Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset

Course unit fact file
Unit code UCIL21331
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 2
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Available as a free choice unit? Yes

Overview

Have you ever wondered why some people become entrepreneurs? Thought about what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur, or questioned if you could become one yourself?

Becoming an enterprising individual and developing a new business venture can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Successful entrepreneurs have to become focused on creating and establishing a successful business, which is a risky and time consuming process that entrepreneurs try to navigate as best they can, whilst juggling a wide range of demands and commitments.

This unit explores who and what entrepreneurs are and how they use motivation and self-development/reflection to improve on their decision-making skills to enhance both their personal and venture's performance.

The unit addresses key questions such as: What makes a successful entrepreneur? Can any person be entrepreneurial? What skill sets do I need to become an entrepreneur? You will explore these questions through the application of theory and analysis of a variety of prominent entrepreneurs who have become successful. Ultimately, you will look to develop your own Personal Developmental Roadmap for future entrepreneurial success.

This unit forms part of the Enterprise Challenge.

Pre/co-requisites

UCIL units are designed to be accessible to undergraduate students from all disciplines.

UCIL units are credit-bearing and it is not possible to audit UCIL units or take them for additional/extra credits. You must enrol following the standard procedure for your School when adding units outside of your home School.

If you are not sure if you are able to enrol on UCIL units you should contact your School Undergraduate office. You may wish to contact your programme director if your programme does not currently allow you to take a UCIL unit.

You can also contact the UCIL office if you have any questions.

 

Aims

The unit aims to help students understand who and what entrepreneurs are and how entrepreneurs effectively acquire and implement a wide range of tools and techniques to enhance their success.

By the end of the unit students will be able to assess the traits and characteristics of successful entrepreneurs as well as their own entrepreneurial strengths, weaknesses. This information will help to provide students with a better understanding of who they are and what motivates them as individuals and ultimately how to achieve success in their lives.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the unit you will be able to:

  • Define and debate different theories and models in entrepreneurial development, leadership, education, vision and strategy
  • Apply a range of theories and methodologies used in entrepreneurial research
  • Identify and reflect upon their own personal values, character, motivations and effectiveness in the light of relevant theory and models of self development
  • Demonstrate information literacy and effective communication skills by presenting ideas, evidence and arguments clearly, logically and accurately in a range of formats

Syllabus

  • Successful entrepreneurs and their developmental processes
  • Theory and practice of entrepreneurship
  • Application of entrepreneurial research methodologies
  • Personal development - its theory and application
  • Effective research, communication and public speaking/presentation resilience, and mindfulness skills

Teaching and learning methods

The unit will be delivered as a series of 2 hour lectures over 10 weeks, each session will be delivered using a variety of pedagogical techniques using relevant and topical case studies and in-class activities for students to work on either alone or in small informal groups. The lecture will be supported by: - Case Studies, Guest Speakers* as well as reading and research resources which will all be delivered through the units Blackboard site.
 
 
 

Knowledge and understanding

 

Define the key traits and behaviours that enable people to become inspirational individuals 

 

Intellectual skills

Critically analyse and debate the different theories and methodologies used in research into inspirational individuals 

 

Practical skills

 

Identify and reflect upon your own personal values, motivations and responsibility in the development of individual effectiveness

 

 

 

Transferable skills and personal qualities

 

Demonstrate information literacy and effective communication skills by presenting ideas, evidence and arguments clearly, logically and accurately in a range of formats

 

 

 

Employability skills

Analytical skills
Reflection and research skills require to gather and analyse the information at hand.
Group/team working
Group work element within the unit assessment.
Oral communication
Presentation skills: To know how to develop and present information in a clear and precise manner
Other
Planning skills: The ability to develop a clear Career Road map for the next 5 years.

Assessment methods

  • Formative task, an individual slide-deck: a set of PowerPoint slides,10 slides max (0%)
     
  • Summative task, a group poster analysing an entrepreneur (30%)
  • Individual report: self-development roadmap (2000 words) (70%)

Feedback methods

Opportunities for feedback from students will be provided through the normal channels. Throughout the unit students will be able to engage with the lecturer within and outside the lecture room. Students will be able to book a meeting with the lecturer during office hours.

Please note that all assessment feedback will be provided within 15 working days of submission. Students are welcome to discuss feedback with the unit tutor, once issued.

Students will also be able to provide feedback through the course unit online survey which will be made available at the end of the course unit.

 

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 20
Independent study hours
Independent study 80

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Jonathan Styles Unit coordinator

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