Social Enterprise Management

Module title	Social Enterprise Management
Module code	BEP2070
Academic year	2021/2
Credits	15
Module staff	(Lecturer)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks		11

Number students taking module (anticipated)	30

Module description

This module aims to give you the opportunity to explore how a social enterprise balances its social and environmental goals with financial sustainability, applying academic learning in a real world context and introducing you to the world of business and social enterprise. In the context of problem based learning, you will be introduced to social enterprise, and its role in relation to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Using a variety of techniques, you will gain a broad understanding of business development for social enterprise purposes.

You will work in groups to develop a social enterprise business plan. This could be anything where there is an identified primary social need (e.g. housing, transport, flood defence, food production, health and wellbeing) or secondary social need (e.g. leisure).

You will receive step by step guidance about how to form a Social Enterprise and hear first hand from a range of invited guest speakers with expertise in different areas of Social Enterprise. Through the process of developing a social enterprise business plan, you will be required to engage with the aims of the module.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to enable you to understand the role of social enterprise and the principles on which such operations function.

You will learn how to identify user needs and address these through collaborative co-design and action, being resourceful and different models of leadership.

A problem based approach will allow you to better understand the potential role and impact of social media in a social enterprise context.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

1. Summarise the basic principles of Social Enterprise, including the management of aims, objectives and stakeholders
2. Distinguish between primary and secondary social needs
3. Review different types of business models for a Social Enterprise
4. Develop a Social Enterprise Business plan
5. Recount the issues facing the management of a Social Enterprise

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

6. Explain the concept of Social Enterprise and clarify the principles by which a Social Enterprise operates
7. Critically discuss issues of Environmental Sustainability and/or Social Responsibility in the context of Social Enterprise
8. Summarise the legal governance structures for establishing Social Enterprise

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

9. Practice research skills to identify a social innovation
10. Demonstrate independent and group skills and, identify the success factors for effective team work
11. Articulate and critically analyse the challenges and opportunities of operating a Social Enterprise
12. Use appropriate social media to support a Social Enterprise or Social Innovation
13. Prepare a business plan and reflect on the experience
14. Manage a group project to a successful outcome, monitoring and reporting progress in the process

Syllabus plan

Indicative content

Social value
Social Enterprise: what it is, how it works
Competencies of Social Entrepreneurship
Social Enterprise: Structure and infrastructure
Identifying a social/environmental need
Social and environmental solutions
The opportunities and challenges facing social enterprises
Sources of funding & business planning
Financial Sustainability
Managing a social enterprise
Impact and Performance of a social venture
Leadership

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
20	130	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activites	10	Lectures and seminars
Scheduled learning & teaching activites	10	Workshops and tutorial
Independent study	124	You will be expected to manage your time accordingly in order to work as a group member and on your own to produce the various assignments.

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Proposal for Social Enterprise business plan	1000 words	1-3,4,9-11,13	Written and oral
Presentation on the concept, structure and principles of Social Enterprise	10 minute group presentation which can be either in person or a digital composition	1,3,6,8-9,10, 12	Written and oral

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
60	0	40

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Individual paper on the role of Social Enterprise	30	2,500 words	1-3,5,7,9,11	Written and oral
The creation of an individual digital content that can be used to either support a Social Enterprise or articulate a Social innovation	40	Produce a social media presentation on a future innovation opportunity. Use a digital platform to create social media content that can be distributed and shared by individuals on the module. This may take the form of a poster, a 5 minute presentation or a 3 minute video	1-3,6,8-10, 12	Written and oral
Group business plan	30	no more than up to 4000 words	1,3,4,9-11,13,14	Written and oral

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

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Proposal for Social Enterprise business plan	1000 words	1-3,4,9-11,13	August
Deliver a poster or prepare a video on the key learnings of working on a group project to develop digital content, with a focus on key skills and personal development	One page poster or a 5 minute video	1,3,6,8-9,10,12	August

Re-assessment notes

A student will be referred in all failed components if the student fails the module with a mark of below 40% overall.

A student if deferred in a single component will be reassessed in that component only.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener.

Doherty, B. Meehan, J. Maureen, R. Foster, G. Rotheroe, N. Mason, C. (2009) Management for Social Enterprise SAGE Publications Ltd

Nicholls, A. (2008) Social Entrepreneurship: New Models of Sustainable Social Change, Oxford University Press

ELE

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Web based and electronic resources:

Other resources: as provided and recommended during classes and via ELE

ELE

Key words search

Social Enterprise Management, Business Management, Business BSc

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	None
NQF level (module)	6
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	Oct 2014
Last revision date	13/12/2017