Module BUSI44J15: Social Entrepreneurship (Blended Learning)

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business)

BUSI44J15: Social Entrepreneurship (Blended Learning)

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Social Entrepreneurship (Block Taught)

Aims

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the role social entrepreneurs play in society and the challenges they face
• To develop an understanding of, and ability to critically examine, the major analytical frameworks employed in evaluating a social enterprise and its socio-economic impact
• To equip students with an advanced conceptual and practical knowledge of the skills needed to successfully develop, launch and manage a social enterprise

Content

• What is a “social enterprise”?
• Characteristics of the “social entrepreneur”
• Charity and philanthropy versus social entrepreneurship
• The role of innovation
• Social Return on Investment (SROI) models
• Social investment and social capital
• The nature, form and structure of social enterprises
• New venture creation
• Social entrepreneurship in developing economies

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students should:
• have a critical understanding of the nature, form and structure of the social enterprise sector;
• have a grounded understanding of key perspectives on social enterprise and the social entrepreneur;
• have a critical appreciation of the importance of the impact of social entrepreneurial activities on society.

• By the end of the module students should:
• be able to examine and critically evaluate social enterprise performance;
• be able to develop an appropriate social investment strategy;
• be able to critically evaluate the value of an enterprise to society.

• Effective written communication skills
• Planning, organising and time management skills
• Problem solving and analytical skills
• The ability to use initiative
• Advanced skills in the interpretation of data
• Advanced computer literacy skills

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

• The module is delivered via blended learning and in the form of discrete Study Units. These are designed to enable the learning outcomes to be achieved through a combination of specially written material, directed reading, reflection through self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading. Extensive use of learning technologies is also employed to reinforce learning, including online seminars. Module tutors provide feedback on formative work and are available for individual consultation as necessary (by email, telephone, post, fax and video-conferencing).
• The summative written assignment will test students' understanding of relevant concepts and their ability to apply and interpret what they have learned in the preparation of a social enterprise plan.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Virtual team-based discussions and case-study exercises, delivered via DUO.

■ 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