Programme aims
- To help participants in developing critical analytical, problem-solving, creative and learning skills, and a critical awareness of the constituent elements of the study and practice of entrepreneurship and innovation.
- To help students develop a critical awareness of economic, social and technological context of entrepreneurship, small business development, social and community enterprise and self-employment.
- To equip students with a thorough understanding of the value of entrepreneurship research and appropriate skills in research techniques for effective problem solving, in-depth investigation of key issues.
- To prepare students for careers as entrepreneurs, as owner-managers, policy makers in support services, entrepreneurial management in different types of organisations.
- To help students to manage their own learning and personal development in the future.
- To enable students to start developing business and personal plans with a view to starting their own business or social enterprise, and/or projects in existing organisations;
- To help students become part of a learning, innovative and entrepreneurial community.
- To help students to identify underpinning epistemological issues, and acquire critical knowledge of research design, techniques and methods as they apply to the whole subject of entrepreneurship and its component parts.
- To help students to apply their knowledge of research to the writing of either a traditional dissertation or a comprehensive business plan, both of which will demand critical insights into the topic and the application of research methods.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Improve language accuracy and fluency to C1 level
A2: Recognise and use the appropriate lexical and discourse structures of their subject area
A3: Critical understanding of the value, purpose, nature and application of research methods in business studies
A4: Critical understanding of concepts and context and theories of the networked economy
A5: Critical understanding of enterprise development in economically diverse contexts
A6: Studying concepts, contexts and theoretical frameworks of business-to-business marketing
A7: Clear and effective understanding of human resource management and their role in organisational growth and success.
Learning methods
Lectures and classes Directed reading Individual and group tasks.
Modules are taught through lectures, classes, laboratory classes, seminar discussions, tutorials and student presentations, with both peer and tutor feedback.
Where feasible, input in the EAP modules will be based on material provided by language and content module lecturers, and some classes may be team-taught.
Knowledge of A1-A7 is acquired through lectures, classes, independent reading and coursework.
Assessment methods
Assessed essays, class tests, class assignments and presentations.
Assessment tests both basic understanding of concepts and issues and a range of approaches and interpretations.
A1-A3 outcomes are assessed via an extended project in IA933. This is designed to examine students' ability to produce an extended piece of writing which demonstrates the ability to present a coherent argument based on a range of sources drawn from key texts in the target academic discipline.
A4-A7 are assessed by a combination of: written examinations , assessed individual and group reports, assessed individual essay , assessed group presentations , assessed individual essay, individual reflective journal and case study analysis
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Use language accurately and appropriately, using a variety of lexis, grammatical structure and communication strategies
B2: Demonstrate an awareness of the language and discourse structure of their subject area
B3: Synthesise information from a variety of sources with appropriate acknowledgement and integrate this into presentations or written work
B4: Create a structured argument based on appropriate research methods
B5: Develop the ability to be reflective and independent learners
B6: Develop the ability to organise their time in an efficient and effective manner
B7: Critical understanding of abstraction and synthesis of relevant data from a variety of sources
B8: Critical understanding of contemporary theories and empirical evidence, use to develop an argument (both orally and in writing) and present ideas in a coherent and effective manner
Learning methods
Intellectual and cognitive skills B1-B6 are practised in discussion and presentations, as well as through assessed written work.
Students are given advice in tutorials on research skills and have the opportunity to analyse model assignments.
The ability to develop a coherent argument, supported by evidence, is practised in group discussion and is also a requirement of all assessed written work.
All of these skills are taught and reinforced continually by a variety of methods - classes involving pair and group work, individual tutorials, taped lectures and student-led workshops.
Input ranges from print to audio and video materials.
Students also use interactive web-based teaching materials.
Oral presentations are video-recorded and students are given group and individual feedback, from peers and tutors.
B4-B6 are addressed explicitly in classes and included in oral or written feedback.
All skills are introduced and developed through lectures, in-class discussions, essays, and other written and oral assignments.
The teaching environment of seminars, which emphasises student-focused discussion, enables students to develop all skills through discussion and practice, and to receive feedback from peers and tutors.
Essays prepare students for exams.
As the summative assessment for any given module, the exam tests their ability both to demonstrate and to sustain their skills in controlled conditions.
B7-B8 are addressed explicitly in lectures and tutor-led seminars, through directed reading, comparative case work in lectures and tutorials, individual and group tasks.
Assessment methods
B1-B3 students are assessed by two end-of-module class tests on knowledge of grammatical structures, listening and note-taking, and there is also an integrated English for Academic Purposes skills class test covering reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing and academic conventions.
