Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2018-2019 (archived)
Module BUSI54615: Small Business Management (ONLINE)
Department: Business School (Business)
BUSI54615: Small Business Management (ONLINE)
| Type | Tied | Level | 4 | Credits | 15 | Availability | Available in 2018/19 | Module Cap |
|---|
| Tied to | N2K307 |
|---|---|
| Tied to | N5K107 |
| Tied to | N6K107 |
| Tied to | N1KY07 |
| Tied to | N2K507 |
| Tied to | N5K407 |
| Tied to | N1N107 |
| Tied to | N6K207 |
| Tied to | N5K507 |
Prerequisites
- None.
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combination of Modules
- Small Business Management (TAUGHT)
Aims
- To enable students to:
- Acquire and demonstrate a specialist knowledge and understanding of the literature on the management and economics of small business;
- Relate this specialist knowledge and understanding to the experience of developing and running a small business;
- Develop a critical understanding of issues surrounding the development and implementation of policy support for new and small businesses.
Content
- Defining the small firm
- Start-up, growth and closure
- Small Firms and the economy
- Small firms and innovation
- The development of small firms
- Supporting small firms
- The relationship between small and large firms
- Entrepreneurship
- Intrapreneurship
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- By the end of the module students should have a critical knowledge and understanding of:
- the contribution of small businesses to the economy and different sectors;
- the role of the entrepreneur and entrepreneurship in small business;
- the growth, success and survival of small business;
- the financing of small businesses;
- the policy environment and factors influencing the success of policy measures.
Subject-specific Skills:
- By the end of the module students should:
- Be able to engage in the critical evaluation of policies towards small firms;
- Be better equipped to found and run a small business.
Key Skills:
- Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy. 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
- The module is delivered via online learning, divided up into study weeks with specially produced resources within each week. Resources vary according to the learning outcomes but normally include: video content, directed reading, reflection through activities, opportunities for self-assessment and peer-to-peer learning within a tutor-facilitated discussion board. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and facilitate discussion board communication as well as being available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email and Skype). 
- The summative assessment of the module is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video content, directed reading, self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading | 150 | ||||
| Total | 150 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Assignment | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Written Assignment | 3,000 words (max.). | 100% | Same |
Formative Assessment:
A written assignment of 1,500 words, or its multimedia equivalent, which may involve some group work.
■ 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