Creating a tailored workshop focusing on innovation and enterprise

A session for students working with industry

Academic Engagement Librarians collaborated with SAgE Lecturers in Enterprise, Katie Wray and Graham Cole, to design and deliver a skills session as part of enterprise scheme, iLab, that was then adapted and run in modules across the SAgE faculty.

The session aimed to introduce students to key research skills alongside exploration of a range of company, marketing, government and policy information from the Library and beyond.

iLab - our approach

When planning the session, we followed an outcomes-based approach to design, beginning with identifying the context, aims and learning outcomes. Applying constructive alignment, content and activities were then designed to achieve set learning outcomes.

Context

For iLab, the students were tasked with finding company information and industry insights relating to the company they would be working with as part of the project. The aim of the research was to provide context for their first discussions with their assigned company and to enable them to present suggestions to unique problems using quality evidence.

Aim

To enable students to find and use secondary research into company information, industry trends and market analysis to gain an understanding of a company, its sector and wider operating environment that will inform their primary research.

Learning Outcomes

Identify and locate useful sources of information for company and industry research.
Use research skills to find and evaluate information on companies and industries.

Session content

We were able to draw on previously delivered sessions with Careers, tailoring the content to support the specific enterprise challenge. The session introduced a range of business information resources that were new to many students and combined demonstrations with active learning activities to help them practise and apply their research skills.

After introducing the learning outcomes, we reassured students that researching companies draws on the same information literacy skills they already use for academic study, linking back to prior learning. We then explored the different types of company information available and the insights they can provide, such as company values, customer reviews, market trends, competitor activity and industry challenges.

We highlighted that some information, such as mission statements and marketing materials, is freely available online, while more detailed content, including company profiles, SWOT analyses and market reports, is typically accessed through Library subscription resources. We demonstrated key resources including Statista, Business Source Ultimate, Nexis, Web of Science and Policy Commons before giving students the opportunity to practise searching independently.

Copyright and licensing restrictions were also addressed, explaining that subscription content can be used for study purposes but must not be shared with partner companies. Finally, we discussed the importance of evaluating information critically, recognising bias in company-produced content, news and social media sources, and cross-checking information to ensure accuracy and reliability.

ILab Lesson Plan

ILab PowerPoint slide deck

Adapting the design

Sessions in Computing (CSC8013), Engineering (EEE2008, SPG8016), SNES (NES8011) and later for the Overseas Immersion Programme, while similar to iLab, had a slightly different focus. Students were encouraged to think about how to identify innovation opportunities in specific problem areas, with research supporting understanding of context and idea generation as well as providing an evidence base for decision making.

To address this difference, we switched focus from company information as a starting point, to exploring a broader context, through government and policy information, news sources, statistics and market insights as well as company reports and academic resources. Examples used in demonstrations were also tailored to each subject area.

Overseas Immersion Programme Lesson Plan

Overseas Immersion Programme PowerPoint slide deck

Impact and feedback

We now have a framework for an adaptable session that can be used across the SAgE faculty, and perhaps beyond, as we look at offering more employability and entrepreneurial themed sessions, aligning to the aims of the Education for Life Strategy. While some of the skills and attributes identified as part of the strategy can clearly be linked to the Library offer, such as digital literacy and critical thinking, this session showcases how we can support study skills development in different ways.

Having the Library team embedded in our delivery not only gives support to our learners’ exploration of the contemporary innovation challenges they've been set ... it also reinforces the skills and mindset needed to support the discipline research

Graham Cole

The library sessions opened students’ eyes to a wealth of market and data insight resources, helping them spot real opportunities and unmet needs. With these insights, they can research with confidence and develop stronger, evidence-based ideas.

Katie Wray

Education for Life 2030+

This case study reflects the following aims of the Education for Life strategy:

Equity: To provide a core, universal offer for all students, including tailored provision where needed, to ensure equity of access, experience and in outcomes for all, regardless of background, identity, nationality, location or mode of study.
Encounters with the Leading Edge: To put at the heart of our curriculum and learning experiences, encounters with our world leading research and the leading edge of industry and practice.
Fit for the future: To ensure our students are fit for their future, our teaching is fit for the future of our offer, and our colleagues are fit for the future of HE.