AERD30020 Enterprise Development

Academic Year 2021/2022

This is an intermediate level module on entrepreneurship and new enterprise development processes. It encompasses models for new business development, sources of new venture ideas and the influences of background, education and technical and commercial experiences on the propensity to establish new businesses. Methodologies for planning new ventures are evaluated, including researching the market and competitive environment, deciding an appropriate business model and preparing a written plan. Funding needs and appropriate funding sources for new ventures at different development stages are discussed including Government and institutional supports for enterprise development in Ireland. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of corporate entrepreneurship and organisation renewal are considered with reference to relevant theories.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to: Discuss how businesses get established and explain why some types of business ventures are more likely to succeed than others. Describe the support needs of businesses at various stages of development and the enterprise supports structures available in Ireland. Evaluate the potential of new enterprise proposals Prepare a business plan for a new venture, including operations, marketing and financial plans. Critically discuss approaches to preserving entrepreneurial activity as businesses mature.

Indicative Module Content:

Module content comprises the following topics:
(1) Entrepreneurship and its role in economic development
(2) Theories of entrepreneurship and new venture creation
(3) Business ideas and evaluation of venture opportunities
(4) Business planning for a new venture
(5) Sources of funding and support for new business ventures
(6) Franchising
(7) Building a sustainable business.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

30
Specified Learning Activities

30
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Total

110
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module uses a range of approaches to support teaching and learning. These include lectures, case studies, video clips and in-class discussion. Students will develop their team-working skills by undertaking a task-oriented, group-based project. They will also enhance their communication skills by presenting and defending their business ideas (week 4) and business plans (week 10). The module seeks to enhance critical thinking by requiring students to evaluate business ideas and plans. In conjunction with self- and peer-assessment activities, students are required to reflect on their own learning and their team's performance in completing tasks. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

This is a demanding level 3 module and should be considered only by students who have achieved a good standard in business modules, including finance, to at least 2


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Enterprise Development (AERD37020)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Project: Project as described on module outline Week 10 n/a Graded No

30
Examination: End of Semester examination 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

70

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The module assessment comprises a group-based project (business plan) and a final written examination. In the case of the project, formative feedback will be provided (week 4) to each group based on an in-class presentation of their outline plan for the assignment and students will also receive advice concerning the grading criteria for the project. On request, individual students can also receive formative feedback on their project work (prior to submission in week 10) by arranging a meeting with the lecturer. The assignment is submitted in week 10 and is designed to help students build their practical experience in applying lecture material to a real-world problem; it also supports students' preparation for the end-of-trimester written examination. A self- and peer assessment activity (week 10) is included for the project to encourage students to reflect on their own and their team-mates' performances in the group task including both positive and negative experiences of the team exercise. Summative feedback on the group project will be provided to each team within 3 weeks of the submission date. The end-of-semester written examination is a summative assessment with each student receiving a grade for their exam and overall module performance. Students can receive feedback on their exam by appointment with the lecturer.