SM9552 - Entrepreneurship Theory

You will be supported by a Teaching and Learning Plan (TLP) which outlines the contact time in facilitated sessions (workshops) and provides details of tutor-directed and independent study/learning.

The aim of the sessions will be to introduce the relevant theory and how it can be applied in practice. This will be aided by the extensive use of case studies and examples to ensure you can see how this knowledge can be applied.

Facilitated learning opportunities will offer you the chance to apply theory. You will be encouraged to critically review your own and other student’s work which will help your development towards the achievement of the Northumbria Graduate Characteristics. You will be given space and support to allow for formative and summative assessment, as well as opportunities for self-reflection.

Facilitated sessions will include module specific sessions, action learning sets and reading group sessions. You will also be expected to engage and participate actively in self-directed team working to support your learning on this module. You will also be expected to engage and participate actively in a substantial amount of self-directed team working to support your learning on this module and to develop your capacity and confidence as an effective learner.

Directed learning will focus on pre-reading, activity based learning through specially designed exercises, and the use of the e-Learning Portal (eLP). Independent learning will be based upon your own initiative in further exploring and researching areas of interest.

This module will be designed and managed by the designated module tutor who will be responsible for guiding you in your engagement and learning on this module. Academic guidance will be provided in facilitated sessions and via email where appropriate. All relevant instructions and notes will be accessible online and through mobile devices via the e-Learning Portal (eLP).

The module is supported by a teaching and learning plan (TLP) which outlines the formal sessions, together with the tutor-directed study and independent study and team activities. An interactive approach to facilitated learning sessions will draw upon the directed learning undertaken and your own experiences. Throughout, the emphasis will be on high levels of participation, both individually and within teams. You can therefore expect the reflective-practitioner approach to learning to be embedded in all facilitated sessions through undertaking activities which promote the application of theory to practice.

Directed learning will include a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for facilitated sessions, use of the e-learning platform and other on-line resources, group work and individual challenges, together with reflection on these activities.

Independent learning will centre upon you identifying and pursuing areas of interest in relation to the subject area or by providing deeper/broader knowledge and understanding of the subject through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading, reflection, research etc.
Critical reflection on knowledge, experience and practice underpins the learning and teaching philosophy along with the explicit development of competence.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. You will demonstrate knowledge and evidence of critical understanding of entrepreneurship theory and underlying concepts and principles associated with analysing your entrepreneurial orientation and mindset.
2. You will demonstrate an awareness of the limitations of your knowledge and how these limitations influence your analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

3. You will demonstrate the ability to use self-reflection to support changes in your own behaviour and to development your entrepreneurial mindset.
4. You will demonstrate evidence of qualities and transferable skills applied in a business and organisational context, requiring exercise of personal responsibility and decision making.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. You will demonstrate an appreciation of how your own cultural and ethical values may impact on your ability to engage and work ethically, constructively and sensitively in diverse environments and teams.

• ((60%) Business Expo Assessment
You will present yourself and your business in a ‘business expo’ format for up to 20 minutes with different assessor teams.
• (MLO 1,4,5)

• (40%) 1000-Word Market Research Summary
• A report that showcases insights gained from primary and secondary market research undertaken to validate the business (development/growth) idea, engagement with entrepreneurship theory and with research evidence in appendix. (MLO 1,2,3,4,5)
Formative assessment will be as follows:

• Feedback received from peers and academic staff on performance and evidence of conducting directed and independent learning activities in group work, assignment discussion and reflection, action learning sets, reading group sessions and other theory and practice related discussions. Criteria will be provided to enable participants to understand what is expected of them and how they will be assessed on their performance. Participants are required to demonstrate self-reflection and reflective practice.

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Entrepreneurial graduates who aspire to employment, new venture creation or self-employment need to be flexible and adaptable. This module will increase your capacity to think creatively and be innovative. Working in teams or individually, students will be tasked with developing a new business proposition in which they will be tasked with identifying, researching, and developing credible business venture/start-up. This module will take students through a step-by-step process during which they will learn the theoretical underpinnings of the start-up process and apply these learnings by developing a business proposal. This module will enable students to enhance their individual self-reflection, leadership skills, develop personal skills, improve teamworking ability, project management, organisation, time management and provide scope for creativity and innovation. Students will develop a business proposal that will be presented in an EXPO organised by the teaching team. During this event all students will engage assessors who will engage, test and challenge students around their business proposal on topics such as the detail on the vision, the purpose, the function, the credibility, the viability, the costs and projections, and the originality. Following this, students will produce an individual 1000-word market research report in which they will showcases insights gained from primary and secondary market research undertaken to validate the business (development/growth) idea, engagement with entrepreneurship theory and with research evidence in appendix. Drawing on relevant theory covered throughout the semester, the market research report will critically evaluate the start-up process and analyse the key determinants of successful entrepreneurial venture creation.