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.
The module aims to provide students with the following:-
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
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.
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 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%).
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 |
Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Interview research plan | Coursework 1 | 30% |
Work-based report | Coursework 2 | 70% |
Total (to equal 100%) | 100% |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
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