| Unit name | Challenges in Innovation and Enterprise |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EFIM00002 |
| Credit points | 40 |
| Level of study | QCA-3 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Lloyd |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
IELTS 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in writing and 5.0 in each part of the test |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Management - Business School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
The aim of the unit will be to introduce students to the concept of management and reflect upon the challenges that those in management roles face when adopting an innovative and entrepreneurial mind set. Specifically:
1) Students will be introduced to the concepts of ‘management’ and the notion of entrepreneurship and innovation within an organisational context.
2) Students will learn how to research markets to identify emerging opportunities and trends.
3) Students will be introduced to creative thinking techniques and how they might be used to support innovation and entrepreneurial practices.
4) Students will be introduced to basic project planning and time management techniques.
5) Students will explore not only the benefits but also the challenges of working within and managing teams and be encouraged to find solutions to overcome difficulties where appropriate.
6) Students will learn a range of communication practices and consider their applicability in relation to identified objectives and stakeholder groups.
Students will have the opportunity to discuss what constitutes good innovation and entrepreneurial practice.
On completion of this unit:
1) Students will demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of ‘management’, ‘innovation’ and ‘entrepreneurship’.
2) Students will be able to access and use a range of sources to identify trends and opportunities within a given market.
3) Students will be able to employ creative thinking techniques in response to a given challenge.
4) Students will be able to formulate a project plan in response to a given challenge.
5) Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to work in groups to achieve a given objective or challenge.
6) For a given audience, students will be able to select an appropriate vehicle in order to communicate the outcome of a challenge or project verbally and in writing.
Students will recognise some of the challenges faced by management and the value of feedback in improving performance.
The unit will consist of two hours a week spread over 24 weeks. Sessions will take a ‘lectorial’ format, combining formal teaching and directed workshop-style exercises. Wherever possible, a problem-based approach will be adopted.
Students will have three pieces of assessed work on this unit:
1) In Class Group Presentation/Balloon Debate (Formative) (ILOs 1, 2, 3)
2) Dragon’s Den Pitch, Questions and Supporting Written Proposal Documents (Summative Group Assessment – 40% of total unit mark)
Presentation of project plan verbally (15 mins) and in writing (no more than 3000 words) (ILO 4, 5, 6)
3) Personal Reflection (Summative Individual Assessment 1500 words - 60% of total unit mark) (ILO 7)
Because of the cross-disciplinary nature of this unit, a single core text would not be appropriate. Instead readings from a range of sources will be used to support and underpin individual activities. These will be made available to students using the University Library’s Reading List software. However, the following are indicative texts for students wishing for a general reading in the subject.
Anon (2016) Creativity and Innovation, The Open University
Drucker, P. (2013) On Innovation, Harvard Business Review
Anon (2015) Discovering Management, The Open University
