module specification

Entrepreneurship in Business (Module code MN5F09GN) provides students with an introduction to what it means to be an entrepreneur in business today.  It explores how an organisation can encourage innovation and entrepreneurship and the processes used to manage enterprise.  Students are given the opportunity to explore their entrepreneurial skills by researching their own ideas – a product or service – and producing a business proposal for their chosen venture.

This module aims to:
• Encourage students to examine the concepts of entrepreneurship and enterprise.
• Enable students to develop their own entrepreneurial skills by developing skills in creative and critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making.
• Encourage students to apply theories and practice through the development of a business proposal.

• The nature of entrepreneurship and enterprise.
• The entrepreneurial process: identify and evaluate an opportunity; research and finance; develop a business plan; manage the development of the idea.
• The importance of innovation and opportunity spotting.
• Encouraging innovation and creativity in an organisation.
• Risk analysis.
• The importance of entrepreneurship to individuals, organisations and the economy.
• Developing a business proposal.

Delivery of this module will be through weekly taught sessions which will cover the knowledge and theory necessary for students’ understanding.  Within the sessions there will be opportunities for active group participation in discussions, research and presentation of information.  This will help develop useful transferable skills (for example oral and written communication, IT, working in a team, research and problem solving skills). 

Blended learning: Learners will be able to use a variety of teaching and learning approaches including e-journals, podcasts, case studies, industry expert presentations and entrepreneurship-related videos.

Industry experts from recognised accredited professional bodies and successful  business entrepreneurs
with relevant student workshop experience will be invited as guest speakers during the one workshop session with a focus on career skills, employability issues and emerging trends.

On completing the module students will be expected to be able to:
1. Identify the key concepts and theories of entrepreneurship and enterprise.
2. Analyse the essential elements of the entrepreneurial process, including the role of the entrepreneur, risk analysis, opportunity spotting, and business planning and invention innovation.
3. Critically evaluate the importance of entrepreneurship to the individual, organisation and the economy at large.
4. Prepare a business proposal.

Core Textbooks:
• Kuratko, D.F., (2012), Entrepreneurship: Theory, Process, Practice, South-Western:  Cengage Learning 

Recommended Textbooks:
• Baringer, B.R., and Ireland, D., (2012), Entrepreneurship: Successfully Launching New Ventures. 4th ed. Pearson: London
• Kuratko, D. F., (2013), Introduction to Entrepreneurship, 9th ed, South-Western:  Cengage Learning
• Stutely, R., (2012), The Definitive Business Plan, 3rd ed, Harlow: FT Prentice Hall
• Thiel P., and Masters, B., (2015), Zero to One: Notes on Start Ups, or How to Build the Future. Ebury: London
• Westhead, P., and Wright, M. (2013), Entrepreneurship: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press: New York

Other Learning Resources:
• International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research
• Journal of Enterprise Information Management
• Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development