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Enterprise and Innovation

  • Module code: BD5203
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 5
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

Much of what is taught within business degrees is based on theory and practice within large organisations. However SMEs (Small and medium-sized enterprises) play a vital role in the economic prosperity of all countries. Further, students have, until now, been primarily concerned with their own organisations. This module aims to get you to look outside your own organisations, think differently and consider the reality in small and medium-sized enterprises. It also provides the opportunity for you to consider the full organisation, pulling together the different factors taught throughout the course in a capstone project style.

Aims

The module aims to provide students with the following:-

  • An understanding of the role and significance of small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) to national economies
  • An introduction to issues in the external environment affecting the small business population, enterprise start up and development
  • Awareness of specific management and development issues for small businesses and how they need to be appreciated in the current business climate where there is  collaboration with  larger, more developed enterprises
  • Appreciation of the integral nature of organisations and of the concepts covered in preceding modules.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Outline the contribution of small business to the UK & international economies
  • Evaluate the external environment for small business from an economic perspective and as potential source of opportunity for a business start-up and entrepreneurship.
  • Demonstrate a critical awareness of the key small business management and development issues and problems.
  • Understand the particular challenges in managing a small enterprise during all of its development phases and to understand how these challenges need to be recognised in today's business world when working in partnership with a more structured and functional based enterprise
  • Develop a framework for an interview, or other primary research questionnaire.

Curriculum content

  • Differences in management between small and large organisations UK
  • Defining innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Small business management realities 
  • Diversity in SMEs
  • Government policy: Why do governments introduce polices to encourage start-ups, entrepreneurship and innovation?
  • What governments can do to encourage innovation led new enterprises?
  • Creativity and opportunity recognition
  • Opportunities for collaboration between small and larger enterprises eg. open innovation schemes

Teaching and learning strategy

Students will attend 8 x 3 hour and 2 x 7 hour taught sessions. They will participate in a range of lectures, interactive activities, individual and group work. They will be required to prepare in advance for class using guided reading and exercises, carry out independent research using academic sources and carry out research within their own organisations. They will also have regular meetings with a workplace mentor to aid research and the application of acquired knowledge.

Formal class time will be used to introduce topics and generate debate, as well as providing the opportunity for participatory learning by means of case studies and exercises. Online materials will provide access to both theory and topics. They will also guide students in directed reading and in preparation of peer group web based discussions. Use of Moodle will aid reflection and will be supported by appropriate online contact with the module leader or tutor.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching 8 x 3 hour evening sessions + 2 x 7 hour full-day sessions 38
Guided independent study Academic research, preparation for class, assigned exercises and further reading 226
Study abroad / placement Workplace research and application; workplace mentor meetings 36
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

Assessment will be based upon two pieces of coursework.

The initial research plan (1000 words) will identify a suitable business, the appropriate individual to interview, plan research time and prepare an interview guide for the data collection (30%).

The final assessment then comprises a business report (3000 words) comparing business theory with the practical realities for the chosen small organisation. Students will be expected to place their analysis of the organisation's development in the context of theory, research and practice (70%).

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1) Outline the contribution of small business to the UK and international economies Business report
2) Evaluate the external environment for small business from an economic perspective and as potential source of opportunity for a business start-up. Research plan and business report
3) Demonstrate a critical awareness of the key small business management and development issues and problems Research plan and business report
4) Understand the particular challenges in managing a small enterprise during all of its development phases. and to understand how these challenges need to be recognised when working in partnership with a more structured and functional based enterprise Research plan and business report
5) Develop a framework for an interview, or other primary research questionnaire. Research plan

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Interview research plan Coursework 1 30%
Work-based report Coursework 2 70%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

  • Deakins, D. and Freel, M. (2012) Entrepreneurship and Small Firms, 6th Edn, Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill,.
  • Carter, S. and Jones-Evans, D. (2012) Enterprise and Small Business 3rdnd Edn, FT Harlow:Prentice Hall,

Bibliography recommended reading

Stokes, D & Wilson N (2010) Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship6th Edn, Andover:Cengage

Quinlan, C. (2011) Business Research Methods, Cengage, Hampshire.

Bessant J & Tidd, J (2011) Innovation and Entrepreneurship 2nd Edn, Chichester:Wiley

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