The aim of this module is to explore the challenges and issues related to “doing” innovation and entrepreneurship. More specifically, the aims are to:

Review the key theories and recent research relevant to understanding the dynamics and practice of innovation and entrepreneurship;

Discuss the main types, strategies and processes of innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as the main challenges that are encountered in successfully implementing change;

Understand the different definitions and types of innovation and identify the relationships between innovation, entrepreneurship and the performance of organisations in a range of sectors, including the private, public and third sectors;

Examine the approaches that can be employed to analyse organisational strategies, structures, cultures and business models as a basis for enhancing innovation and entrepreneurial activity;

Describe the phases of the process of innovation and entrepreneurship including ‘recognising the opportunity’; ‘finding the resources’; ‘developing the venture’; and ‘creating value’.

(LO1) Understand why innovation and entrepreneurship matter to developing growth in organisations;

(LO2) Describe and critique theories of innovation and entrepreneurship and their relevance for understanding approaches to strategy and day-to-day operational management and change;

(LO3) Evaluate critically the key theories of creativity and innovation and their implementation as a means for developing an organisational culture which supports these;

(LO4) Evaluate and describe relevant resources and strategies for innovation as well as the individual and organisational barriers to innovating and entrepreneurship in a variety of contexts;

(LO5) Analyse and critique relevant ways of developing new products and services, as well as carrying out effective corporate venturing strategies;

(LO6) Evaluate the importance of a range of tools and approaches to effectively manage innovation and entrepreneurship.

(S1) Adaptability. Developed via the group work and presentation students will be able to manage contrasting priorities and deal with matters arising.

(S2) Problem solving skills. Developed via the course work, group report and presentation; the students will need to choose a particular problem to address or question for the essay as well as the group work.

(S3) Commercial awareness. Developed throughout the module in lectures, class discussions and needs to be exhibited in the respective assessments.

(S4) Teamwork. Students need to work proactively during the group work and presentation.

(S5) International awareness. Developed throughout the module in lectures, class discussions and needs to be exhibited in the respective assessments.

Lectures x 28 hours
Lectures will include a range of teaching strategies including mini-case studies, guest speakers, as well as significant opportunities for student interaction, discussion and “active learning” via group interaction. In addition, there will be directed reading of text books and relevant academic articles. The module will also provide opportunities for students to develop their presentation skills.

Self-directed learning x 122 hours
Outside the classroom, a student’s time should be spent reading relevant academic and other materials, researching independently and preparing assessments both individually and as part of a group. Discussion boards on VITAL will also be used where appropriate. Students will be given some timetabled time in weeks 2 - 5 to collaborate on preparation for their group presentations. Students will be expected to attend Study Skills sessions on report-writing and presentation skills. The English Language Cent re and ULMS Learning and Teaching Support Officers will provide support for students who need additional support in adapting to the UK education system, and/or for students who, for example, need to develop a further understanding of what is required in terms of critical analysis, developing academic writing skills, good scholarship in using and referencing sources.

The focus of this module is on corporate entrepreneurship and innovation in order to be relevant for students that are interested in working as innovation managers, corporate venturing, consultants, or business support professionals. The key topics will be:

Understanding why innovation and entrepreneurship matter;

Recognising the opportunity, creativity, sources and strategies for innovation;

Finding the resources, building the business case, leadership, teams and networks;

Developing new products, services, corporate venturing and growing the business;

Learning to manage innovation and entrepreneurship.