ENES141
Introduction to High-Tech Product Development and Marketing
Tentative 2009 syllabus available here.
In any career in the global economy of the 21st century, a minimal understanding of innovation, technology, and business is critical to being successful. This multi-disciplinary course covers basic concepts in technology marketing, business, engineering, and entrepreneurship in the context of developing and marketing innovative technology products and services. Through a mix of lectures, experiential learning, and hands-on team projects, the course culminates in student team presentations of 21st century product concepts and marketing plans. Specific goals and topics include:
- Provide exposure to a variety of technology, business, marketing, and engineering topics to aid students in making more informed choices about possible majors and careers
- Introduce the basic principles of fundamental technology areas to answer questions such as:
How do the Internet and Web applications and technologies work (e.g., HTML, Web analytics, etc.)?
How do PCs and smartphones work (e.g., circuits and electronics, wireless technologies)?
How do robots work (e.g., motors, sensors)?
- Introduce basic high-tech marketing theory including customer segmentation, customer adoption, product positioning, branding, and pricing
- Develop persuasive presentation, speaking, and writing skills augmented by effective technology tools
- Learn how to plan, develop, and market a technology product
- Learn to effectively work on a team and fully utilize complementary skills and talents
Enrollment limit: 25.
Dean Chang teaches this course. As MTECH Ventures director, Dean Chang oversees all the MTECH Ventures programs, including: the TAP venture incubator, VentureAccelerator, the University of Maryland Technology Start-Up Boot Camp, the University of Maryland $50K Business Plan Competition, the Hinman CEOs Program, and other educational entrepreneurship offerings at the University.
Dean previously held the dual roles of chief technology officer and vice president of gaming business at Immersion Corporation, a company he helped guide over 10 years from a four-person, venture-backed, Silicon Valley startup to a $200M publicly traded technology leader (NASDAQ: IMMR). As general manager, Dean was responsible for strategic direction, sales, and marketing, and operations of licensing Immersion’s vast patent portfolio to the video game industry. In two years, he grew gaming licensing royalties by 83% to all-time highs in revenue and net income, while also increasing the company’s profit margin. He was part of an executive road show team that successfully raised $51 million in an initial public stock offering and $20 million in a private convertible debenture placement.
Dean has written articles for Computer Magazine, BusinessWeek Online, and GameDAILY BIZ, and has been a speaker at executive, leadership, and press technology forums. He has been quoted or featured in articles in The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The International Herald Tribune, PC Magazine, New Scientist, KCBS Radio, CNET Radio, The Discovery Channel, and many other news media organizations. He holds 30 U.S. and international patents in the field of haptics.
Dean was a Pi Tau Sigma graduate from MIT; he holds a BS in mechanical engineering from MIT, as well as an MS and PhD in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. He also holds an MBA with honors, and received the highest distinction of Palmer Scholar from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Click here for course meeting times.