Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module BUSI5DL15: The Entrepreneurial Process (DL)

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business)

BUSI5DL15: The Entrepreneurial Process (DL)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap
Tied to N1D507

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To introduce students to some of the key factors associated with launching a successful new business venture.

Content

  • Generating and evaluating an opportunity.
  • Developing a clear and (commercially) viable business concept.
  • Designing the enterprise/venture.
  • Launching an effective and sustainable (commercially) venture.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, students should have:
  • an appreciation of the complex success factors associated with starting a new venture
  • a specialised understanding of how to plan for the launch of a new business venture
  • a critical awareness of the challenges encountered in the new venture creation launch process
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module, students should have:
  • the ability to use highly specialised and advanced enterprising skills, behaviours and attitudes.
Key Skills:
    Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Through a combination of learning materal, self assessed exercises and a formative assignment on key topical issues, together with guided reading.
  • On the DL MA Programme each module is delivered in discrete Units which are equivalent to a lecture session. A DL Unit normally consists of specially written material, directed reading, reflection through self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading.
  • Each student is allocated a Tutor for each Module. the Tutor is tasked with providing feedback on formative work and is available for individual consultation as necessary. Tutoring is normally provided at a distance and may be conducted by email, telephone, post or fax.
  • The DL Programme offers annual residential seminars. In addition to offering core curriculum, the seminars provide the opportunity for DL Students to interface with members of Faculty, meet Tutors and to interact with other members of the student cohort.
  • Tutorials are conducted by email, post or fax. Students are unlikely to require more than 5 hours of telephone support form a tutor combined with a further 5 hours of tutor time in answering questions recevied by post, fax or email.
  • The assessment of the module by the individual written assignment, is designed to:
  • test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge;
  • test conceptual understanding and skills of application and interpretation within the entrepreneurial context.
  • The assessment of the module by the individual business plan, is designed to:
  • test the ability to synthesise information from a variety of sources;
  • test understanding of the planning process associated with new venture launch;
  • test understanding of key success factors associated with starting a new venture.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Units 9
Tutorials 5
Residentail seminar
Preparation & Reading
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Business Plan Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual mini-business plan 100%
Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual assignment 1,500 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

Written assignment of 1,000 words (maximum) to be handed in during the first half of the module.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University