Preparing future entrepreneurs

• Grant number: 01/03447-9
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: August 01, 2002
• End date: September 30, 2005
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Production Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Valeria Maria Barros de Andrade
• Grantee: Valeria Maria Barros de Andrade
• Company: Desenvolvimento e Tecnologia Mentortec Ltda. - EPP
• City: São José dos Campos

Abstract

The objective of the project is to develop a piece of software with an interactive learning environment aimed at future entrepreneurs. Its focus is to give guidance in an objective and integrated manner on the structuring of a technology-based project, transforming ideas into business. The application was structured in four units which touch on and demonstrate the interconnection that exists between the following topics: Strategic Thinking, Product Conception, Business Plan and Financial Support. It possesses innovative characteristics: 1) Integration of the concepts Strategy x Product Development x Business X Resources via an interactive environment which prioritizes critical thought, the end result of which will be a decision taken on the make-up of the business, as well as on the credit agreement; 2) Ability to make intimate associations with the user’s reality and analyzing potentialities and risks; 3) Adaptation of content according to the user profile at the time of execution, that’s to say, the user can choose cases from his specific area and the environment will be automatically reconfigured to display the chronological path through the environment related to the case selected. As the main form of distributing this application, the Entrepreneur’s Portal will be set up, which will permit the offer of additional services with specialized tutorials and a discussion forum among others. (AU)