The Winter School titled “Business Model Innovation & Startup Plan Development” is designed to equip students with essential skills required to understand, evaluate, and develop innovative business models in today’s competitive environment. As industries evolve rapidly with technological, economic, and social disruptions, students need practical knowledge that goes beyond traditional classroom learning.This course introduces participants to modern business frameworks such as the Business Model Canvas, market analysis, competitive evaluation, revenue model design, and financial viability assessment. Students will learn how successful companies create, deliver, and capture value — and how startups convert ideas into feasible business plans.
Participants will also gain hands-on experience by working on real or simulated startup ideas, preparing a basic Business Plan, and presenting their concepts through a structured pitch deck. This makes the course highly engaging, practical, and valuable for their career development.
Students should opt for this course because it enhances entrepreneurial thinking, improves strategic decision-making, and develops skills relevant for careers in management, marketing, consulting, business analysis, and entrepreneurship. The course prepares learners to think innovatively, analyze business opportunities, and confidently design sustainable business models suitable for both corporate roles and startup ventures.
What you'll learn
Module 1: Introduction to Business Models
- What is a business model?
- Why businesses succeed or fail
- Case: Netflix vs Blockbuster
- Activity: Basic value creation exercise
Module 2: Business Model Canvas – Foundation
- 9 components explained
- Focus on customer segments & value propositions
- Example: Zomato
- Activity: BMC analysis of a student’s chosen brand
Module 3: Business Model Canvas – Advanced Components
- Revenue streams, cost structure, key partners, key resources
- Example: Amazon / Apple
- Activity: BMC creation for a new idea
Module 4: Business Model Evaluation Framework
- Feasibility, desirability, viability
- Comparative business model evaluation introduction
- How to compare two companies’ business models
- Evaluation dimensions:
- Product/Services
- Revenue model
- Customers
- Competitors
- Channels
- Cost structure
- Scalability
Module 5: TCS vs Google – Business Model Comparison
- TCS (service business model)
- Google (product-platform model)
- Comparison on:
- Nature of business
- Value proposition
- Revenue model
- Customer segments
- Competitors
- Channels
- Key resources
Scalability
- Activity: Students compare any two companies (Ola vs Uber / Amazon vs Flipkart)
Module 6: Market Research & Customer Analysis
- Primary research & secondary research
- Customer persona creation
- Understanding unmet needs
- Activity: Student teams create customer profile
Module 7: Competitor Analysis & Strategy Tools
- SWOT & PEST analysis
- Porter’s Five Forces
- Blue Ocean Strategy basics
- Activity: Competitor mapping of chosen startup idea
Module 8: Revenue Models & Financial Viability
- Types of revenue models
- Subscription vs transaction vs freemium
- Break-even analysis
- Activity: Create revenue model + break-even for idea
Module 9: Writing a Business Plan
- Executive summary
- Market plan
- Operational plan
- Financial assumptions
- Risk analysis
- Activity: Teams begin writing final business plan
Module 10: Pitch Deck & Presentation (Mini Shark Tank)
- How to structure a pitch deck
- What investors look for
- Student presentations
- Evaluation & feedback
- Certificate distribution
After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
CO1: Explain modern business models and the processes through which organizations create, deliver, and capture value in competitive markets.
CO2: Compare and critically evaluate different business models of organizations using real-world case studies (e.g., service-based vs platform-based companies).
CO3: Analyze key business components such as products/services, revenue streams, cost structures, competitors, distribution channels, and scalability of firms.
CO4: Conduct basic market research to identify customer segments, customer needs, and value propositions for business decision-making.
CO5: Design a comprehensive Business Model Canvas (BMC) for new business ideas or startup concepts.
CO6: Prepare a structured Business Plan and Pitch Deck, demonstrating feasibility, innovation, and strategic clarity.
CO7: Apply entrepreneurial thinking, analytical reasoning, and informed decision-making skills through practical exercises, case analyses, and project-based learning.
