Entrepreneurship in the forest sector (5 cr)

Objective

You understand the role of entrepreneurship in the society, its economy and the forest sector.
You are able to establish a company and make a business plan.
You understand the basics of financial management of the company.
You are able to carry out calculations of profitability, pricing and budgeting.
You are able to calculate the financial situation of the company by key figures

Content

What kind of role does entrepreneurship have in the national economy and forest sector?
How is a company established and a business plan prepared?
How to draw up a budget?
How are the products and services of the company priced?
How are profitability calculations prepared?
How is the financial situation of the company calculated?

Course material

The following literature is used in the course:

Guide to Starting a New Business, Uusyrityskeskus 2025
Other study materials will be published in the Learn environment at the start of the course.

Study forms and methods

Teaching is conducted entirely in-person at the Mikkeli campus according to the schedule. Remote participation is not possible. In-person teaching is not generally recorded, nor is it replaced by remote lectures when in-person teaching is provided according to the schedule. Attendance in class tasks is essential for completing the course.

Studies are structured around group meetings according to the schedule and independent/group learning tasks. The course consists of lecture-based teaching and individual and small group tasks completed during class. Additionally, there are project tasks and assignments done on your own time, as well as public presentations of tasks during in-person classes.

Teacher guidance is available during in-person classes.
Assessable tasks are completed independently or as group work.
The course utilizes various feedback methods, such as written and oral feedback. Peer feedback may also be used.

RDI and work-related cooperation

Guest lectures will be given by representatives from the world of work.
Company visits are made and/or simulation exercises are performed.
The assignments are based on the needs of operators in the field.
A project assignment is completed in groups. (Describe in more detail)
Assignments can be completed with reference to tasks given by one’s employer or in connection to developing a product.

Timing of exams and assignments

Each section of the course concludes with a learning task. The course does not include a separate exam.

The course includes weekly assignments. During the course, a group project must be completed and ready by the course end date.

The course ends on the date specified in the implementation details, by which time the student must have submitted the required assignments, completed any exams, and met other requirements for a passing grade.

To pass the course, the following are required:

Presented and submitted business idea and the prepared business plan
Presented and reported company visit
Submitted calculation tasks
Successfully completed written assessable tasks

Student workload

• 1 ECTS credits equals 27 hours of work by the student.
• In a 5-credit course, the student's total maximum workload is approximately 135 hours including lessons, group work and independent study.

Course part description

Section 1: Operating Environment
Personal orientation
Entrepreneur interview
Section 2: Forest Industry Business and Its Establishment
Types of business entities
Business idea
Business plan
Section 3: Financial Calculations
Accounting and its importance in business
Financial calculations to be submitted
Section 4: Self-Assessment
Evaluation of your own performance… how did it go in your opinion
Evaluation of the group’s functionality
Additionally, there are class tasks to be submitted.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment is based on the business plan, company visit report and their presentation, as well as assessable learning tasks (financial calculations) and class participation.

State the scale: 1–5