Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should be able to:
• Understand the importance of entrepreneurship and small businesses to the Irish economy;
• Set out the methods for finding and examining business ideas;
• Outline sources of assistance for business start-up, both financial and non-financial;
• Set out the key sections of a business plan;
• Describe the key steps involved in starting-up a small business using Project Management methodology; and
• Understand some key issues involved in running and growing a business, including people management, marketing, finance, and legal considerations.
Indicative Module Content:
Introduction to the SME sector and the place of entrepreneurship.
Understanding entrepreneurial opportunities, innovation and the marketplace.
Acquiring essential information to make good business decisions.
An introduction to business and strategic planning (SME focus)
An introduction to the project management process and body of knowledge.
Assembling a team, the management of people and resources
Exploration of marketing practices and of finance disciplines in new ventures
Consideration of what legal form the new venture may take.