What will I learn on this module?
The aim of this module is to encourage the understanding and application of business and management competences as applied to small business. It will provide you with an understanding and application of competencies required to create and operate a small enterprise. You will gain a practical (learning by doing) insight into the setting up and operation of a small business, and will have a raised awareness of the self-employment opportunities that graduates can exploit, developing a critical awareness of small business creation and operation and of the enterprise economy.
You will cover topics such as:
• Small Business in the economy.
• Business idea generation.
• Entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial team.
• Business planning and finance and use of advisors.
• Marketing and market research.
• Sales for SMEs.
• Effective presentation.
• Networking.
• Public relations.
• Information and control of enterprise.
• Business growth.
• Financial outcomes and reporting.
• Legal issues.
How will I learn on this module?
The module includes a combination of methods to support learning, including guest speaker sessions, meeting with entrepreneurs, theoretical debates, and guided learning. Topics will normally be introduced in lectures and explored through real world examples and practical exercises (helping you develop the knowledge and understanding needed) and guided learning activities. You will be encouraged to develop your independent learning skills to explore further in the subject area.
For academic year 2020/21, the module will employ a hybridised approach, where lectures and discussion sessions will take place online, and the practical seminars will take place on campus. For students who are unable to attend any face-to-face taught sessions, then you will be able to access all of the learning materials virtually. In this case, you will follow lectures via webcasts and attend online seminars / workshops. The use of Blackboard Collaborate (or similar) will be employed to enable this. Where necessary, group work will be carried out remotely.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be given advice and feedback on your work and progress during the timetabled classes. In addition, the eLP (electronic learning portal module) blackboard is used to provide extensive support materials.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1 You will be able to critically evaluate the position of small businesses within the economy, act upon strategies to address problems, and exploit opportunities relevant to new small business ventures
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO2 You will be able to identify and apply the functional competencies, specialist and management skills required by the entrepreneur
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO3 You will be able to relate the position of a small enterprise within the economy, recognising modern trends in the business world that are impacting on business creation and operations
How will I be assessed?
Summative assessment against the Module Learning Outcomes will be:
1) A group prepared Business Plan (suggested length around 20 pages, depending on the nature of the business idea chosen), and group presentation of the business proposition (MLO1m MLO2)
2) An individual Personal Log (2000 words) with supporting portfolio evidence (MLO2, MLO3)
You will be given formative feedback during the portfolio building stages of the module delivery. You will develop a reflective log based on the teaching components of the syllabus. It is expected that your business plan will be finalised based on tutor feedback, and personal reflection.
Criteria will be provided to enable you to understand what is expected, and how you will be assessed on your performance. You are required to demonstrate self-reflection and reflective practice where appropriate.
Feedback on your summative performance in this module will be provided as follows: Your assessment will be returned to you with annotated comments directly related to the assessment task. You will also be provided with a written comment on actions to be taken to improve performance in assessment overall.
You should be aware that all feedback can, and will, occur in any communication with an academic tutor.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
This innovative module equips you with a critical understanding of the enterprise economy and the digital business ecosystem. Working in teams, you will cover every stage of the business development lifecycle, from ideation to product delivery. You will receive support and guidance from business mentors and guest speakers, while lectures, debates and guided learning activities introduce you to the necessary business and management competences. Subjects covered include entrepreneurship, ideas generation, planning and finance, marketing, e-commerce, public relations and effective presentation. You will be assessed on your team’s business planning and pitching, as well as your own self-reflective log.
Course info
UCAS Code G403
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Computer and Information Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.
Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.
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