Module: BM7036-15 Creative Enterprise: A New Business Venture

Level: 7

Credit Value: 15

Module Tutor: Antonio Revilla

Module Tutor Contact Details: a.revilla@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

Delivered in 5x4hr sessions, the course ‘focuses on the development and application of an enterprising mind-set and skills in the specific contexts of setting up a new venture‘(QAA, 2012).

Utilizing ‘design thinking’ as a central creativity frame, student learning is facilitated through a process of identification of a real world problem and the creation of a new and viable business proposition solution and reflection on the challenges of preparing the venture for contact with a recognised market.

Students are encourages to develop an independent ‘can do attitude’ and will use creative and innovative approaches to design and discover solutions. The course will support students in leveraging latent opportunities present in the increasingly ‘globalised’ business environment. The ultimate aim is to create a safe atmosphere where students are encouraged to ‘move to action’, to discover, develop and analyse a ‘new business venture’ idea.

Robust analysis of the concept allows deep and lasting learning to take place and is enabled through critical application of advanced business assessment techniques.

In this module, you will be able to demonstrate the following Graduate Attribute:

• Employable: equipped with the skills necessary to flourish in the global workplace, able to work in, and lead, teams;
• Internationally networked: studying abroad for part of their programme, or studying alongside students from overseas;
• Critical thinkers: able to express their ideas in written and oral form, and possessing information literacy;
• Ethically aware: prepared for citizenship in a local, national and global context.

2.Outline syllabus

Using a ‘reflective practitioner’ frame of reference based on design thinking, the syllabus enhances knowledge of innovative business models at a strategic level. Initial focus will concentrate on the synthesis of an innovative business concept by exploring emerging forms of business practice and the dynamic business environment of the day. Appropriate models will be assessed and analysed in order to execute a rigorously tested business platform, prior to subsequent development. Legal aspects will be explored, along with cutting edge examples of innovative business start-ups. Strategic Operations Management, Finance and Marketing are explored, in direct relation to the selected concept and developed rapidly using a ‘holistic systems tools’. Finally, exit strategies will be considered along with, business sustainability, and a reflection on business ethics to ensure the course ‘connects enterprise and graduate employability’ (Rae, 2007) and will facilitate enhanced enterprise awareness, mind-set, capability and the ‘ability to reflect and persevere in challenging environments‘ (QAA ,2012)

3.Teaching and learning activities

The module will include a mix of tutor input, mini instructional videos, guest speakers, case studies, group work and student led idea generation workshops. The style will be highly interactive and there will be an emphasis on critical application of theory, reflection in practice and critical self-analysis. The use of a ‘flipped classroom model’ where instructional content is delivered online will be included in order to make efficient use of classroom time.

The self-selected concept can be developed as a stand-alone start-up business or as part of an existing service delivery of an existing organisation. It may be a highly commercial endeavour or a social enterprise. Whichever business model is selected, exposure to a range of model assessment and analysis tools will help students to fully test the concept. Thorough guided reflection on progress will be enabled by presenting the concept to a professional peer group before final submission of the new venture plan document.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Summative: 3,000 word Business Plan Analysis
• % Weighting: 100%