Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Successful completion of the taught component of the programme.

Co Requisite Comment

Non-native speakers of English whose current level of attainment is less than UELA 70 or IELTS 7.0 (or recognised equivalent) in all four aspects of communication (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) should be attending the non-credit-bearing in-sessional English language support classes provided by the University.

Aims

The aims of this module are:
(i)       To enable students to gain experience of integrating appropriate scientific and business skills in order
to devise an innovative product or service and to develop this innovation to proof of concept.
(ii)       To enable students to gain experience of developing an innovation, through original technical
investigation and quantitative market research, and creating a case for support, including a business
plan, in a form suitable for presentation to a potential funding body or investor.
(iii)       To enable students to gain experience of undertaking a substantial individual enterprise-related
project, possibly in conjunction with a real-world partner, within fixed time and resource constraints
and of reporting their findings and interpretations to others.
(iv)       To enable students to develop and extend their research and problem solving skills in their chosen area.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module includes the opportunity to practice idea and opportunity development, focusing on defining and validating problems with market research before moving forward to propose a model (commercial, social or other) through which they can demonstrate the potential viability of an opportunity in the areas of NetZero, Sustainability, or Renewable Energy.

This tests your ability to create, develop and document (or work towards developing and documenting) an innovative product or service which will be of commercial interest to the relevant business sector. On completion of the Project, you will prepare a substantial written report, in a format suitable for presentation to a potential investor, to demonstrate the commercial viability of your idea.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

Evaluate, construct and present demand-led commercial or social propositions

Establish a process through which to research, communicate, market and test trade ideas

Critique approaches to innovation and define a robust process that students can use beyond the module

Intended Skill Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to demonstrate that they have developed:
(i)       The personal and cognitive skills needed to plan and execute a piece of work relevant to a science or
engineering-based business concept within finite time and resource constraints, in a professional manner
and with a high level of self-reliance.
(ii)       The advanced field, laboratory, design and/or other practical skills necessary to generate or otherwise
acquire good quality data relevant to the development of a science or engineering-based business
concept.
(iii)       The skills necessary to integrate and critically interpret both scientific and business-related data
using statistical and other numerical methods where appropriate. The ability to convert acquired
knowledge into an original, innovative idea for a product or service.
(iv)       The presentational skills necessary to present the results through a substantial written report.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

In taking this module, students are set the task of creating, developing and documenting (or working towards these aims) an innovative product or service which falls within their chosen area. They must complete the development of their concept within a fixed period of time and with limited resources. They gain the skills and knowledge delivered by the module by “learning through doing” as they undertake the project. They are, in addition, supported by one or more academic, or other, supervisors who can advise on methodologies and interpretations. On completion of the project, students submit an enterprise report in a form suitable for presentation to a potential investor, or other source of funding.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students’ performance in the execution of the enterprise project under the specified time and resource constraints, in the creation and development of an innovation, and in the production of a written business case in an appropriate format, are assessed though examination of the enterprise report itself.
The Methodology and Planning Report enables us to ensure the students start their dissertation work in good time and have thoroughly planned it. It gives a formal opportunity for the supervisor to give feedback.

General Notes

N/A