Entrepreneurship Dissertation
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BUSI4556 | Business | 4 | 60 | Summer UK |
- Code
- BUSI4556
- School
- Business
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 60
- Semesters
- Summer UK
Summary
The dissertation can focus on any aspect of entrepreneurship. Students are expected to choose a topic in consultation with their supervisor. Supervisors may suggest a topic where it is appropriate. As well as the written dissertation the students will make a presentation giving an overview of their work.
Target Students
Only available for MSc Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management students.
Classes
- One 2-hour workshop each week for 3 weeks
This module is taught through workshops.
Assessment
- 70% Dissertation: 15,000 words. Re-assessment: 15,000 words individual dissertation.
- 30% Presentation: 15 minutes and 10 minute Q&A. Re-assessment: 15,000 words individual dissertation.
Assessed by end of summer vacation
Educational Aims
The dissertation enables students to carry out in- depth research in a particular area of entrepreneurship. They will develop further the basic research skills which they have acquired during the course. It also provides an opportunity to write a well-structured report and, where relevant, develop a well-argued case, providing appropriate supporting evidence, for a hypothesis/hypotheses.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
This module develops a knowledge and understanding of:
• The dynamics of the global economy and international business &/or an awareness of cultural, legal/regulatory, political, and economic differences across countries &/or an appreciation of management issues from a global perspective.
• 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 quality systems
• The management of projects
• Information systems and business intelligence - the development, management, application and implementation of information systems and their impact upon organisations
• Digital business - the development of strategic priorities to deliver business at speed in an environment where digital technology is reshaping traditional revenue and business models, associated risk management
• Business innovation - creativity, intrapreneurial - and entrepreneurial behaviour and enterprise development, and the management and exploitation of intellectual property
• The importance of sustainability issues, including an understanding of the challenges and opportunities arising from the activities of people and organisations on the economic, social and environmental conditions of the future.
• 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 qualitative 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
• The ability to recognise and address ethical dilemmas, corporate social responsibility and sustainability issues, applying ethical and organisational values to situations and choices
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