Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking

This assignment delves into the intersection of entrepreneurship and design thinking. It examines how design thinking principles can be applied to entrepreneurial ventures, influencing business model innovation and fostering successful startups. The analysis explores various perspectives on this topic, including the role of value mapping, the need for design thinking in business schools, and the impact of design thinking on social innovation.

Running head: DESIGN THINKING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY
Design Thinking And Entrepreneurial Activity
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

2DESIGN THINKING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY
Executive Summary
The report is aimed to look into the design thinking which can be learned and practiced by
people with all sorts of different disciplinary backgrounds. Design thinking refers to the
approach inspired by practices which entails non-linear process and consists of holistic
analysis of problem and also explore many different possible solutions before implementing a
final solution. This is nothing but a process which requires an ability to intentionally shift
between divergent thinking and convergent thinking. Another element is curiosity about and
insight into human needs, behavior and context as ways to identify problem and develop
understanding of new and viable solutions. The proposed project will provide an integrated
approach to meet the PD needs of staff involved in the delivery of entrepreneurship
education, providing them with pedagogically effective lecturer training on DT approaches
and lecturer tool kits.

3DESIGN THINKING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY
Table of Contents
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................4
2. Discussion..............................................................................................................................5
2.1 Critical Self Analysis And Reflection..............................................................................5
3. Conclusion – Action Plan.....................................................................................................11
4. References............................................................................................................................12

4DESIGN THINKING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY
1. Introduction
The report is required to look into the concept of design thinking and entrepreneurship
topics. Design thinking is a method framed by designers to solve complex issues and find
worthwhile solutions for clients. The design basically assists in solving problems as they are
action oriented towards a preferred future. The design principles when applied through a
particular strategy and innovation, the success rate for innovation improves dramatically.
Design thinking helps in the core effective strategy development and organizational change.
Firms which involve themselves in design thinking stay ahead in their willingness to engage
in the task of continuously redesigning and reforming their business, proceed in the field of
innovation and efficiency, the combination which gives rise to a greater competitive edge
(Amit & Zott, 2012). Design thinking is drawn upon logic, imagination, intuition and
systematic reasoning to explore possibilities of what could be and create desired outcomes
that benefit the customer and also help achieve the goals and objectives of the organization.
The important thing which design thinking brings in is an aspect of creativity on the minds of
the designers (Audretsch, 2012). Creativity helps to make the business get moulded in the
appropriate direction as per the needs and demands of different situations, which ultimately
assists an organization to tackle unforeseen circumstances and walk towards the path of
growth and development. Design thinking is essential to get people to work on the need to
cultivate new ideas and adopt new approaches in order to be successful in a highly
competitive work environment.

5DESIGN THINKING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY
2. Discussion
The design thinking is a way through which complex problems are solved. The
mindset adopted is not focused on problems but are concerned about possible ways to provide
the solutions by taking action oriented approach towards creating a better future. Design
thinking is based upon intuition, imagination, logic and systematic reasoning to ascertain
possibilities of what could be and create appropriate outcomes that benefit the end user. This
requires an approach to look ahead into the future, identify areas where one could cash on
and thus develop a mindset to explore possibilities (Bocken, Rana & Short, 2015). This helps
in finding ways out on how to seek for constant upgradation and betterment along with
delivering of services as per the needs and requirements of the customers. Entrepreneurship
deals with the plans associated in setting up a business and design thinking plays a very
important part in the activity (Carland, Carland & Stewart, 2015). A business requires
constant upgradation of plans as per the needs and requirements of the situations and thus
thinking ways out to formulate certain strategies to enable the organization to keep up with
the pace is a challenge, which can be achieved through implementing innovative thoughts and
ideas.
2.1 Critical Self Analysis And Reflection
Now a critical self analysis and reflection is presented through the blogs which I have
maintained on a weekly basis to develop an understanding of design thinking and
entrepreneurial activity.
Week 1 Activity:
In the week 1 blog, I have mentioned that the teacher had given us certain questions to
ask one another about the previous studies and experience. This was done in order to find out
if similarities could be found on subjects studied and prior work experience gathered. Initially

