Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
N/A
None
Aims
• To enable students to participate in the setting up and running of a real business.
• To facilitate students to develop entrepreneurial abilities and skills.
• To enable students to apply prior knowledge in a real life business setting.
• To develop student awareness of working in relation to self-employment and small business creation.
In fulfilling these aims students will:
1. Work with other students to originate, plan and manage an enterprise effectively and within the relevant guidelines.
2. Develop systems and procedures for operating the enterprise and to implement these in practice.
3. Identify, evaluate and record their own skill development with reference to set criteria.
The module provides the students with an opportunity to work in a team and run their own business. The course is structured to provide effective support, but the student needs to take responsibility for their group’s enterprise. The module is ultimately designed to improve student employability and to widen their career choices. Emphasis is placed upon the development of business skills, occupational awareness of new venture start up, self-employment and the small business sector. In teams, students will endeavour to originate, plan and manage an enterprise effectively within relevant legislation and regulations, involving the development of systems and procedures for operating the enterprise and their implementation in practice. Individually, students shall identify and evaluate their own skill development and learning in relation to set criteria.
In addition to formal lectures facilitated by academic members of staff, advice and support will be available from external business advisors. The module is structured through 20 two-hour sessions covering idea generation and development, networking, entrepreneurial finance, small business marketing and business plan writing in Semester 1. In Semester 2, the focus is on the potential launch of the business and covers topics such as sales, PR and investment as well as reflecting upon the entrepreneurial journey.
At the completion of this module students will be able to::
1. Analyze theories of business, management and particularly entrepreneurship in relation to their own entrepreneurial practices.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the planning, organizing, financing, operating, control and ultimately dissolution of a new venture.
By the end of this module students should have developed skills that:
1. Analyse personal strengths and weaknesses, interests and motivations in terms of experiencing the entrepreneurial journey.
2. Consider the complexities of the entrepreneurial process and apply problem solving skills to develop ideas and practical solutions in a teamwork environment.
Graduate Skills Framework Applicable: | Yes |
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 2:00 | 40:00 | N/A |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 54 | 1:00 | 54:00 | N/A |
Guided Independent Study | Project work | 52 | 1:00 | 52:00 | N/A |
Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 1 | 25:00 | 25:00 | N/A |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 29 | 1:00 | 29:00 | N/A |
Total | 200:00 |
The course is structured as 20 two hour sessions, each organised around a concept/ theme as presented in the ‘outline of syllabus’. In addition to the reading list above we will be recommending other material – ‘non-academic journals’, newspapers, television programmes, websites, blogs and so on – which will give students further insight into managing efficiently and effectively their business ventures.
The companies originated by the students (are not part of a simulation) are expected that following development phase in Semester 1 will trade during Semester 2. The nature of the module therefore requires that students demonstrate a high level of initiative and resourcefulness, appropriate to venturing a real business. To support this a wide range of teaching methods and techniques are employed, including mentoring guidance from North East entrepreneurs and tutors and guest speakers, led by experts in the field of business and entrepreneurship.
The 20 two hour sessions are sculptured around the philosophy of a student-centred learning process; the academic environment provides ample opportunities to create core expertise, analytical and critical thinking, and to produce high-quality practitioners, while making the sessions enjoyable to participating students.
Blackboard Learning Environment:
The lecture notes, PowerPoint slides, details of assignments/exams and other information, together with important announcements, will be available on the Blackboard web site for this module. We will be using Blackboard to communicate with you and you are strongly encouraged to use Blackboard to communicate with each other (for example through discussion forums). You can access Blackboard at http://blackboard.ncl.ac.uk.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 30 | Group assignment - Business Plan and 10 min presentation. |
Prof skill assessmnt | 2 | M | 10 | Group assignment - Press release and 10 min presentation. |
Essay | 2 | M | 60 | 2,000 words |
All assignments will be explained in class in detail. Complete guidelines about each assignment are uploaded on BlackBoard. Your assessments are related to the aims and intended learning outcomes of the module. We are not assessing the success or failure of your business! Instead the three pieces of assessed work will evaluate (to differing extents) your knowledge of the functions relevant to the effective creation and management of a business venture and your skills in respect of commercial acumen, problem solving, self analysis and teamwork.
N/A
Disclaimer: The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2018/19 academic year. In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described. Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2018/19 entry will be published here in early-April 2018. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.