An Introduction To Entrepreneurship
An Introduction To Entrepreneurship
An Introduction To Entrepreneurship
Roll No. : 01
MBA I
Topic: An introduction to Entrepreneurship
1. Introduction to Topic
Introduction
An entrepreneur is an individual who creates a new business,
bearing most of the risks and enjoying most of the rewards. The process of setting up a
business is known as entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs play a key role in any economy,
using the skills and initiative necessary to anticipate needs and bring new ideas to
market. Entrepreneurship that proves to be successful in taking on the risks of creating
a startup is rewarded with profits and growth opportunities.
Entrepreneurship is the dynamic and transformative process
of creating and managing a new venture. It involves individuals who possess a vision,
drive, and determination to identify opportunities, take calculated risks, and convert
ideas into successful businesses. At its core, entrepreneurship is about innovation,
resilience, and the pursuit of economic and social value. Entrepreneurs are the driving
force behind economic growth and development in societies around the world. They are
individuals who have a deep passion for their ideas and are willing to invest their time,
energy, and resources into turning those ideas into reality.
They are not afraid to challenge the status quo and disrupt
existing industries, often bringing about significant changes and improvements.
Successful entrepreneurs possess a unique set of skills and characteristics. They are
creative thinkers who can spot opportunities where others see challenges. They have a
strong sense of self-belief and are willing to take calculated risks, knowing that failure is
a part of the learning process. They are resilient and adaptable, able to navigate
through uncertainties and setbacks, and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Entrepreneurship is not limited to starting new businesses. It also encompasses the
ability to innovate within existing organizations, bringing about positive change and
growth. In today's rapidly evolving global economy, entrepreneurial thinking is highly
valued by employers and organizations seeking to stay competitive and relevant. The
impact of entrepreneurship goes beyond the economic sphere. It has the potential to
create jobs, drive technological advancements, and address social and environmental
challenges. Entrepreneurs have the power to shape communities, foster social change,
and contribute to the betterment of society.
2. Definition, features, and characteristics of the topic : 3 and 3 Marks
Definition
Entrepreneurship is the process of identifying, creating, and pursuing opportunities to
establish and manage a new venture or to innovate within existing organizations. It
involves the ability to take calculated risks, mobilize resources, and apply innovation
and creativity to generate economic and social value.
Features
• Innovation: Entrepreneurship is closely linked to innovation. Entrepreneurs
introduce new ideas, products, services, processes, or business models that
disrupt existing markets or create entirely new ones. They constantly seek ways
to improve and differentiate themselves from competitors.
• Risk-taking: Entrepreneurship inherently involves taking risks. Entrepreneurs are
willing to step into the unknown, face uncertainty, and make decisions with
limited information. They understand that failure is a possibility but view it as a
learning experience and a stepping stone towards success.
• Opportunity identification: Entrepreneurs have a keen eye for identifying
opportunities in the market. They are skilled at recognizing gaps, unmet needs,
and emerging trends. They leverage their insights to create ventures that
capitalize on these opportunities.
• Resource mobilization: Entrepreneurs are adept at mobilizing resources, whether
it's financial capital, human talent, or technological capabilities. They seek
funding from investors, build teams, establish networks, and leverage
partnerships to bring their ideas to life and scale their ventures.
Characteristics
• Visionary and passionate: Entrepreneurs possess a clear vision of what they
want to achieve. They have a strong passion for their ideas and are driven to
make a positive impact. Their enthusiasm and unwavering belief in their vision
inspire others to join them on their entrepreneurial journey.
• Perseverance and resilience: Entrepreneurship is not without challenges and
setbacks. Successful entrepreneurs exhibit perseverance and resilience in the
face of adversity. They are determined to overcome obstacles, learn from
failures, and keep pushing forward towards their goals.
• Self-motivated and proactive: Entrepreneurs are self-starters who take initiative
and are motivated to make things happen. They are proactive in seeking
opportunities, taking action, and continuously learning and adapting to changes
in the business environment.
• Creativity and adaptability: Entrepreneurs think outside the box and are creative
in finding innovative solutions. They embrace change and are adaptable to new
circumstances and market demands. They are open to feedback, willing to pivot
their strategies, and seize new opportunities as they arise.
• Leadership and decision-making: Entrepreneurs are natural leaders who can
inspire and influence others. They have the ability to make tough decisions under
pressure and provide direction to their teams. They are also responsible for
setting goals, managing resources, and creating a culture of collaboration and
growth.
Types
There are various types of entrepreneurship that exist, each with its own characteristics
and focus. Here are some common types of entrepreneurship:
• Small Business Entrepreneurship: This type of entrepreneurship involves starting
and operating a small-scale business. Small business entrepreneurs typically
have a local or regional focus and aim to provide products or services to meet
the needs of their immediate community. They often handle all aspects of the
business, from planning and financing to operations and customer relations.
