I was asked a few questions about this assignment by one person in the class. For the benefit of all, here are the questions and my clarification:
Q: What format would you like to see me use for this paper?
A: I do not have a particular format for how you organize the paper in mind. The following format was put forward and it is acceptable:
-
Introduction: Why would anyone use this
approach?
- Research: Selection criteria currently used by
different firms (who, what, why)
- Scorecard: What would I recommend as a scorecard
- Summary of methodology and each criteria used: What is the criteria and how would it be scored
- Appendix: Feedback from Investors
Q: What are your expectations regarding bonus grades?
A: For the bonus grades, I am looking to see that you have conducted a focus group on your assignment with bona fide investors. At a minimum, I would like to see the names of the people in the focus group, your criteria for determining that they are an investor and their feedback on your scorecard.
Q: I don't know any "real" investors. How can I earn bonus grades?
A: There are plenty of "real" investors in the GVRD. It is up to you to identify and qualify any you select for your focus group as you would with any focus group.
Q: Can I do this assignment with my team?
A: No. With reference to the syllabus, this is an individual assignment. I am looking for original research and creativity. Once I have graded all assignments, I will post a list of the key elements of all of the assignments on this website for the benefit of everyone in the class. We will discuss the group findings in class.
Can the Scorecard be Focused on a Particular Industry?
I was asked if it would be OK for the scorecard to be specific to a particular industry.
My intent was that your scorecard be universally-applicable. For example, as an angel investor looking at investing in an early stage business, how (based on your research of best practices) would you assess the opportunity? If the assignment is the same for everyone in the class, we can discuss in class and ideally come up with the "ideal" investment scorecarding tool. I would see you use this tool to scorecard your group project.
Given that many angel investors like to invest in markets they understand, I believe it is fair for you to focus on an industry you understand. Ideally, I'd like to see you create a tool that will benefit you personally or professionally.
If you would like to make your scorecard apply to a specific industry (e.g. real estate) you may allocate up to 10% to that industry, with the remaining 90% being relevant to any early stage business investment.