module specification

This module will analyse and critically evaluate new and conventional models for music and media business in theory and practice, focusing on change and creative business innovation. Theoretical models will be examined with particular attention to monetisation of music by means of streaming, software/apps and blended experiences. Such creative enterprise phenomena apply to novel modes of delivery, content, devices and media convergences. Opportunities and threats including lateral [digital strategies] phenomena are analysed through the lens of entrepreneurship and corporate decision-making in theory and practice.

Students will critically evaluate business market positioning, examine best sources of reliable research information concerning new types of business customers and end users, and examine tactical alliances in music services and media markets.

Innovation and change are also explored, ranging from traditional portfolio development to new delivery methods, to emerging business strategies. This will be done by utilising and confronting key concepts in strategic management and recognising the relevance of cultural knowledge in this area of creative industries. Case study research and business simulation methods will be encouraged in analysis, with the aim of developing new approaches to business modelling and innovation.

Module Aims:
This advanced module aims to equip students with a refined and robust skillset for analysis, evaluation and implementation in business modelling and strategic practice.

1. Mapping and analysing patterns of change in innovative industry practices through the transformation of key sectors and enterprises.
2. Exploring specific contexts within which management of innovation takes place and fully contextualise the analysis of enterprise practice behind the development of new business models
3. Developing multidisciplinary syntheses of creative management, innovation and implementation in experience/service portfolios, identifying multiple factors that shape music/media business modelling in practice
4. Addressing conceptual solutions, operations and skills sets utilised for monetisation of cultural/creative value by means of innovation and strategic management in music/media contexts
5. Applying the understanding of strategy and tactics within the context of music/media business innovation

1. Conceptual analysis of the innovation in music, media and neighbouring industries within operational and economic contexts.

2. Innovation, risk, leadership, and collaborative entrepreneurship in music, media and related sectors.

3. Corporate decision-making and organisational structures in music, media and related industries.

4. Traditional and novel business models: technological, legal, and social value of creative capital.

5. Defining, analysing and contextualising business modelling in the music and media industries.

6. Analysing and applying music, media and creative enterprise literature within contexts of business model development across industry sectors, segments, practices and niche markets.

7. Advanced analytical methods – means to ends planning in strategy, operation, logistics, conceptual and tactical evaluation of music, media and creative enterprise business modelling.

8. New music, media and creative enterprise business models for networks, applications, and emerging experience platforms.

Learning Outcomes LO1 - 3

This module is going to be delivered by means of 3-hour weekly workshops. Each workshop consists of formal content delivery, class discussion, interactive class exercises. The module will utilise a combination of teaching and learning methods, addressing a variety of learning styles. These include tutorials, practicums, peer- and team-study, group tasks and interactive learning. Students will be encouraged to reflect and draw on own experiences, aspirations and goals to facilitate inclusive learning.

Inclusive, blended L&T with active and collaborative learning will form the pivotal tactics for student learning on this module. This will include: peer-moderated study and teamwork; the use of video, audio and online resources with special focus on VLEs/WebLearn; student-centred learning activities will include class interaction, problem-solving tasks and roleplay; uploading and reviewing team-based materials in ungraded formative assessment which will facilitate further class-collaboration among students.

Problem-solving activities will be facilitated by the lecturers in seminars and workshops, encouraging team effort and individual student input. Tasks in class and in preparation for classes will include research- and investigation-driven exercises utilising a variety of sources such as music industry blogs, market research reports and industry trade body websites.

Students will be encouraged to utilise VLEs, such as WebLearn and interact through digital media supplied this way, to facilitate independent guided learning and inquiry. Inquiry- and research-focused learning will form the central part of student-focused activities in class and in independent study. Students will be expected to attend all classes and do so prepared for class, this being further facilitated through tasks given between seminars and lectures on a weekly basis. Independent inquiry, research and reflection will be facilitated through the use of multiple academic and industry resources through our digital library and online sources, e-books, market research and industry databases and journal articles as well as news entries from leading music business, media, CCI and creative enterprise publications.

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Critically analyse and evaluate the strategic, tactical and operational settings of music/media business innovation and model development within the context of lateral ICT sectors
2. Synthesise a detailed contextual exploration of innovation methods that determine success or failure of advanced music/media business models affecting content industries
3. Identify the means of success-building in business incubation for music/media enterprise with the aim of equipping for real-life creative enterprise

Assessment will combine formative and summative methods, designed for inclusivity and feedforward constructivist loops [as per CPED inclusive curriculum guidelines]. For instance, the Oral/Panel presentation with immediate (and added VLE) feedback with feedforward: A1 with built-in early warning system guidance/delivery, designed to enhance A2 performance and facilitate workshop interaction and incremental development of student work in workshops leading up to enterprise-focused A2. The important aspect of this is the enhancement of graduate employability as the assessment models emulate project-, portfolio-development, and/or investor pitching.

Assessment 1: 20%
Oral/Panel presentation (individual). To be delivered by students to panel of students, VPs, MT/ML, with rich use of VLE/ICT/AV media. Defending a case/proposal emulating consultancy/enterprise presentations. Fact-finding exploratory proposal of a business model in music, approved by ML/VP, drawing on referenced enquiry of business methods. Feedforward delivered by Panel in class, and in formative VLE feedback.
(LO1, 2)

Assessment 2: 80%
Case study/report. To be submitted through VLE. To construct reflective synthesis of a business model in music: case study based on Orals/panel pres. and panel feedforward (A1), drawing on referenced facts, desktop research and/or fieldwork, underpinned by recognised theory and analysis of business methods. Reflective/synthesis aspect addresses any possible application of the case study in business practice. Built from weekly feedforward of in-class workshop activities; followed by formative workshops.
LO2, 3

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/649A9FE0-8F17-2639-734A-D04A3A90B3CC.html?lang=en-GB&login=1

NB Full list of reading materials is available upon request.
Reading List link cited above is included as per the AQD module specs form guidelines.