Explore UCD

UCD Home >

BMGT3021D

Academic Year 2025/2026

Enterprise and Innovation (BMGT3021D)

Subject:
Business Management
College:
Business
School:
Business
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Giuliano Sansone
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the theories, principles, and practical skills essential for creating and developing innovative ideas within entrepreneurial ecosystems. Students will gain a solid foundation in understanding the key components of successful entrepreneurship, innovation, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The module offers various theories and frameworks that underpin entrepreneurship and innovation, enabling students to grasp the fundamental concepts and strategies involved in starting and managing innovative ventures. Furthermore, the module delves into the essential concepts and actors within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including policy, finance (e.g., Venture Capital and Business Angels), culture, support structures (e.g., Incubators and Accelerators), human capital, and markets. Students will understand the roles and contributions of these elements in supporting innovation and entrepreneurial endeavors. Students will participate in team projects focused on analyzing the entrepreneurial ecosystem of a city, fostering collaboration and practical application of the course concepts.

While the primary focus of this module is on "standard" commercial innovative ventures, it also encompasses the broader scope of entrepreneurship. Students will be introduced to social innovations and corporate entrepreneurship, exploring concepts such as Impact Investing, Hybrid Organizations, Social Startups, Open Innovation, and Intrapreneurship. This broader perspective will allow students to understand the diverse forms and applications of innovation and entrepreneurship in various contexts.

Throughout the module, students will be challenged to apply theoretical frameworks, tools, and strategies to real-world situations to develop their teamwork, problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

• Articulate and assess main theories, frameworks, tools, and strategies from entrepreneurship;
• Understand how to conduct independent research to assess the viability of a potentially innovative idea;
• Develop entrepreneurial, creativity, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills;
• Understand different types of innovation;
• Understand main actors of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems.

Indicative Module Content:

The Enterprise and Innovation module combines theoretical insights with practical applications to explore the role of entrepreneurship and innovation. The following topics outline the core areas of learning:

1. Foundations of Entrepreneurship and Innovation

2. Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

3. Business Model and Business Model Canvas

4. Market analyses and Financial plan

5. High-Tech industries and markets

6. Startup journey, type of startups and leadership

7. Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

15

Specified Learning Activities

100

Autonomous Student Learning

100

Online Learning

1

Total

216


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The Enterprise and Innovation module adopts a dynamic and interactive approach to teaching and learning, designed to immerse students in both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of entrepreneurship and innovation. Central to the module is active and task-based learning, which places students at the heart of real-world problem-solving.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of the module, with peer and group work playing a pivotal role in the learning process. Students work in teams on an entrepreneurial ecosystem project, fostering essential skills in communication, teamwork, and shared decision-making. Groups will be presenting their projects to the rest of the class.

Lectures and guided discussions provide the foundation for exploring key concepts and frameworks, but they are intentionally interactive, inviting students to critically analyze ideas and contribute diverse perspectives.

Reflective learning is interwoven throughout the module, encouraging students to connect their experiences and aspirations to the topics discussed. Reflective in-class quick exercises help students develop self-awareness and critical thinking, enabling them to see how the lessons of the module can inform their personal and professional growth.

The module also emphasizes enquiry and problem-based learning, where students confront open-ended challenges that require innovative and strategic thinking. These tasks nurture creativity and analytical skills, pushing students to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and navigate complex market dynamics.

Debates and critical discussions further enliven the learning experience, prompting students to engage with pressing issues such as the ethics of innovation, sustainability, and the societal implications of entrepreneurship. These dialogues challenge assumptions and stimulate intellectual curiosity, encouraging a deeper engagement with the material.

The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly) is permitted in this module as a support for learning and research, but students must provide substantial personal input and demonstrate critical engagement with any AI-generated outputs. Moreover, students are fully responsible for verifying the accuracy, originality, and relevance of any AI-generated content. AI must not be used to present work as your own.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: Teamwork on entrepreneurial ecosystem Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Graded No
40
No
Individual Project: Individual Final Assignment related to the application of key module's theories and concepts. Week 12, Week 14, Week 15 Graded No
50
No
Participation in Learning Activities: Class Participation Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12, Week 14, Week 15 Graded No
10
No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

General feedback is provided to students on all their submitted assessment components.

Osterwalder, A. and Pigneur, Y., 2010. Business model generation: a handbook for visionaries, game changers, and challengers. John Wiley & Sons.

Name Role
Dr Katherine Collins Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Gerard Dooley Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Katherine Collins Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Online Learning Offering 1 Week(s) - 12 Sat 10:00 - 11:00
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 10 Sat 10:00 - 14:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 6 Sat 11:00 - 16:50