Rs 50 Exercise

Updated on: Monday, February 14, 2011

An idea often does not get converted into a product or a business proposition unless it is guided to blossom into an enterprise. With this in mind, the National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN) recently focussed on the theme, 'India: Opportunities Within,' which involved students and organisations.

This year, the initiative was introduced in schools, thus creating an opportunity to introduce students to entrepreneurship skills by running an exercise called the 'Rs 50 Exercise.' The exercise, which originated at Stanford University, has been adapted to work for students aged between seven and 12 years.

Laura Parkin, executive director, NEN, points out, "In India, only 16% of students enrol in college. So if we are to ensure that this generation has the skills required to capitalise on today's opportunities, we will have to find a way to introduce entrepreneurship education at the school level."

The game has been adapted for students with simulated currency. In a class of around 50, students are grouped into teams of eight and given Rs 50 as initial investment. The teams are expected to start a virtual company and come up with a product or service with the initial investment that they can sell and make a profit on.

Ajay PV, E-Leader, E-Cell (NEN Entrepreneurship Cell), National Institute of Engineering, Mysore, explains, "It is a business game that is designed to teach students the basics of entrepreneurship such as marketing, making investment decisions, managing cash flow." He further adds, "We have conducted this game across a cross-section of schools both— private and government."

Times of India

Rs 50 Exercise

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