strategic management, and SME challenges. The program incorporates coursework, exams, and a doctoral dissertation, enabling scholars to influence academic literature, policy, and SME changes. It promotes research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry engagement, fostering scholars to guide entrepreneurship and SMEs towards sustainable success.

Program’s Vision Statement

The program aims to globally pioneer entrepreneurship knowledge, equipping scholars to significantly influence and shape the future of entrepreneurial and SME spheres.

Program’s Mission Statment

This program seeks to build a dynamic academic community focused on innovative research and cultivating entrepreneurial leaders. By combining interdisciplinary collaboration, intense academic investigation, and industry interaction, we aim to produce impactful research, educate upcoming thought leaders, and offer practical insights for the growth and sustainability of entrepreneurial ventures and SMEs.

Program’s Goals
  • Research Excellence: Foster a culture of research excellence, innovation, and intellectual curiosity, equipping Ph.D. candidates with advanced research skills and methodologies to address critical issues in entrepreneurship and SME leadership.
  • Knowledge Advancement: Contribute to the advancement of knowledge in entrepreneurship and SME leadership through rigorous research, publications in leading academic journals, and participation in national and international conferences.
  • Thought Leadership: Develop entrepreneurial thought leaders capable of driving innovation and leading transformative change in entrepreneurial ventures, SMEs, academia, and policy-making spheres.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange among scholars, practitioners, and industry leaders to facilitate the integration of diverse perspectives and foster innovation in entrepreneurship and SME leadership.
  • Industry Engagement: Foster strong connections with industry and SME stakeholders to ensure the relevance and applicability of research findings, and to promote collaboration, knowledge transfer, and real-world impact.
  • Teaching Excellence: Provide exceptional education and mentorship to Ph.D. candidates, equipping them with advanced theoretical knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and pedagogical skills to excel as educators and thought leaders in entrepreneurship and SME leadership.
  • Ethical and Sustainable Entrepreneurship: Promote ethical and socially responsible entrepreneurial practices that contribute to sustainable development, economic growth, and societal well-being.