Burns P. (2001) Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Palgrave
Gowthorpe C. (2003) Business Accounting & Finance for Non-Specialists Thomson.
Hughes V. & Weller D. (2003) Setting up a Small Business ,3rd Ed, Teach Yourself
Guide, Hodder & Stoughton Ltd.

The University Library and learning resources
Electronic data bases such as Athens and EBSCO
Business Start-up information from Lloyds TSB

The learning strategy of this module requires students to commit 300 learning hours comprising 48 hours of class support and 252 hours of independent and self-directed study.

As guidance, students may typically be expected to allocate the hours indicated below to the following activities during independent and self ?directed study time;
reading and preparation for class contact (32);worked based learning (32);
additional research & reading (12); preparation of coursework assignments (50)

Action Learning Sets will be utilised, as part of the independent learning time, where students will have the opportunity to look at the real problems which concern them, rather than considering hypothetical ones. They will also enable students to make commitments to action which they would not necessarily be in a position to do after having listened to a lecture or seminar, or as an individual working in isolation.

The module examines the use of business planning techniques from the start-up stage to implementation. The importance of business planning in this context is examined. It also examines business planning as an ongoing activity.

The module is also concerned with understanding the role of accounting and finance in a start-up business especially the linkage with business planning.

This will include consideration of the following:
-Enterprise: what enterprise means, characteristics of the entrepreneur:
The idea
-Developing a sound marketing plan: Target markets: Competitor reaction
-Business Viability, classification of costs: profit margins: contribution: break even analysis and margin of safety.
-Capital requirements: use and sources of finance: capital requirements :rent or buy decisions
-The Business Plan: objectives and templates: The importance, format and preparation of a business plan: Cash flow forecasts
- Accounting for a Business Start Up: profit and loss balance sheet and cash flow forecasts.
-Risk analysis

A written business plan for a startup business, containing narrative and data. Between 3000 and 5000 words (LO 1-4).