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Study information

Business Ignition - Idea to Implementation

Module titleBusiness Ignition - Idea to Implementation
Module codeBEM3061
Academic year2025/6
Credits15
Module staff

Dr Andreas Georgiou (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

120

Module description

This is a project-based module where you learn by working in a team to launch a real enterprise that sells a real-life product or service. It provides an opportunity for you to revisit and gain practical experience with the tools and concepts you have learnt in previous entrepreneurship and/or innovation modules (as well as in other business and non-business modules). In addition, this module focuses on helping you practice navigating ambiguity and developing the “soft” business skills that must be learnt through structured practice. There are no lectures or formal essays – your time for this class is dedicated to learning through acting in the real world. Online materials will be provided to help you as you encounter common issues involved in launching a business. In-person instruction time will focus on creating a classroom “business accelerator” space where you can work through challenges with the instructor and other teams.

Pre-requisite: we expect you to have completed one of the following modules BEM1026, BEM1034, BEM1039, BEM2036, BEM2054, BEM2055, BEM2046, BEM2056, BEM3060 to be allowed on this module.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of the module is to develop and extend entrepreneurship skills and mindsets through real-world action. This will be achieved through a ‘real-world’ assignment.

A project-based learning approach will be used, with learning reinforcement coming through in-person “business accelerator” workshops and online materials. The series of workshops will cover the assignment project formatively and give the participant the chance to explore the assessed medium.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

  • 1. create, develop, and execute an entrepreneurial business;
  • 2. demonstrate the use of entrepreneurial tools including the business model canvas and the value proposition canvas;
  • 3. apply entrepreneurial mindset including design thinking, effectuation, lean design, and empathy for customers.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

  • 4. evaluate and articulate a start-up’s opportunities and risks.

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

  • 5. practice networking and engaging with internal and external stakeholders;
  • 6. develop advanced skills for working closely in teams.

Syllabus plan

The module will cover the following topics:

Entrepreneurial tools including the business model canvas, value proposition canvas, test cards and empathy maps. Entrepreneurial mindsets including design thinking, effectuation and lean design. Skills for working closely on teams. Networking and engaging internal and external stakeholders. Online content will run simultaneously but asynchronously with project-based learning and workshops.

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
221280

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching Activity12Online Asynchronous Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching10Workshops
Guided independent study22Preparing for workshops
Guided independent study106Out-of-class entrepreneurship practice exercises derived from online material and workshops

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Workshop discussions and exercises In class1-6Verbal, participative peer/mentor discussions

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
Peer assessment 35Short surveys awarding points to peers based on value created for team and giving qualitative feedback on how to improve1-3, 5-6Written feedback, Quantitative rankings
Group presentations of project and outcomes to stakeholders30Multi-modal presentations1-6Oral and written feedback
Individual Learning Reflections355 x 250-400 word reflections1-6Written feedback

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

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Peer assessment (35%)Self and stakeholder assessment (35%)1-3, 5-6August/September assessment Period
Group presentation of project and outcomes to stakeholders (30%)Individual presentation of project and outcomes to stakeholders (30%)1-6August/September assessment Period
Individual Learning Reflections (35%)Individual Learning Reflections (35%)1-6August/September assessment period

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. 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 expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Dew, N., Read, S., Sarasvathy, S. D., & Wiltbank, R. (2009). Effectual versus predictive logics in entrepreneurial decision-making: Differences between experts and novices. Journal of Business Venturing, 24(4), 287-309.

Lewrick, Michael, Patrick Link, and Larry Leifer. The Design Thinking Playbook: Mindful Digital Transformation of Teams, Products, Services, Businesses and Ecosystems. John Wiley & Sons, 2018.

Read, S., Sarasvathy, S., Dew, N., Wiltbank, R. and Ohlsson, A-V. (2011). Effectual entrepreneurship (2nd ed.). London: Routledge.

Osterwalder, Alexander, and Yves Pigneur. Business model generation: a handbook for visionaries, game changers, and challengers. John Wiley & Sons, 2010.

Key words search

Entrepreneurship, Intrapreneur, Social Enterprise, New Venture, Business Models

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

BEM1026 or BEM1034 or BEM1039 or BEM2036 or BEM2054 or BEM2055 or BEM2046 or BEM2056 or BEM3060

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

6

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

18/02/2019

Last revision date

20/01/2025