SM9413 - Introduction to Entrepreneurship

Through a combination of lectures and workshops as well as independent learning, students will create a solution to an identified problem through a series of sessions focussed on idea generation and feasibility testing.

Learning is supported by tutors and the overall pattern is set out in a Teaching and Learning Plan (TLP). The TLP describes the key topics and sessions, and lists key readings, preparation, and individual and group activities (where applicable). The module is about entrepreneurship, and you will have to be encouraged to be actively entrepreneurial in identifying and exploiting learning opportunities.

Support will include feedback from peers and tutors during small group seminars and tutorials. In addition to this you will be supported by the University’s e-learning portal which will provide you with the Teaching and Learning Plan, Assessment Brief and other electronic support facilities.

You will be provided with an electronic reading list which includes key academic sources, journal articles and published reports which support the development of your knowledge on this module.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Demonstrate knowledge of academic theories of entrepreneurship and an ability to interpret them. (MLO1)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Identify and evaluate business, management and leadership knowledge as a means to understanding the strategy and performance of small, medium and global companies. (MLO2)

• Search for, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data to support investigation into business activity. (MLO3)

• Form and work in a team to gain an understanding of what you can bring to team and how an entrepreneurial team works. (MLO4)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Demonstrate an ability to include cultural and ethical context in analysis of entrepreneurial activity (MLO5)

The summative assessment will occur in the form of

• Group presentation (40%) (MLO1,2,3,4, 5)
• Evaluation Report 60%) (MLO1,2,3,4, 5)

Formative assessment will be given interactively from peers and tutors/coaches throughout the course. More structured feedback is scheduled into some of the workshop sessions.

This is a level 4 course forming part of the first year of the programme. The only requirement is admission to the degree course.

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In this hands-on module, students are challenged to develop solutions to real problems via the creation of a new venture of their choosing, utilising research-informed tools and frameworks to create value. Key sessions designed to provide an overview of the fundamental ‘building blocks’ of idea generation, validation, and communication, and encourage students to utilise a variety of technologies to enhance learning and experiential understanding.

Working collaboratively, students will engage with entrepreneurial teams and leadership through lectures and in practice. Assessments include interactive presentations of the new venture in a Business Expo. At the Expo, student teams will engage visitors (including assessors and invited guests from university and beyond) and get feedback on their ideas. In the final assessment, students submit their content from Business Expo, along with a response to feedback and an evaluation of whether to pursue the idea further. As such, this module enhances employability and entrepreneurialism.