The module aims to help students develop the competences, skills, awareness and mind-set to become effective innovators and entrepreneurs. The teaching and learning encompass the different methods of starting up a new venture, e.g. borrowing, causation or bootstrapping, effectuating as well as the general challenges faced at business start-up. The role of entrepreneurial learning and social networking is considered along with the planning and implementation of successful innovation(s). Students will examine alternative approaches to business start-up and innovation, as well as business growth, demonstrating an understanding of the risks and challenges associated with them.

(LO1) Define the nature and scope of the issues and problems involved with respect to managing an innovative business.

(LO2) Identify the factors associated with good practices in developing and utilising appropriate entrepreneurial networks to access resources innovatively.

(LO3) Be familiar with the various options in terms of establishing an entrepreneurial and innovative organisation.

(LO4) Recognise the imperatives of innovative technologies and demonstrate how they can form the basis of a sustainable business.

(S1) Adaptability. The module requires students to think seriously about their own skills and knowledge and how these can be utilised to exploit a business opportunity.

(S2) Problem solving skills. Identifying a potential business opportunity requires students to develop appropriate problem solving skills such as resource acquisition.

(S3) Numeracy. Basic numeracy skills will be necessary to calculate the amount of start-up capital and time to break-even.

(S4) Commercial awareness. Students must develop the ability to understand the business environment.

(S5) Teamwork. Students will engage in various exercises such as brainstorming, designed to develop team working skills.

(S6) Organisational skills. Students will develop their organisation skills through co-operating with others and meeting coursework deadlines.

(S7) Communication skills. Oral skills are developed during the seminars and written skills in preparing the coursework.

(S8) IT skills. Students will develop their IT skills in preparing for assessments.

(S9) International awareness. Students are encouraged to think about entrepreneurship in a range of different contexts.

(S10) Lifelong learning skills. The module encourages students to think seriously about learning to learn.

(S11) Ethical awareness. Students will understand the many ethical issues to be considered with respect to managing a business.

Lectures x 12 hours (2 hours x 6 weeks)
Some of the module will be delivered in a traditional lecture format but some of the lecture slots will consist of interactive activities in which students will be expected to participate, comment and discuss ideas and theories.

Seminars x 12 hours (2 hours x 6 weeks)
Students will work in smaller groups in order to focus on discussion and debate.

Self-directed learning x 126 hours
Outside the classroom, a student’s time should be spent preparing questions in advance of seminars, reading materials, researching independently and preparing assessments.

SESSION 1: Introduction to entrepreneurship and innovation;

SESSION 2: Entrepreneurial capabilities and learning;

SESSION 3: Resourcing the start-up business;

SESSION 4: Innovation strategy;

SESSION 5: Innovation in a global context;

SESSION 6: Social networks and growth.