SM9654 - Contemporary Issues in Entrepreneurship

This module uses a research rich learning approach to develop your awareness and understanding of contemporary issues, investigations and developments within the entrepreneurship field. Critical reflection on knowledge, experience and practice underpins the learning and teaching philosophy along with the explicit development of competence. The module will be delivered through lectures and seminars covering contemporary theories and debates concerned with entrepreneurship and small business combined with developing your analytical awareness to aid critical thinking and writing.

The module is supported by a teaching and learning plan, which outlines the formal sessions, together with the tutor-directed study and independent reading.

An interactive approach to lecture sessions will draw upon the directed learning undertaken and your own experiences. Throughout, the emphasis will be on a high level of participation. You will undertake activities which facilitate the application of theory through a consideration of different methodologies and ways of thinking about and reflecting through contemporary issues. This will enable the examination of choices and options, and the development of clear and convincing arguments.

Directed learning will centre upon a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for interactive activities and use of the discussion board on the e-learning platform. Independent learning will centre upon you identifying and pursuing areas of interest in relation to the subject areas.

Support will be provided to you by a member of academic staff leading the module and subject specialists leading lecture inputs on Contemporary Issues in Entrepreneurship. Individual and group work will be supported by individual members of academic staff to provide closer, more focused and personal academic support.

The eLP will be used as a resource for lecture and seminar materials as well serving as a communication hub for relevant course information, assessment submission and discussion boards.

You will be provided with a specialist electronic reading list that comprises of various materials including reports, book chapters, conference papers and journal articles that showcase the application of a variety of subject material presented by the specialists involved on the module.

You will be assessed summatively on this module. You will be asked to review a contemporary issue in entrepreneurshp of your choice, explaining it in terms of relevant theory. You must critically evaluate, appraise and discuss your chosen issue with reference to theory, policy and practice, as well as offering a rationale for your choice. You should present a balanced argument to demonstrate your reading and learning on the module. The assessment is designed to permit you to demonstrate the extent to which you can achieve the learning outcomes for the module.

Other inter-related tasks will be distributed to you throughout the module delivery. This will encourage your active participation in the learning process throughout the semester. The eLP will be used to permanently host these tasks after release to ensure that you can access the information required at all times. Your work on these tasks will be the pre-work for your assignment at the end of the module.

Formative feedback will be provided throughout the module, particularly in relation to seminar tasks.

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:
• Understand and evaluate the wider impact of entrepreneurship and small business on social and economic and political contexts. [MLO1]
• Acquire, interpret and critically apply theoretical knowledge of contemporary entrepreneurship, small business and entrepreneurial characteristics and practices. [MLO2]

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Demonstrate skill in the selection, planning and critique of contemporary entrepreneurship issues through professional communication skills, showing creativity both individual and within culturally diverse groups to develop a range of professional skills and project capabilities [MLO3]

Summative Assessment
3000-word essay reviewing a contemporary issue in entrepreneurshp of your choice, explaining it in terms of relevant theory. You must critically evaluate, appraise and discuss your chosen issue with reference to theory, policy and practice, as well as offering a rationale for your choice. You should present a balanced argument to demonstrate your reading and learning on the module. The assessment is designed to permit you to demonstrate the extent to which you can achieve the learning outcomes for the module. (MLO1, MLO2, MLO3)

Other inter-related tasks will be distributed to you throughout the module delivery. This will encourage your active participation in the learning process throughout the semester. Your work on these tasks will be the pre-work for your assignment at the end of the module.

Formative feedback will be provided throughout the module, particularly in relation to seminar tasks.

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This module offers an opportunity to develop an understanding of and interest in contemporary issues in entrepreneurship. The word “entrepreneurship” has evolved over recent years and the term now covers a diverse range of social and economic actors, processes and situations. Entrepreneurship as an academic domain has exploded in diverse ways. This module aims to introduce students to some of the key themes of contemporary entrepreneurship research. The content will be flexible in order to showcase the current, leading-edge research interests of faculty and will have three broad themes: Entrepreneurial performance and growth, Entrepreneurial actors and Entrepreneurial frameworks.