• Scalable Startup Entrepreneurship: Scalable startup entrepreneurs aim to build
innovative businesses with the potential for rapid growth and scalability. They
typically focus on developing new technologies, products, or services that can
disrupt existing industries or create entirely new markets. These entrepreneurs
often seek external funding from venture capitalists or angel investors to fuel their
growth.
• Social Entrepreneurship: Social entrepreneurship involves addressing social or
environmental issues while also generating profits. Social entrepreneurs create
ventures with a mission to solve societal problems, such as poverty, inequality, or
environmental sustainability. They aim to create positive social impact and often
operate as hybrid organizations, blending business principles with a social or
environmental mission.
• Corporate Entrepreneurship: Corporate entrepreneurship refers to
entrepreneurial activities within established companies or organizations. It
involves individuals or teams within the organization identifying and pursuing new
business opportunities, developing innovative products or services, and driving
organizational growth and competitiveness. Corporate entrepreneurship can help
large companies stay agile and adapt to changing market conditions.
• Online and E-commerce Entrepreneurship: With the rise of the internet and
digital technologies, online and e-commerce entrepreneurship has become
increasingly popular. These entrepreneurs leverage online platforms and
technologies to create and scale businesses, ranging from e-commerce stores to
digital marketing agencies, software development, and online content creation.
• Lifestyle Entrepreneurship: Lifestyle entrepreneurs prioritize the flexibility and
personal fulfillment that their business ventures provide. They start businesses
aligned with their passions, hobbies, or desired lifestyle. These entrepreneurs
often seek work-life balance and focus on businesses that allow them to enjoy
their lifestyle preferences while generating income.
• Tech Entrepreneurship: Tech entrepreneurs are focused on leveraging
technology to create innovative products, services, or solutions. They often
operate in industries such as software development, artificial intelligence,
robotics, biotechnology, and other cutting-edge fields. Tech entrepreneurship
requires a deep understanding of technology and its applications.
It's important to note that these types of entrepreneurship are not mutually exclusive,
and many entrepreneurs may blend multiple elements depending on their goals and
interests.
Advantage
Entrepreneurship offers numerous advantages that make it an attractive path for
individuals willing to take risks and pursue their business ideas. Here are some key
advantages of entrepreneurship:
• Independence and Autonomy: One of the most significant advantages of
entrepreneurship is the ability to be your own boss. Entrepreneurs have the
freedom to make decisions, set their own direction, and shape the destiny of their
ventures. They are not bound by the restrictions of traditional employment and
have the autonomy to create their own work environment.
• Fulfillment and Passion: Starting a business around something you are
passionate about can bring a sense of fulfillment and personal satisfaction.
Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to turn their hobbies, interests, or expertise
into a viable venture, allowing them to align their work with their personal values
and aspirations.
• Unlimited Income Potential: Unlike traditional employment, where income is often
fixed or limited by a salary scale, entrepreneurship provides the potential for
unlimited earnings. Successful entrepreneurs can build profitable businesses,
scale their operations, and create wealth through innovation, market demand,
and strategic growth.
• Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Entrepreneurs have the flexibility to define their
own work schedule and balance their personal and professional lives according
to their needs and preferences. While starting a business requires dedication and
hard work, entrepreneurs can often have more control over their time and enjoy a
greater work-life integration.
• Opportunities for Growth and Learning: Entrepreneurship is a constant learning
journey. It offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, as
entrepreneurs acquire new skills, gain knowledge about various business
aspects, and expand their networks. They are constantly challenged to adapt,
innovate, and develop themselves as they navigate through the entrepreneurial
landscape.
4. Name of startup /company that has used the concept and topic allocated
4.1 Introduction
One startup/company in India that has embraced the concept of
entrepreneurship is Flipkart. Flipkart is an e-commerce company founded in 2007 by
Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, who were both former employees of Amazon. The
company started as an online bookstore and eventually expanded into various product
categories. Flipkart is an excellent example of entrepreneurial success in India. It
disrupted the traditional retail industry by offering a convenient and user-friendly
platform for online shopping. The founders identified the untapped potential of e-
commerce in the Indian market and took calculated risks to build their venture. Through
relentless innovation, strategic partnerships, and a customer-centric approach, Flipkart
grew rapidly and became one of India's largest e-commerce platforms. The company
introduced various initiatives like cash-on-delivery, easy returns, and affordable pricing,
which revolutionized the way Indians shopped online.
In 2018, Flipkart made headlines when it was acquired by Walmart, a
global retail giant, for a massive $16 billion. This acquisition further validated Flipkart's
entrepreneurial journey and highlighted its significant impact on the Indian business
landscape. Flipkart's success story showcases the power of entrepreneurship in India. It
exemplifies how an innovative startup can disrupt established industries, create jobs,
and contribute to the economy. Flipkart's journey has also inspired numerous aspiring
entrepreneurs in India, encouraging them to pursue their ideas and build successful
ventures. It's important to note that while Flipkart is a prominent example, there are
numerous other startups and companies in India that have utilized the concepts of
entrepreneurship to achieve remarkable success and contribute to the country's
entrepreneurial ecosystem.
