Assessment To achieve a pass for this unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. Learning Outcomes to be met All 1 to 4
Assessment Criteria to be covered All ACs under LO 1 to 4
Assessment type Coursework
Word count (approx. length) 4500 words
Indicative contents
Nature, characteristics and challenges of entrepreneurship: establishing different kind of enterprise; business skills and attributes; skills envisaged for new ideas: e.g. paperwork, sales, marketing, finance, production, purchasing; business law; obtaining supplies; maintaining equipment; monitoring quality; getting publicity; writing promotional materials; strategic thinking; communication; dealing with stakeholders; negotiation; decision making; problem solving; delegation; to support creative and innovative and entrepreneur management processes for a project or organisation; key factors of a successful commercial or social entrepreneur.
Types of innovation: product development; market development; business model innovations; increasing efficiency and developing cost advantage, e.g. outsourcing, changing production methods, remodelling the supply chain, electronic ordering and invoicing; improving processes; taking calculated risks; having a positive attitude; being motivated and dedicated; flexibility and adaptability; intuitiveness; the drive to succeed and grow; openness to change; having the vision and capacity to inspire.
Selection and development of ideas: ideas – value chain; inside/outside; cross-pollination; selection; development; diffusion; role of incubation; need to be systematic; adopting appropriate style for different circumstances; influencing and motivating others – methods of rewarding staff for appropriate behaviours; effecting change management; influence of vision and mission; concept that policies and procedures are supported by a culture that reinforces consistently what the organisation is about.
Tools for creative and innovative solutions: theory and application of lateral thinking; visioning and problem-solving techniques; theory and use of analytical tools – sources of business ideas; PESTLE (political, economic, social, technological, legal, environmental) analysis; cost-benefit analysis; decision-making processes and styles.
Risks: risk analysis; risk management techniques.
Sources of business ideas: process of idea development; Stage Gate Model; methods: e.g. theoretical models, e.g. Graham Wallas (1926) Preparation (definition of issue, observation, and study); incubation (laying the issue aside for a time); illumination (the moment when a new idea finally emerges); verification (checking it out); Anderson and West’s four factor theory of group climate for innovation: vision, participative safety, task orientation and support for innovation; cultivating own imagination and curiosity; use of mind-maps; problem-solving exercises; overcoming barriers to creativity; the journalistic six (asking who, why, what, where, when, how).
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