Web Design & Development BSc (Hons)

Module IS0525 - Entrepreneurship & Creativity

(20.00 Credits)

SYNOPSIS OF MODULE
The module is aimed to prepare you with the knowledge, skills and motivation to create and operate a personal small enterprise soon after graduation. You will maintain a business start-up research portfolio that demonstrates studies and thinking relating to aspects of business concept development/review, product/service definition, market research, marketing strategies, and business finance issues. The portfolio will include a draft business plan for the start of a small business to exploit the defined business concept.


INDICATIVE READING LIST OR OTHER LEARNING RESOURCES
Recommended reading
Barringer, B., Ireland, R.D. (2008) What’s Stopping You? Pearson Education, Inc.
Barrow, C. (2002) Setting Up and Managing Your Own Business, Kensington West Productions Ltd
Bragg, A., & Bragg M. (2005) Developing New Business Ideas, Pearson Education, Inc..
Brooks, A.C. (2009) Social Entrepreneurship. Pearson Education, Inc.
Clegg, B., Birch, P. (2007) Instant Creativity. Kogan Page Ltd.
Druker, P.F. (2001) Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Butterworth-Heinemann
Fogler, H.S., LeBlanc, S.E. (2008) Strategies for Creative Problem Solving, 2nd Edition. Prentice Hall.
Hall, D. (2000) In The Company of Heroes: An Insider’s Guide To Entrepreneurs At Work, Rogan Page, London.
Kirby, D A. (2005) Entrepreneurship, McGraw Hill
Mariotti, S. (2007) Entrepreneurship, Starting and Operating a Small Business. Pearson Education, Inc.
Michalko, M. (2006) Thinkertoys 2nd Edition. Ten Speed Press, California.
Proctor, T. (2005) Creative Problem Solving for Managers, 2nd Edition. Routledge.
Wickham, P. (2006) Strategic Entrepreneurship 4th Edition, Pearson Education Ltd.
Zimmerer, T. W.( 2005) Essentials of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, 4th. Edition, Pearson, London

Journals:
Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
Journal of International Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice
International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal

Web resources and other links:
www.startups.co.uk
www.businesslink.org
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/hub/index.html
www.patent.gov.uk
http://www.bis.gov.uk/
http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/
http://www.ncge.org.uk/
http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/business/
http://www.mycoted.com/
http://www.mindtools.com/



OUTLINE SYLLABUS
Flexibility will be available in the subject content of the studies so that the module can track the issues that are constantly arising in a very dynamic field. The syllabus will cover the following issues:

• Small business development, support mechanisms and prospects in the UK economy
• Evaluating the business concept and strategic analysis
• Market research and marketing strategy
• Legal framework of small business creation/operation
• Basic business finance and accounting concepts for the small business
• Creative problem solving techniques for decision making
• Business plan development for gaining financial support from banks and other institutions



AIMS OF MODULE
The aim of the module is to promote an entrepreneurial culture/attitude - including an understanding and application of the competencies required to start up and operate a small enterprise. To develop a critical awareness of small business creation in the enterprise economy.


LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Identify and apply the functional and managerial competencies of an owner/manager in a new small enterprise
2. Relate the position of a small enterprise within the economy and recognise modern trends in the business world that are impacting on business ventures
3. Produce a comprehensive business plan for the start up and operation of a new small enterprise
4. Critically appraise the operation of a small enterprise in marketing, finance, supply and human resource terms



PRE-REQUISITES
None


CO-REQUISITES
None


DISTANCE LEARNING DELIVERY
N/A


LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY
Teaching will be based on lectures, seminars, briefings and discussions about the world of small business. In addition, all students should attend/participate in the various open seminars and other events that take place in the University and in the Newcastle area that aim to encourage graduate enterprise.

Throughout the duration of the module, students will progressively build a business start-up research portfolio, based on the teaching sessions plus their own directed and independent learning. The portfolio will collect together all aspects their studies and reflective thinking relating to aspects of business concept development/review, product/service definition, market research and marketing strategy, and business finance issues. The portfolio will also include a basic business plan for the start of a small business to exploit a personally defined business concept. Each student will give an individual poster presentation of their business concept and basic business plan to the tutors. Tutorial support will be given to help with the building of the portfolio and the planning and design of the presentation.



ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK STRATEGY
a Summative assessment and rationale for tasks

The assessment will be by a short individual presentation, followed by an individual written business portfolio based upon a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of a new start-up business venture. The business portfolio will include a written business plan (approx 10 pages), with supporting evidence, and a brief reflective summary.

b. Additional formative assessment – detail of process and rationale

Formative feedback will be given during the portfolio building stages of the module delivery. Each individual will develop a reflective diary based on the teaching components of the syllabus. It is expected that the basic business plan of each individual will be finalised based on tutor feedback, and personal reflection.

c. Indication of how students will get feedback and how this will support their learning

In order to participate fully in the seminars, students will be required to undertake secondary research, discuss their findings and also to participate in practical exercises. These will provide the basis for initial verbal feedback and supplemented by a written summary as part of their portfolio. These exercises will be focused on assisting the student in the successful completion of the summative assessment.

Written feedback for the summative elements will also be provided identifying the strengths and weakness of the work indicating areas for further improvement.



IMPLICATIONS FOR CHOICE
None

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