Unit name | Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summer Programme |
---|---|
Unit code | INOV10003 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
Unit director | Ms. Cole |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Centre for Innovation |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The world of work is changing rapidly; new products and services are creating not only new companies but new ways of working. Small companies are disrupting established businesses and permanent jobs in many sectors are being discarded in favour of flexible contractors and freelancers. Even established old companies are furiously trying to innovate new products, services, and markets to keep up and avoid being disrupted out of business.
To succeed in this emerging economy, you’ll need to not only be innovative but also be enterprising and entrepreneurial in your behaviour to spot and seize opportunities for yourself and for the companies you’ll work for. Entrepreneurial thinking is not just the preserve of Silicon Valley, it’s a way of searching for and executing on business ideas that is relevant to anyone trying to create value for themselves and others. The aim of this unit is to develop your understanding, abilities and skills which are essential to setting up or being part of an entrepreneurial venture.
You will work in a team to come up with an innovative idea and develop a business plan and presentation. We’re also interested in how your idea developed; through the reflective assessment you will reflect on the process through which your team, idea and business plan developed and what you have learnt over the course.
The broadest view of entrepreneurship is taken in this unit - the entrepreneurial venture could take one of several forms, for example:
Lectures and workshops will cover examples and latest thinking in several areas related to entrepreneurship. However, groups will be expected to identify and engage with a wider range of material, both of an academic and business nature, as required by their particular venture. The unit is delivered in an activity-driven, problem-solving way. Students will be asked to collaborate in class and in their assignments, working together to change ideas into possible solutions and future potential businesses. The unit also includes many practical components on local entrepreneurship complemented by industry engagement sessions, aimed at empowering students to engage directly with companies and industries in a way that reflects the theories and contexts learnt in class.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Interactive workshops with focused teaching from key staff to deliver the key concepts. Students work in pairs and groups on specific tasks to produce a business idea and deliver a pitch to potential investors. The programme mixes skills and knowledge and also includes visits to key local innovative businesses.
Individual Reflective Assessment (40%) [ILOs 1, 3-5]
Group Business Plan (30%) [ILOs 1-2, 4-8]
Group Presentation Pitch (30%) [ILOs 7-10]