6DESIGN THINKING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY
my comfort level was not high as I was not used to doing tasks related to design or critical
thinking but gradually I could understand that one should always ask questions even when
there is a feeling that a group of people is known for a long time. Interactions with people
always helps in knowing them better (Glen, R., Suciu, C., & Baughn, C. (2014). This blog
mentions that only after interacting with other international students like me, I had
understood about their thought processes on these activities. This proves that one should
never underestimate anyone and try to have clarity while interacting, as interactions would
help erase doubts and lead to removal of barriers, which is essential for any business to
succeed
Week 2 Activity:
In this week, the teacher had provided articles with respect to reflective thinking,
which I had made note of in piece of paper and the students were asked for their responses in
those sentences. Reflective thinking is nothing but how to relate the new knowledge gathered
on the prior understanding (Koellinger & Roy Thurik, 2012). So I made sure to relate the
concept of reflective thinking on a daily basis in everyday activities. In business, reflective
thinking is a necessity as evolution happens from time to time and there is always a
requirement that fresh knowledge should be harnessed on the understanding one has already
developed over a period of time. In practical life even, I had tried to implement those
concepts to seek for the desired results. Relating the new knowledge in the business with the
prior understanding is very crucial for the growth and development as an individual, which in
turn would help the business expand and touch upon new avenues.
Week 3 Activity:
Week 3 dealt with ways to understand the core values of design and develop the idea
of mindset. Mindset is required for instigating ways for the right thinking pattern of people

7DESIGN THINKING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY
and how a person would be able to think innovatively for bringing in necessary developments
and activities which are feasible. I had seen a major change in the level of thinking over this
period and got surprised by the way, the level of creativity within myself was developed and
along with the observation skills (Massa & Tucci, 2013). Creativity is a must for survival of
any business over a length of time and similarly observation skills is equally important, as
one needs to be always aware of possibilities for expansion and other challenges which the
business might confront in near future. A creative mindset helps to make sure that the
businesses are always tuned as per the expectations of the customers and needs of the
industry, thereby reducing any threat from the competitors.
Week 4 Activity:
This week’s activity dealt with the ways to understand the difference between
problem solving and problem finding and also develop ways to detect complicated problems.
A brainstorming activity was involved with 30 circles in a white paper, through which an idea
developed where all 30 circles had to be put inside a bigger circle (Naudé, 2013), so that each
and every circle was made a part of the bigger one. This activity made me realize the
concepts of understanding the importance of right attitude towards the customers with right
mindset, right empathy, right kind of stimulus, right kind of facilitation and right inspiration,
(Goldschmidt & Rodgers, 2013). All these characteristics are required for the development of
healthy relationships among peers. These are essential elements which can be used in
business, to create a rapport with the customers, create an urge to improve every single time,
provide inspiration by understanding where we come from and facilitate on giving
suggestions to where we must go.

8DESIGN THINKING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY
Week 5 Activity:
This 5th week revolved around understanding of the concept of mind mapping which
help in bringing ideas together and organize them accordingly to fetch the desired results.
The need for finding ways out to add value to an organization is of utmost importance as
value creation helps develop confidence and understanding between the customers and
business and mutual trust is built (Nicholls & Murdock, 2012). Creating a value chain in a
business perspective is a necessity to attain excellence and stand out from the crowd in a
highly competitive work environment and survive in the long run. The more value an
organization provides through their products and services, they would be able to seek
customers on a regular basis and become more and more profitable. Value Chain refers to a
series of activities linked together for the attainment of the desired goals and objectives. In
business perspective, creating value and delivering valuable service to the customers is
important to create a major impact and look to enhance customer base and thereby provide
satisfaction and earn profit
Week 6 Activity:
This week dealt with the concept of Ethics, which is one of the most important things
to be maintained by any organization. Ethics refer to the values and principles which need to
be maintained by conforming to the rules and regulations (Plattner, Meinel & Leifer, 2012).
The activity involved providing lines to form a square and there was confusion regarding
whether the lines must be continuous ones and the teacher had argued that a child would be
able to draw in a much easier manner as adults have a sense of prejudgement. Child’s
thoughts are free by nature and not preoccupied by other thoughts. The concept of ethics in
oil company like any other organization is of paramount importance (Trimi & Berbegal-
Mirabent, 2012).