B1-B6 outcomes are assessed via an extended project in IA933. This is designed to examine students' ability to produce an extended piece of writing which demonstrates the ability to present a coherent argument based on a range of sources drawn from key texts in the target academic discipline.
B7-B8 are assessed by means of the: written examinations , assessed individual and group reports, assessed individual essay , assessed group presentations , assessed individual essay, individual reflective journal and case study analysis.
C: Practical skills
C1: Demonstrate a range of academic skills, including effective note-taking, summarising, paraphrasing and quoting, accurate listening skills and active participation in class discussion.
C2: Identify, select and gather information using relevant sources, including the library and online searches
C3: Read and evaluate sources critically and offer views based on evidence
C4: Present an argument in oral presentations; plan, draft and revise written assignments in an appropriate style, referenced according to academic conventions
C5: Record and summarise transactions and other economic events
C6: Forecast short, medium, and long term objectives, opportunities and threats
Learning methods
C1 IA 931-933: students practise these skills using audio and video materials.
They are also expected to make notes during classmates’‘ presentations.
They are then required to write up a selection of these notes at a later date, to check their accuracy and effectiveness.
The teaching materials and methodology place great emphasis on pair and group work and student participation - this is explicitly addressed in tutors’‘ reports and students are encouraged to discuss these reports in tutorials.
C2-C3 IA932, IA934: students select texts from a variety of sources for class discussion - these texts are then read for content and also evaluated for the quality and reliability of the evidence they contain and the structure of their argument.
There is also some analysis of the varying requirements of specific academic genres.
C4 IA933: preparation for project work in plenary sessions and in 1:1 tutorials and feedback on process, editing and drafting.
All of these skills are also practised both directly and indirectly in the BE modules.
C5-C6 are addressed explicitly in lectures and tutor-led seminars, through directed reading, comparative case work in lectures and tutorials, individual and group tasks.
Assessment methods
Assessment of IA modules is based on a mixture of oral and written assignments which test students' ability to implement these skills effectively.
Assessment of BE modules is based on: written examinations , assessed individual and group reports, assessed individual essay , assessed group presentations , assessed individual essay, individual reflective journal and case study analysis
D: Key skills
D1: A fundamental aim of the course is effective communication in English; orally, through class participation and presentations, in writing and reading. Skills in the communication of arguments and ideas in a range of different contexts is a specific objective. Students must be able to write clear, concise structured reports.
D2: An ability to perform a variety of word-processing operations and to use the Internet for research. Students use PowerPoint for presentations and communicate with tutors by email e.g. sending drafts of work as attachments. Students are also required to use Moodle. Ability to locate and use on-line catalogues and databases.
D3: An ability to make and interpret graphs and tables, for presentations and for written assignments. Preparing, manipulating and presenting numerical data.
D4: An ability to identify and evaluate various source materials, to apply concepts and solve problems, and to work out objectives and priorities. Students should be able to apply knowledge and understanding in order to make judgements and offer solutions in a range of contexts. Using and applying analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
D5: Pair and group work are an integral part of the course, and peer evaluation is also built in. There are opportunities for group projects in some modules. Understanding and appreciation of different communities of interest, good spoken and written communication skills, empathy and resolution of conflict.
D6: Students are encouraged to keep both learner diaries and records of their own learning and to work independently. Students should have the ability to work to briefs and deadlines; take responsibility for their own work; reflect on their own learning and performance and make constructive use of feedback. Improving time management, prioritising critical tasks, meeting deadlines, and evaluating self-learning.
Learning methods
D1 There is a continuous emphasis on effective communication.
Awareness of audience and appropriate linguistic and discourse choices is the focus of all work, especially in writing.
D2 Students are trained in the use of PowerPoint for presentations and in using the Internet for research purposes.
D3 is taught through lectures and reinforced through data analysis exercises.
D4-D6 Students are expected to work in pairs and groups on a variety of information- and opinion-gap tasks and analysis of texts.
In presentations students give and receive peer feedback, both oral and written.
Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning, especially in individual tutorials.
Reflective tasks are also part of the coursework requirement.
Assessment methods
D1-D6 are assessed as an integral part of class work and assignments in both IA and BE modules.
Students are required to word process their work and to use PowerPoint for oral presentations.
Peer evaluation and feedback are an important part of the informal assessment of students' performance.
D6: IA931-IA933 includes reflective tasks within the assessed work.
Assessment of BE modules is based on: written examinations, assessed individual and group reports, assessed individual essay , assessed group presentations , assessed individual essay, individual reflective journal and case study analysis.