Entrepreneurship Project

Code

BUSI4336

School

Nottingham University Business School China

Level

4

Credits

30

Semesters

Spring China

Summary

The project is a problem based learning experience where the students work in self selected teams upon a company based challenge. The students are introduced to a company representative and then together they develop a problem statement that will be feasible for the students to address during the semester and also will deliver a tangible benefit to the company. Students are then responsible for managing subsequent meetings with the company, gathering primary and secondary data and keeping the company up to date with progress. Mentoring is provided to help with project management and the projects will require the application of theoretical constructs from the core modules from semester one to company challenges within an entrepreneurship context. The outcome of the project work should demonstrate an understanding of applying entrepreneurship theories in a practical context and also provide tangible and actionable recommendations to the company.

Target Students

Business School MSc students meeting pre-requisites and subject to compliance with module choice requirements, as listed in the degree programme specification. In addition, other MA/MSc students meeting pre-requisites and subject to the discretion of the Director of MSc Programmes

Classes

• One 3-hour lecture
• One 3-hour lecture

Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester Further Activity Details: Module Activities: Working in small teams of 3-4 students together with a company representative. Students are responsible for arranging appropriate meetings. During the period of the project, the module convenor will maintain contact with the students to ensure problems do not arise.

Assessment

• 70% Coursework 1: Group Report (9000 words)
• 30% Presentation 1: Group Presentation (20 mins & 10 mins Q&A)Reassessment of this module will be 100% coursework

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
This module develops a knowledge and understanding of:
 
 •Markets - the development and operation of markets for resources, goods and services 
 
 • Marketing and sales - different approaches for segmentation, targeting, positioning, generating sales, and the need for innovation in product and service design 
 
 • Customers and stakeholders - customer expectations, service and orientation 

 • Finance - the sources, uses and management of finance 

 • People - strategic and operational HRM, meeting future organisational requirements, people development, HR systems 

 • The management of resources 

 • The management of projects 

 • Communications - the comprehension and use of relevant communications for application in business and management, including the use of digital tools 

 • Business innovation - creativity, intrapreneurial - and entrepreneurial behaviour and enterprise development, and the management and exploitation of intellectual property 

 • Leadership and management of people within organisations - leadership, organisational behaviour and motivation 

Intellectual skills 
This module develops: 

 • Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately 

 • Being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions 

 • Using information and knowledge effectively in order to abstract meaning from information and to share knowledge, including the use of quantitative skills 

Professional practical skills 
This module develops: 
 

 • The ability to conduct research and enquiry into business and management issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, the collection and analysis of quantitative data, synthesis and reporting 

 • Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management.

 • Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting objectives, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring 

 • The ability to recognise the need for and initiate change and to be able to manage change 

 • Being able to determine, devise and apply appropriate research methods and strategies to investigate problems. 

Transferable (key) skills
This module develops:

 • Effective communication: networking, listening, oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports 

 • High personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management; time management; conflict resolution, displaying commercial acumen, the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience 

 • Soft skills: understanding the needs of others and empathy towards them; sensitivity to diversity in people and in different situations

Conveners

• Dr Haibo Zhou