Entrepreneurship
MODULE AIMS
This course examines entrepreneurship as a strategic approach to decision-making and as a process of business and wealth creation. Although there is no uniformly accepted definition of the term, entrepreneurship is concerned with the 'pursuit of opportunity' this could be in a business, social, community or corporate context.
Through the course we will focus on the development of entrepreneurship, the role of the entrepreneur and the process of new business creation. We shall discuss many issues concerned with entrepreneurship such as: stages of growth, entrepreneurial teams, creativity and innovation, opportunity recognition, writing a business plan and intrapreneurship.
The emphasis however is not only in understanding, but developing the practical skills associated with an entrepreneurial mindset. The individual assignment will develop your understanding of the subject area whilst the group work will involve you in identifying and evaluating a potential business opportunity.
You will emerge from the course with a comprehensive understanding of the importance of entrepreneurship to economies and the unique problems that new businesses face as well as an insight into the entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to evaluate business opportunity and develop a plan for a new venture.
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
The course is intensive and is divided up as follows:
- Understanding Entrepreneurship & Entrepreneurs
- Recognising Entrepreneurial Opportunities
- Crafting & Pursuing Opportunities
- Developing & Growing the Venture
Due to obvious time constraints, not every aspect of entrepreneurship will be discussed however you can, of course, read up on these externally.
TEACHING METHODS
A combination of teaching methods are used:
Eight lectures outline the key syllabus concepts. The lectures are intensive and interactive. The emphasis is very much on practical application rather than philosophical discussion. At all times, students are encouraged to share their views based on their own experiences.
Guest Speakers will be brought in to bring to show the practice of entrepreneurship.
Case studies & practical exercises/activities - these will help to turn the theory into practical application. Students will be expected to work individually and in groups.
Success of case studies and practical activities depends, where necessary on studying the cases before the course and fully taking part in group preparation work, activities and discussions.
Videos - are used to further illustrate some of the key concepts of the course.
Students must attend the whole of the module's lectures and study group sessions and aim to participate actively in all appropriate group work.
Alumni will be sitting in on modules and will not undertake assessment. However, full involvement in the class and all activities, exercise, cases, etc. during the week is expected. And this may include working with groups of current students on tasks/activities that contribute to assessment. The module leader will advise on the details of appropriate involvement expected.
MODULE COORDINATOR
Shahid Rasul
Shahid joined the University from the Department of Technical Education in Brunei, Darussalam, in 2003. His commercial experience includes more than 10 years of direct involvement in small and family business, from start-up to sell-out, and various part-time and full-time jobs with organisations ranging from BT to Sock Shop.
As well as teaching at the School of Management, he has a University wide role as part of the team developing the University's e3 strategy and is the lead for the University's pioneering entrepreneurial learning programme, Challenge Yourself.
Teaching: Shahid is responsible for teaching and facilitating on a range of programmes across the University:
- Entrepreneurship MBA (postgraduate)Small Business Enterprise (MSc)
- Marketing and Entrepreneurship (undergraduate)
- Product Design and Innovation (undergraduate)
- Self-Employment and Enterprise Skills (undergraduate)