9DESIGN THINKING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY
Week 7 Activity:
The activity in this week which I have mentioned in the blog is about analyzing a
large amount of qualitative data related to creating an original dessert in order to test our
creativity on different food items. The fact that our teacher had showed us the preparation of
a new kind of dessert based on chicken, the recipe had come as a surprise because chicken
has always been thought of as a starter or a main dish. This is where mind mapping comes
into play, which is a graphical representation of ideas and concepts (Shepherd, Williams &
Patzelt, 2015). The ability of mind mapping is important because, the ideas and concepts
generated in the world of business has to be thought as something which could always be
applicable and meaningful. Otherwise those ideas do not hold any meaning. One should be
able to correlate any idea, which is thought of, with the practical scenario.
Week 8 Activity:
This week’s activity dealt with an app, known as spoilers app whose primary aim was
to prevent unwanted content in the newsfeed on the phone or tablet. Different pictures were
provided with team members numbered from 1 to 6. Initially there was some confusion as I
had never used such app before but gradually through the passage of, developed an
understanding which made me apply on my own smartphone (Shepherd, Williams & Patzelt,
2015). This allowed to look into the aspect of working effectively in a team and the find
possible ways to understand an unfamiliar concept or idea. In business world, unforeseen
circumstances would always come up in some form or the other and in those situations,
working as a team would help in getting through the phase.

10DESIGN THINKING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY
Week 9 Activity:
The next activity dealt with getting ahead and understand the importance of marketing
strategies in an organization’s attempt to target the desired customers. The importance of
target market can be clearly understood from the fact that the basic of any marketing strategy
is to segment the customers from a wide base, then target the customers who fit the needs of
the organization by meeting all the demands and then position those targets accordingly to
specifically address their issues (Trimi & Berbegal-Mirabent, 2012). Targetting those
customers as per their purchase history is important as time and money would be used in a
judicious manner and avoid wastage. In business perspective, utilizing resources effectively
for targetting the right kind of customers is important. Identifying the appropriate customer
base to target with the right the kinds of products is very much essential.
Week 10 Activity:
This activity was about adopting the principle to know the details about how to fund a
business. Business funding requires looking into the type of business one is in, the products
one are dealing with, whether the business is a partnership firm, joint venture or sole
proprietorship. Accordingly the funding would vary. The art of finding a proper sponsor
ahead of launching a business plan is a tough ask but an important one (Urbano & Alvarez,
2014). This requires proper connection and the task needs to be carried out for proper
execution of plan. The importance of understanding the requirements of funding a business is
essential to have clarity over the products, the expansion plans so that wastage of resources is
avoided.

11DESIGN THINKING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY
Week 11 Activity:
The activity in this week was of a presentation, where I had talked about mind
mapping and self confidence played a very important role because nervousness was there as I
had never ever given any presentation before in my lifetime. Self-Confidence plays a
significant role in the success of any individual and this can be seen even in influential
persons, who have had success due to the self-confidence portrayed by them in the course of
their career (Zahra & Nambisan, 2012). For any business to flourish and excel in the highly
competitive work environment, self-confidence is crucial because they help in giving
customers the assurance that they would be able to cope up with the rising challenges.
Week 12 Activity:
This activity was related to how design thinking, which is used for confronting
complex problems and align them with mind mapping and daily routine. Design thinking is
basically a way through which any type of problem can be dealt with and solved in due time
without much difficulty. In business world, I feel that this design thinking concept is crucial
and should be implemented to the best of the abilities for finding ways to innovate, attract
customers, implement strategies to go ahead and let the business flourish (Nicholls &
Murdock, 2012).
3. Conclusion – Action Plan
I would like to conclude by saying that the universities across the world should look
to adopt tasks which I have gone through over this period and really helped to understand
business situations and ways to tackle unforeseen circumstances. The concept of design
thinking has been understood with great clarity and satisfaction. The action plan is to carry on
implanting the learnings which I have gathered through these tasks to my everyday life. As

