Study information

Impactful Entrepreneurship

Module titleImpactful Entrepreneurship
Module codeBEM1026
Academic year2020/1
Credits15
Module staff

Mr Adam Lusby (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

10

Number students taking module (anticipated)

500

Module description

This module is one of five modules included in the With Proficiency In (WPI) Entrepreneurship programme. 

Impactful Entrepreneurship is a first-year elective that introduces students to technology and the circular economy while building creative confidence. In other words, the module seeks to develop student knowledge of innovation within the context of the circular economy. By exploring the latest trends in technology and their relationship to business, students will build a stronger contextual understanding. The lectures will be delivered entirely online and workshop time will be project based and immersive in nature. Through utilising the contemporary practice of design thinking and human centred design, students will explore technology and the emerging concept of the circular economy in order to create impactful solutions. 

It is delivered in semester one and repeated in semester two to give maximum access to all students. 

No pre-requisite or co-requisite modules are required to take this module. This module is suitable for non-specialist students and intended for interdisciplinary pathways.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module aims to introduce a creative tool-set and technological skill-set underpinned by an introductory understanding of the circular economy. By the end of the module, students will have a contextual understanding of the types of technologies that are increasing the connections between the cyber-physical world and how they might be applied creatively to affect a positive change through business.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. articulate contemporary aspects of technology, creativity, and the circular economy;
  • 2. design and present circular economy innovations;
  • 3. evaluate the impact, feasibility, and desirability of circular economy innovations.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 4. demonstrate the connection between creativity, technology, and the transition towards a circular economy;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 5. develop a human centred design approach to project work;
  • 6. work successfully in a high-performance team environment.

Syllabus plan

The module will cover the following topics: 

  • Introduction to topics including exponential mindset, circular economy and its guiding principles, and the fourth industrial revolution with a focus on industry 4.0
  • Design thinking and circular by design
  • Stages of prototyping: low to high fidelity

The module utilises in-classroom and/or online workshops. The first workshop session will act as an introduction to the module covering module layout and general housekeeping. The workshops will help to guide the cohort through the assignment project to completion.

Additional Information:

Internationalisation: 

Contemporary global challenges will be presented alongside global solutions being developed to tackle them.

External Engagement: 

Contribution by our design, circular economy, and technology network will allow students to interact with experts and practitioners in their field.  

Employability: 

In understanding our contemporary context and developing skills in how to effect positive change, students will be better equipped for the “future of work”.

Sustainability:

By developing skills and understanding in how to enable circular innovation the students will have the potential to create positive impact. 

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
271230

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity15Online delivered lecture content via ELE
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity12Workshops
Guided Independent Study123Preparing for workshops and preparation for formative and summative assessments. Out-of-class technology and innovation practice exercises derived from initial workshops, circular case studies, and project build

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
In workshop critiques of project ‘design sprint’ (project-based accelerated innovation development)During workshops1-6Verbal
Walk-through talk-through presentation10 minutes1-6Verbal

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Group circular technology project 30Science fair pin-up + innovation1-6Verbal and written feedback
Individual presentation and A1 poster 40A1 poster board for science fair 2-minute presentation1-6Verbal feedback and written feedback
Individual workshop participation 5Participation in the three project-based workshops Design Thinking 1, 2, 3 1-6Verbal feedback
Individual online quiz 10Two online quizzes as part of the online lecture series 1, 2 ,4Automated online feedback
Individual peer review 15Approx. 30 minutes to complete1, 5-6Verbal and written feedback

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Group circular technology project, individual peer review, and individual workshop participationIndividual reflective essay 1,750 words 50% of credit (see notes below)1-6August/September Reassessment period
Individual presentation and A1 posterA1 poster board for science fair and 500 word reflective essay on process 40%1-6August/September Reassessment period
Individual online quiz Individual online quiz 10%1, 2, 4August/September Reassessment period

Re-assessment notes

The reassessment will be an individual reflective essay based on the preparations and deliverables for the science fair pin-up. The peer review and workshop participation will be assessed within the reflective essay component

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Introductory Material:

 

Liedtka, J. (2018). Why Design Thinking Works. Available at: https://hbr.org/2018/09/why-design-thinking-works

 

Patagonia. (2015). Better Than New - Patagonia's Worn Wear® Repair Truck & Facility

Available at: https://youtu.be/7muOgpX8vaQ

 

Webster, C. (2012). The Art of Design For Disassembly Available at: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloads/news/EMF_Engineering-the-Circular-Economy_300913.pdf

 

Stahel, W. (2019). Circular Economy – Users Guide. Routledge/Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Key words search

Technology, Design Thinking, Circular Economy, Entrepreneurship, Impact, Innovation

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

BEM1026 Impactful Entrepreneurship is a non-requisite module for BEM1026A Impactful Entrepreneurship.

This module was previously named Innovation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is not possible to enrol on this module if you have previously completed BEM1020/BEM1020A Innovation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

4

Available as distance learning?

Yes

Origin date

18/02/2019

Last revision date

12/11/2020