Module Code - Title:
EP4315
-
ENTERPRISE FORMATION
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The aim of the module is to provide participants with an understanding of the entrepreneurial process and the role of small firms in economic development. Students will also benefit from identifying the external and internal factors that impact on business start-up. Students are expected to prepare a feasibility analysis on a business idea to examine the viability of starting this business in a real-life situation.
Syllabus:
Mode of Instruction is lecture and tutorials workshops. Knowledge is structured in two main sections, theory and application of theory to real life economic conditions. Initially the concepts and factors affecting the entrepreneurial process are imparted to students, following which students work together in teams engaging in experiential learning in assessing the feasibility and viability of their business idea.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Formulate a concept statement outlining their proposed business idea.
Identify and evaluate the external and internal factors that impact on business start-up.
Critically evaluate differences between secondary and primary research.
Complete, analyse and interpret market research on product/service, organisational feasibility and financial feasibility.
Develop and formulate a business that is feasible and viable.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Display an understanding of the entrepreneurial process.
Demonstrate a competency in primary and secondary research methods.
Co-operate with and support team members in completing a feasibility study.
Value the process involved in the analytical and decision-making process necessary for the formulation, development and evaluation of a business start-up.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be taught using interactive lectures and tutorials. The learning experiences will be self-directed under the supervision of the lecturer and the tutor. Assessment is based on 40% continuous assessment, for which the breakdown will be 10% for the submission of the concept statement and the remaining 30% for the feasibility analysis. Students will be provided with feedback throughout the project. The assessment for this module is divided into group assessment for the feasibility study. The remaining 60% will be awarded for the final exam at the end of the semester.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Cooney, T.M. & Hill (2002)
New Venture Creation in Ireland
, Oak Tree Press
Other Relevant Texts:
O Kane, B (2004)
Starting a business in Ireland-A Comprehensive Guide and Directory
, Oak Tree Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Autumn
-
08/09
Module Leader:
roisin.lyons@ul.ie