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Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Module description

This module is open to all students as an elective. It is also part of the ‘With Proficiency in Entrepreneurship’ pathway whereby through completing four modules in the series the student can opt in to be awarded With Proficiency in Entrepreneurship and to have it added to their final degree title (For further details: https://business-school.exeter.ac.uk/research/centres/entrepreneurship/studying/wpi/)

This module introduces you to innovation and entrepreneurship theory and practice. Using case studies, this module delivers foundational knowledge in these subjects. You will explore the histories, theories, and frameworks associated with innovation and entrepreneurship and how they support business growth. The module will consider contemporary urgent global issues such as sustainability and inequity and explore how entrepreneurs are innovating to tackle the sources of these problems. This will all be brought together in a workshop setting where you will apply their new acquired knowledge to build a range of entrepreneurial skills.

This module is a must for any student looking to gain business understanding. It will complement any degree of study helping the student to acquire contemporary knowledge and skills for today’s business world:   

• No prior knowledge/skills or experience is required
• This module is suitable for non-specialist students
• This module is strongly recommended for interdisciplinary pathways

Module aims - intentions of the module

An Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship aims to deliver the foundations that will be built upon through the WPI-E pathway. It will equip you with a strong introductory knowledge of innovation and entrepreneurship and how these subjects interrelate. Through exploring the histories, primary theories, and frameworks, you will be introduced to a series of organisations and characters that serve as examples of theory in action. The module will take a critical view and place contemporary global challenges and risks at the heart of the learning.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

• 1. Critically evaluate and reflect on major concepts and theories that underpin contemporary practices and debates in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship
• 2. Apply innovation and entrepreneurship theories and frameworks to real-life scenarios/practices

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 3. Evaluate innovation and entrepreneurships contribution to societal and economic growth in relation to responsible and sustainable business
• 4. Explain the fundamentals of the interplay between technology, policy, entrepreneurship and innovation

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

• 5. Apply cross cutting skills, including adaptability, entrepreneurial mindset, and the ability to comprehend and manage risks and uncertainty

Syllabus plan

Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will consider all or some of the following core themes:

• Definitions of entrepreneurship and innovation
• Introduction to entrepreneurship and innovation theory and frameworks
• Types of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship
• Innovation strategies
• Entrepreneurship and innovation case study review and analysis
• Skills for assignment completion
• Managing uncertainty and risks
• Innovating in a sustainable and responsible manner
• Understanding the human-technology interface

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

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

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

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e., a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Bessant, J., and Tidd, J. (2015). Innovation and entrepreneurship. John Wiley & Sons. https://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb4370728
• Goffin, K., and Mitchell, R. (2016). Innovation Management: Effective Strategy and Implementation. Bloomsbury Academic. https://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb4141745
• Neck, H.M., Neck, C.P. and Murray E.L. (2020). Entrepreneurship: The practice and mindset. Sage Publications. https://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb4339850
• Nielson, S., Klyver, K., and Evald, M.R. (2021). Entrepreneurship in theory and practice: paradoxes in play (Third Edition). Edward Elgar. https://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb4515355
• Ries, E. (2011). The Lean Startup. Penguin. https://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb4339846

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• MIT Technology Review, Collection on Humans and Technology
• Harvard Business Review, Collection on Disruptive Innovation

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

None

Key words search

Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Business, Sustainability