Overview

Entrepreneurs and small firms are the lifeblood of an economy, and make an increasing contribution to innovation, wealth creation and employment. This module will provide a detailed insight into the concepts of entrepreneurship and the role of small firms within the economy. It will encourage participants to develop a critical awareness of the nature and role of the entrepreneur in the economy and society. Students will learn the processes involved in new venture creation and creating business plans. They will develop an appreciation of the different types of firm, from business start-ups, through family businesses to franchises and the diverse skill sets these require.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold C- to C+ (50-59%): Satisfactory performance. No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills. Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Knowledge of key areas/principles only. Weaknesses in understanding of some areas. Limited evidence of background study. Answer inadequately focused on task and with some irrelevant material and poor structure. Arguments presented but lack coherence. Minor factual/computational errors. Lacking original interpretation.

Good B- to B+ (60-69%): Good performance. Most of the relevant information accurately deployed. Good grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills. Understands most but not all concepts/issues. Evidence of background study. Focused answer with good structure. Arguments presented coherently. Mostly free of factual errors. Some limited original interpretation. Well known links between topics are described. Problems addressed by existing methods/approaches. Good presentation with accurate communication

Excellent standard: 70+ An outstanding performance, exceptionally able. The relevant information is accurately deployed. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Appraise the development and complexities of other forms of businesses such as franchises and family businesses

• Compose and design a business plan of sufficient depth and standard and to tailor the plan to differing readers' interest

• Explain and assess the purpose of a business plan

• Identify and extract the relevant information from a business plan created by others

• Identify the entrepreneurial role in relation to the formation and development of a small business

• Understand the terms “entrepreneur” and “owner manager” and distinguish the differences / similarities between them