AERD40180

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:

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

This is a demanding level 4 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

Assessment Strategy

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.