Programme Overview

In the world of business we can expect to encounter problems on a daily basis and some of these problems will be more complicated than others.  But whether you are working in your own business (the entrepreneur), or for an organisation you do not own (the intrapreneur), problem solving is an essential skill in today’s market.  In this Programme we will examine how enterprising people apply problem solving techniques to overcome obstacles and create opportunities whilst developing our own problem solving skills along the way.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this Programme students should be able to: 

1. Explain the different types of problems which the enterprising individual may face when managing change. 

2. Explain some of the approaches and techniques which can be applied to problem solving. 

3. Reflect on their own problem solving style and capabilities through practical activities. 

4. Apply the techniques to come up with innovative solutions to real world problems around change.

Format

The Entrepreneurial Problem Solving Programme is delivered over 3 sessions.  All sessions are delivered face to face and in these sessions we discuss the insights gained from the materials which students will then apply to their own project.  To support the learning a comprehensive prerecorded digital lecture covering the topic of entrepreneurial problem solving has also been provided which gives more detail for students on the topic which they can watch out of class.  This can be found in the Session 1 section below.

The Task

In groups students will apply the painstorming technique discussed in Session 1 to come up with an innovative solution to a problem of their choosing.  This year we have decided to introduce a green dimension into our International Week and tackle some of the issues we’re facing as a planet. The green dimension includes in a very broad sense ecological transition, sustainable development, social justice and responsibility, health and well-being, corporate social responsibility, eco-designs, green economy and management, fair trade, circular economy and responsible and ethical communication as examples.  The problem being addressed can be anything at all and can be as small or large as you wish but it should be real, have a green dimension and you must be able to explain the problem and why it is worth solving.   In session 2 we will work on your ideas to develop them into something of value.  In session 3 each group will have a maximum of 10 minutes to present their solution to the class in the form of a poster presented on a single PowerPoint slide which they will then explain to the class. A basic template for your poster has been provided in the "additional support" section below.  Following the presentation each group will have 5 minutes to respond to questions from the audience. The presentation is expected to cover the following points and the marking criteria for the presentation can also be found in the "additional support" section. 

● List the pains which your customer/end user faces. 

● Explain the key features of your solution. 

● Explain the benefits which your solution offers.

Tutorial Slides -

Click to view

Tutorial Slides -

Click to view

If students require additional support then email: alan.murray@uws.ac.uk

Poster Example - 

This is an example  of a poster which has been created using the template provided.