Creating Entrepreneurial Mindsets - Improvising as a Method

In order to grasp the elements of entrepreneurial thinking and action, the course addresses - among others - the following topics:
The nature of uncertainty and uncertain projects
Models of entrepreneurial thinking and action
Definition of bricolage, effectuation and improvisation as examples of entrepreneurial techniques
Training the application of bricolage, effectuation and improvisation
Entrepreneurial thinking, decision-making and action in a story-telling project on stage


The number of participants is limited to 16. Please come in casual and comfortable clothing!

The objective of this course is to discover the elements of an entrepreneurial mindset in the project context of theatrical story-telling in order to develop the capability of action-oriented, spontaneous and creative action in the face of uncertainty. For successful self-regulating actions it is on the one hand important to think in a strategic and problem-solving manner. On the other hand, it is important to develop flexibility and spontaneity which allow for process-oriented action at all times. As uncertainty and dynamism increase in today's world, the capability to react adequately to unexpected situations and creatively produce innovations will grow in importance. This capability is also key to any kind of communication and team processes. An entrepreneurial mindset is regarded key to these challenges. It can be enhanced through the practice of techniques such as bricolage, effectuation and improvisation. This course introduces the students to a wide range of excercises incorporating concepts from these techniques. Building upon the concepts of Levi Strauss and Ted Baker, Saras Sarasvathy, as well as Keith Johnstone and Viola Spolin, the course is dedicated to learn creative and spontaneous action in order to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Participants will 1) apply the techniques to a joint project of story-telling on stage (leveraging improv theater set-ups), 2) will experience different levels of uncertainty, 3) will try out entrepreneurial techniques for coping with uncertainty and 4) will discuss their applicability to the professional and educational sphere.

Applying entrepreneurial techniques from bricolage, effectuation and improvisation
Enhancing flexibility and spontaneity
Fostering self-confidence and self-awareness
Developing concentration and discipline
Experiencing sense of sequences, operations and dramaturgy
Acknowledging the value of supporting and accepting partners and their ideas
Exploring teamwork and responsible leadership
Driving problem solving skills for contexts of different uncertainty levels

Bricolage, effectuation and improvisation, creation theory

To be announced Secondary literature: Johnstohne, Keith: Theaterspiele Johnstone, Keith: Improvisation und Theater

Participation including preparation time for reading as well as organizational tasks (40%), final presentation (30%) and preparation of a written reflection paper (30%).

90