BUS2011 : Business Enterprise
- Offered for Year: 2019/20
- Module Leader(s): Dr Victoria Mountford-Brown
- Lecturer: Ms Wendy Parvin
- Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
Aims
• To enable students to participate in the setting up and running of a real business.
• To facilitate students to develop entrepreneurial abilities and skills.
• To enable students to apply prior knowledge in a real life business setting.
• To develop student awareness of working in relation to self-employment and small business creation.
In fulfilling these aims students will:
1. Work with other students to originate, plan and manage an enterprise effectively and within the relevant guidelines.
2. Develop systems and procedures for operating the enterprise and to implement these in practice.
3. Identify, evaluate and record their own skill development with reference to set criteria.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module provides the students with an opportunity to work in a team and run their own business. The course is structured to provide effective support, but the student needs to take responsibility for their group’s enterprise. The module is ultimately designed to improve student employability and to widen their career choices. Emphasis is placed upon the development of business skills, occupational awareness of new venture start up, self-employment and the small business sector. In teams, students will endeavour to originate, plan and manage an enterprise effectively within relevant legislation and regulations, involving the development of systems and procedures for operating the enterprise and their implementation in practice. Individually, students shall identify and evaluate their own skill development and learning in relation to set criteria.
In addition to formal lectures facilitated by academic members of staff, advice and support will be available from external business advisors. The module is structured through 16 two-hour sessions covering idea generation and development, networking, entrepreneurial finance, small business marketing and business plan writing in Semester 1. In Semester 2, the focus is on the potential launch of the business and covers topics such as sales, PR and investment as well as reflecting upon the entrepreneurial journey.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 54 | 1:00 | 54:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 16 | 2:00 | 32:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 55 | 1:00 | 55:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 1 | 25:00 | 25:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 32 | 1:00 | 32:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The course is structured as 16 two hour sessions, each organised around a concept/ theme. These are complemented by 2 one hour seminars across both semesters. In addition to the reading list above we will be recommending other material – ‘non-academic journals’, newspapers, television programmes, websites, blogs and so on – which will give students further insight into managing efficiently and effectively their business ventures.
The companies originated by the students (are not part of a simulation) are expected that following development phase in Semester 1 will trade during Semester 2. The nature of the module therefore requires that students demonstrate a high level of initiative and resourcefulness, appropriate to venturing a real business. To support this a wide range of teaching methods and techniques are employed, including mentoring guidance from North East entrepreneurs and tutors and guest speakers, led by experts in the field of business and entrepreneurship.
The 16 two hour sessions are sculptured around the philosophy of a student-centred learning process; the academic environment provides ample opportunities to create core expertise, analytical and critical thinking, and to produce high-quality practitioners, while making the sessions enjoyable to participating students.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 30 | Group assignment - Business Plan |
| Prof skill assessmnt | 2 | M | 10 | Group assignment - 10 min presentation. |
| Essay | 2 | M | 60 | 2,000 words |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | Detailed Business Idea Feedback |
| Prof skill assessmnt | 2 | M | Business Expo |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
All assignments will be explained in class in detail. Complete guidelines about each assignment are uploaded on BlackBoard. Your assessments are related to the aims and intended learning outcomes of the module. We are not assessing the success or failure of your business! Instead the pieces of assessed work will evaluate (to differing extents) your knowledge of the functions relevant to the effective creation and management of a business venture and your skills in respect of commercial acumen, problem solving, self analysis and teamwork.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BUS2011's Timetable