Small firms are a critical component of the Irish economy and play key roles in the stimulation and development of all economies. In recent years high-profile success of both Irish and international entrepreneurs in building profitable business has been inspiring. Creating a new enterprise is a challenging task, one that requires specific knowledge as well as general business and entrepreneurial skills. Successful entrepreneurship and the transformation of creative ideas into commercially viable businesses requires more than merely luck and money. It is a cohesive process of creativity, risk taking and business planning. This module will expose students to the process of entrepreneurship and more specifically to the process of opportunity recognition, the elements of business planning and provides hands-on experience in the creation and development of a new business enterprise. Students will apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom to real-world business opportunities and subsequently will develop a more entrepreneurial mindset.

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the stages involved in creating a new venture, including the development of skills in evaluating, preparing and presenting a business plan. It will provide an entrepreneurial mindset and a sense of entrepreneurial behaviour, which can be effectively used in a number of different work environments. The module will facilitate students in the development and application of the analytical and decision-making skills necessary in formulating, implementing and controlling a business plan. The module will also establish project credibility and improve students' presentation and communication skills. The module will therefore address the following: • the importance of SMEs and business planning • developing and screening business ideas • feasibility analysis • components of the business plan • financing options for the business • presenting the business plan with confidence

Understand the role and contribution of small and medium sized firms to economies Gain knowledge on the fundamental aspects of business planning and its importance in developing new ventures Acquire knowledge of how to evaluate and screen new business opportunities from a business and technical perspective Understand the key aspects associated with business planning Understand the importance of having a professionally completed business plan Gain knowledge in the format, design and presentation of a business plan

Increased self awareness of personal entrepreneurial skills, behaviours and attitudes. Self-assessment of attitude towards risk-taking, working on own initiative and managing people Development of analytical and critical thinking and decision making skills Development of writing skills for the various audiences that may read the business plan Enhance communication, presentation and networking skills.

N/A

Lectures will be given on the theoretical aspects of the role of business planning in creating new enterprises, assessing viable business ideas, conducting market research and industry analysis. The formulation of a business plan will also be explored along with the financing of new enterprises. Workshop sessions will be used to support students in developing their business ideas and plans. These workshop sessions will enable the development of students creativity skills, practice and improve their presentation skills and discuss and debate the ethical issues that can impact on their business thus enabling a number of the the graduate attributes to be developed and improved upon. In addition to the recommended text, students are encouraged to read appropriate publications from Enterprise Ireland and other government agencies that provide insights that relate to the various topics covered in the module. Additionally, industry speakers will present to the class. The module culminates in the presentation of business ideas through an exhibition and/or a presentation to a panel of experts. This shows the collaborative element of the graduate attributes through showing the groups team work skills and the articulation attribute through being able to discuss their business ideas with a variety of stakeholders.