12DESIGN THINKING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY
far as the self development is concerned, the activities which I have gone through have
certainly helped me develop the mentality to think rationally and also create an image on the
mind about what to expect in a business environment. The essentials for succeeding in
business have also been understood in a practical manner through those tasks as on most
occasions, the tasks were related to the situations which I am supposed to face in the world of
business. I have understood the importance of implementing strategies required for achieving
success and hold on to the position in a highly competitive work environment. I genuinely
feel that these tasks should be carried out by one and all at least once in their lifetime to
garner the essential learning required for understanding the necessities of business and life in
general.

13DESIGN THINKING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY
4. References
Amit, R., & Zott, C. (2012). Creating value through business model innovation. MIT
Sloan Management Review, 53(3), 41.
Audretsch, D. (2012). Entrepreneurship research. Management Decision, 50(5), 755-764.
Bocken, N. M. P., Rana, P., & Short, S. W. (2015). Value mapping for sustainable
business thinking. Journal of Industrial and Production Engineering, 32(1), 67-81.
Carland, J. C., Carland, J. W., & Stewart, W. H. (2015). Seeing what's not there: The
enigma of entrepreneurship. Journal of small business strategy, 7(1), 1-20.
Glen, R., Suciu, C., & Baughn, C. (2014). The need for design thinking in business
schools. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 13(4), 653-667.
Goldschmidt, G., & Rodgers, P. A. (2013). The design thinking approaches of three
different groups of designers based on self-reports. Design Studies, 34(4), 454-471.
Grassl, W. (2012). Business models of social enterprise: A design approach to
hybridity. ACRN Journal of entrepreneurship Perspectives, 1(1), 37-60.
Hobday, M., Boddington, A., & Grantham, A. (2012). An innovation perspective on
design: Part 2. Design Issues, 28(1), 18-29.
Koellinger, P. D., & Roy Thurik, A. (2012). Entrepreneurship and the business
cycle. Review of Economics and Statistics, 94(4), 1143-1156.
Massa, L., & Tucci, C. L. (2013). Business model innovation. The Oxford handbook of
innovation management, 20, 18.
Naudé, W. (2013). Entrepreneurship and economic development: Theory, evidence and
policy. Browser Download This Paper.

14DESIGN THINKING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY
Nicholls, A., & Murdock, A. (2012). The nature of social innovation. In Social
innovation (pp. 1-30). Palgrave Macmillan UK.
Plattner, H., Meinel, C., & Leifer, L. (2012). Design thinking research. Springer.
Shepherd, D. A., Williams, T. A., & Patzelt, H. (2015). Thinking about entrepreneurial
decision making: Review and research agenda. Journal of management, 41(1), 11-46.
Shepherd, D. A., Williams, T. A., & Patzelt, H. (2015). Thinking about entrepreneurial
decision making: Review and research agenda. Journal of management, 41(1), 11-46.
Trimi, S., & Berbegal-Mirabent, J. (2012). Business model innovation in
entrepreneurship. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 8(4), 449-
465.
Urbano, D., & Alvarez, C. (2014). Institutional dimensions and entrepreneurial activity:
An international study. Small Business Economics, 42(4), 703-716.
Zahra, S. A., & Nambisan, S. (2012). Entrepreneurship and strategic thinking in business
ecosystems. Business horizons, 55(3), 219-229.