Newcastle University

Aims

To develop critical understanding of the specific aspects of gender issues in the entrepreneurial process

Original Summary:
This module introduces and provides a comprehensive overview of the issues surrounding the ‘gender imbalance’ in entrepreneurship at international, EU, national and regional levels. It analyses the underlying causes and effects of differential success, opportunity and utilisation of male and female entrepreneurial activities. Through investigation of various examples and case studies, students will be able to consider how social, economic and cultural mores can exert influence on entrepreneurial outcomes. Students are then given the opportunity to theoretically develop strategies to influence gender related factors, so that entrepreneurial outcomes can be maximised for the mutual benefit of all.

Outline Of Syllabus

Session 1: Gender entrepreneurial stereotypes: personality and behaviour characteristics. Defining the differences and recognising the gender variable in entrepreneurship. Gender and entrepreneurship: a global perspective to gender and entrepreneurship (PW)

Session 2: Analysing achievement, motivation and leadership in women entrepreneurs: constraints, opportunities and conditions for success (availability of capital, cultural environment, society and self-perception, aspirations, etc) (PW)

Session 3: The gender dimension in entrepreneurship policies, an overview of specific policies and initiatives designed to encourage greater participation of women in entrepreneurial activities at regional, national, international and EU levels, including case studies and examples of best practice.
(PW)

Session 4: Women’s contribution to the growth of home-based enterprises, particularly in the rural area and in the context of work-life balance issues (PW) in conjunction with external . Guest speakers: Dr. Izzy Warren Smith, Founder of ‘Women in Rural Enterprise’ (WIRE) initiative and Jayne Graham, Founder of Space on Tap.

Session 5: Women entrepreneurs in Science and Technology: An overview of female and male scientists’ activities in university technology transfer offices, spin-outs and commercialisation of Intellectual Property Rights (PW)

Session 6: Exploring the intersection between gender and entrepreneurial behavior, external Guest Speaker, Professor Susan Marlow, De Montfort University, An overall review of the module (PW)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures will convey in appropriate depth the underlying principles and concepts and stimulate thought in the area of study. The students will be given the opportunity to debate different facets of the content resulting in more complete and considered perspectives on the subject.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A substantial written assignment is a good way to gauge the students’ grasp, depth of knowledge and appreciation of the complex interplay of numerous issues that the module covers. It will allow them to demonstrate that they are able to think strategically about the issues and generate recommendations based on careful consideration of multiple perspectives in the topic.