4.2 : Name of Founder /Founder Team, contact details, email id, and location
Name Flipkart
Industry Internet
Headquarters Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Website https://www.flipkart.com/
No of employees 21933
Founded 2007
Revenue $3B
4.5 what problem did they experience to get an idea as a business opportunity?/
Market Analysis
• Problems:
Rapid Acquisition Spree
Flipkart has been lately looking to up the game by focusing on improving user
experience. Given that the company is reportedly posting losses, and competition is
heating up, so siphoning funds on improving user engagement on their platform isn’t
exactly first priority. This rapid acquisition spree might turn out to be damaging for
the finances.
Intense Rivalry
There is no dearth of competitors in the online retail space. Be it international
players like Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba or local ones like Shopclues, Snapdeal, and
Paytm etc. Presence of so many rivals selling similar products immensely reduces
revenues. Two top firms in Amazon & Flipkart are locked in a battle of burning cash,
offering festive sales, and ambitious money infusions from investors. Because they
both want to conquer the Indian online retail market and oust the other.
Buyer Power & Switching
The online retail market is saturated with Snapdeal, Paytm, Ebay, Myntra Reliance
Digital, and Nyka etc. Customers visibly have lower switching costs; they instantly
switch from one online shopping website to another. The products are mostly the same
apart from a few brands. Hence, ‘standing out’ is tough to say the least.
• Opportunities:
While there are many obstacles on the way, there are situations where Flipkart can
benefit and leverage from. Let’s take a look at the Opportunities:
Post-Pandemic Sentiments
Just like COVID has wreaked havoc globally, it also provides great impetus for
embracing ‘digital’. As more and more consumers are being aware and switching
to online consumption of services. You might be ordering your daily essentials
though these E-commerce websites. It Is a golden opportunity for Flipkart to grab
on. They should extend its range of offerings focusing on consumer sentiments and
insights.
Market Development
Owing to the thrust towards digital economy and retail, Flipkart should indulge in new
market development and extend its services. Flipkart has to be move across borders
of India and serve customers from neighbouring geographies like South-East Asian
countries. Because these countries have a high demand for online retail. Entering into
joint ventures with local players, Flipkart can look to diversify its revenue from
alternate markets.
Delivery Excellence
Order returns, refunds, cancelations, redressal of delivery issues, and fake product
deliveries etc are issues Flipkart should enhance in their ranks. Flipkart should try to
reduce the delivery times and increase its operational efficiency for tier 2 & 3 cities
because rural dwellers are now surging to online shopping.
4.7 conclusion
A company started by two people from a two bedroom apartment
has driven to unimaginable heights within a decade. This undoubtedly is an inspiration
to millions. The journey of a small e-commerce startup of books to becoming India’s
largest e-commerce platform inspires the generation of startups. From handling
bookmarks to handling multi-billion dollar company, Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal
are excellent examples of doers. Flipkart story proves that one doesn’t need to have a
revolutionary idea to build a business. A good idea and even better execution is all
that’s necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, entrepreneurship is a powerful force that drives economic growth, fosters
innovation, and creates opportunities for individuals and societies. It is a mindset and
skill set that enables individuals to identify and seize opportunities, take calculated risks,
and turn their ideas into successful ventures. Entrepreneurs play a vital role in shaping
the business landscape, driving technological advancements, and addressing social
and environmental challenges. Entrepreneurship is not limited to starting new
businesses but also extends to innovation within existing organizations. It encourages a
culture of creativity, adaptability, and continuous improvement. In today's rapidly
changing world, entrepreneurial thinking is crucial for organizations to stay competitive
and embrace change.
Plagiarism report
References
1 .https://www.easyleadz.com/company/flipkart
2. https://www.expresscomputer.in/news/flipkart-launches-flipkart-labs-an-in-house-
innovation-capability-to-evaluate-build-and-learn-from-initiatives-that-redefine-the-e-
commerce-ecosystem/85627/
3. Optimising the supply chain and logistics for Online Retail
4. https://www.superheuristics.com/swot-analysis-of-flipkart-detailed/
5. https://www.flipkart.com/
6. https://gopigeonofficial.wordpress.com/2016/03/26/outlook-of-growth-potential-of-
indian-e-commerce-logistics/
7. https://corporate.flipkart.net/corporate-home
8. https://www.startupurban.com/flipkart-e-commerce-startup/
9. https://www.avinashchandra.com/flipkart-story
10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flipkart
11. https://startuptalky.com/flipkart-success-story/#Flipkart_-_Products/Services