Newcastle University > Undergraduate > Find a Degree > Module

• Offered for Year: 2020/21

• Module Leader(s): Dr Victoria Mountford-Brown
• Lecturer: Ms Wendy Parvin

• Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
• Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus

Semesters

Aims

The module provides an experiential introduction to enterprise, entrepreneurship and intrepreneurship and focuses on the theoretical and practical exploration of concepts of creativity, innovation and value creation. Business Enterprise aims to provide students with:

•       Experience of developing and validating a business idea to proof of concept/launch stage;
•       Developed awareness of business and value creation;
•       Knowledge of the value and utility of enterprising behaviours, skills and attributes in all graduate careers;
•       Insights into personal and business growth strategies.

Students will be supported to develop personal goals and reflective practise throughout the module through completion of weekly reflective blogs and personal project research to develop a portfolio of evidence around a framework of enterprising behaviours.

In teams, students will develop effective working practises and work collaboratively to ideate and validate an idea throughout structured workshops and group project work and showcase the development of this concept through assessment activities.

This module requires students to develop an enterprising mindset and to engage effectively in the practical projects that this module involves, therefore we ask students selecting this module to bear this in mind as lack of attendance and disengagement in sessions will result in poor marks.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module provides students with an opportunity to work in a team and to learn how to develop ideas, test feasibility and validate solutions through a mix of structured session topics; interactive activities and independent research.

Sessions will cover topics such as:

•       Becoming entrepreneurial
•       Effectuation and The Push Method
•       Reflective and professional practise
•       Global future trends
•       Creating social value
•       Creative Thinking & Problem Solving
•       Ideation and Business Modelling
•       Marketing & Selling Strategies
•       Idea Validation & Market Research
•       Funding & Finance
•       Legal Issues: Insurance(s) & intellectual Property
•       Market Trends, Entrepreneurial & Digital Marketing
•       CSR & Responsible Business Management
•       Persuasive Business Pitching
•       Reflective Writing; Theory and Practice

Students will apply academic learning to practical (self- and business development) projects and are expected to actively engage in group work; as well as reflect on their growth and leadership capabilities.

Teaching Methods

Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.

Teaching Activities

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module synthesises different approaches to the study of entrepreneurship; in learning about, through and for entrepreneurship. This involves a combination of structured content in sessions and in research carried out by students around topics of interest; as well as active learning i.e. learning by doing. This involves student groups working together (often by digital means) to produce and develop a new venture idea, which will simulate the reality of many new businesses. The success of the projects requires developing initiative, motivation and leadership skills that are essential to the contemporary and future workplace.

Small group sessions provide opportunities for assessment preparation; staff guidance; and skills development, particularly in relation to team work and the implementation of new knowledge in the development of a business idea. Further scheduled online contact-time similarly offers such support opportunities and the chance to outline needs and therefore guide support provision

The group projects in this module require active engagement from students to be successful and regular project development time is expected; these activities are designed to provide students with the means to drive successful growth for their business ideas as well as their personal goals and ambitions.

Sessions are facilitated by a combination of the core Module staff as well as external professionals and relevant staff from other student support services, such as START-UP. There is no expectation that the student group will actively launch and trade with their new venture; however the development of real business solutions is actively encouraged with support from relevant University professionals.

In addition to the reading list we recommend other material including ‘non-academic’ texts such as newspapers, television programmes, websites, blogs and so on – which will give students further insight into efficiently and effectively developing their business ventures, as well as themselves as developing professionals.

The module is based on understanding and developing relevant enterprising behaviours, attributes and skills for business and value creation (not just venture creation). As such this module embeds Newcastle University Business School’s key themes of the Future of Work and Leading on Leadership.

Assessment Methods

Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment

Formative Assessments

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

All assignments will be explained in class in detail. Complete guidelines about each assignment are uploaded in CANVAS - the Virtual Learning Environment for this module.

Assessments are related to the aims and intended learning outcomes of the module.

The Practical Skills Assessments relate to distinct milestones in the development of group ideas and involve 2 different approaches to presenting relevant information in concise and convincing formats. The tasks will involve showcasing a range of information, demonstrating the grasp and application of relevant knowledge and skills.

The Individual Portfolio assignment at the conclusion of the module provides scope to demonstrate professional competence and growth, which can be utilised to enhance graduate employability and preparedness for the Future of Work. The portfolio is designed to give students a choice in what they submit as evidence of their development. There is no set rule about word count for the portfolio however, components will be structured to ensure over-assessing is avoided and students will choose from a 'menu' of options for their portfolio submissions. For example, one essential portfolio component will be a Reflection piece on students' own development: written = 1000 words; vlog = 5 minutes.

Reading Lists

• BUS2011's Reading List

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
• BUS2011's Timetable