Entrepreneurship: Venture Launch
| Module title | Entrepreneurship: Venture Launch |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEMM487 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Dr Robert Pearce (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 6 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 150 |
|---|
Module description
This module is set up as an incubator andoperates in the third term. It is delivered through an intensive project-based learning approach within a dedicated space – The Skydeck in the Innovation Centre. This module centres on the pragmatic application of your entrepreneurial knowledge and skills to a live project that entails the ‘virtual’ creation of a venture project and as such it gives you the opportunity to practice entrepreneurship. The fluid nature of this module allows academic learning followed by application of new venture processes.
With the growing understanding that entrepreneurship is a ‘team sport’ you will form a team with other like-minded entrepreneurs to complete a series of sprints and projects, all the while building your own knowledge and honing your understanding of yourself within the entrepreneurial process. In developing your new venture, this module will take you from idea to launch. It is designed to move you through the phases of start-up from validation, MVP (minimum viable product), to test and iterate towards market fit.
*This module is core for the MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management and it is also offered as an elective module with the following pre-requisites BEMM394 and BEMM488 (Entrepreneurship and Complete Sustainable Value Creation).
*This module is recommended as an interdisciplinary pathway for those meeting the pre-requisites and who have completed “With Proficiency in Entrepreneurship” as part of their undergraduate studies at Exeter may be exempt from the pre-requisites.
Module aims - intentions of the module
In an ‘incubator’ environment, the aim of this module is to ‘do’ entrepreneurship, giving you the opportunity to apply your newly developed knowledge and skills in a ‘virtual’ start-up context. Through a project-based learning approach, teams of entrepreneurs will creatively solve real world problems and offer testable solutions. This is achieved through gaining a deep knowledge of the latest innovation and entrepreneurial tools and applying them in an intensive environment. This will bring theory to life and create valuable practical learning that will equip you for your post-programme entrepreneurial career.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Create a virtual new venture in the form of a startup
- 2. Develop a credible and informed business case for a new venture
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Identify key strategies for idea creation/opportunity recognition, evaluation and exploitation
- 4. Utilise contemporary innovation and entrepreneurship strategies and techniques
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Generate venture ideas and creative solutions to real world problems
- 6. Collaborate, communicate, co-create, and network
- 7. Create, develop, and execute an entrepreneurial initiative
Syllabus plan
The following content will be covered during the module:
- Design thinking and sprinting
- Positive impact and circular economy
- Technology
- Measuring value and growth
- Building and pitching a business case
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 61 | 239 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Online lectures | 15 | Online recorded lecture content |
| Workshops | 36 | Workshops that cover design thinking, technical hacks, and innovation sprints |
| Project support | 10 | Individual guidance to support the development of a personal business model development |
| Guided independent study | 239 | Pre- and post-session reading, assignment preparation, and creating group startup business case |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop exercises and discussion | In class (approximately per day = 60 minutes) | 1-7 | Verbal |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 20 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual business model report | 40 | 40 slides | 3-5, 7 | Written |
| Group MVP demo | 30 | 15-minute Demonstration of MVP (minimum viable product) | 1-7 | Writtenand verbal |
| Innovation grant report | 20 | 2300 words | 1-7 | Written |
| Individual 'approach to project' presentation | 10 | 3-minute presentation of how module content will be applied to group 'MVP' project. | 2-6 | Written and verbal |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal business model report | Personal business model report (40%) | 3-5, 7 | Referral/deferral period |
| Group MVP demo | 15-minute individual video demonstration of minimum viable product (30%) | 1-7 | Referral/deferral period |
| Innovation grant report | Innovation grant report (20%) Word count 2300 | 1-7 | Referral/deferral period |
| Individual 'approach to project' presentation | 3-minute individual video presentation of how module content could be applied to 'MVP' project,10%) | 2-6 | Referral/deferral period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Kelley, T., & Kelley, D. (2014). Creative Confidence: Unleashing the creative potential within us all. London: William Collins
- Knapp, J., Zeratsky, J., & Kowitz, B. (2016) Sprint: How to solve big problems and test new ideas in just five days London: Bantam Press
- Ries, A (2011) The Lean Startup, Portfolio Penguin
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
None
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | BEMM394 and BEMM488 (Entrepreneurship and Complete Sustainable Value Creation) |
| Module co-requisites | N/A |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 27/01/2021 |
| Last revision date | 16/04/2024 |
