1. Understand research methods, academic writing, and reflective practices to support academic development.

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Discuss ideas in writing and through digital media, using industry examples to highlight the impact of academic skills in professional contexts.

Communication
Learning
Problem Solving

3. Identify innovative business concepts by integrating academic insights with market research analysis and strategic thinking.

Application

Problem Solving

4. Demonstrate academic practice with entrepreneurial creativity to produce strategies that meet both academic and industry expectations and reflect on your learning.

Reflection

You will produce two separate assessments for this module.

A1: will be an individual academic report

A2: will be a group presentation

A1: Individual Academic Report: Research Methods and Academic Writing (1,000 words) 30%

Explain key research methods used in academic and professional contexts.

Discuss the importance of academic writing and referencing in business (highlighting when it is used in business roles / professions).

Provide an example of how academic research has influenced business decision-making (within the local area).

LO: 1 Understand research methods, academic writing, and reflective practices to support academic development. Knowledge and Understanding

A2: Group Presentation: 10 Minute Presentation on Innovative Business 70%

The presentation will be 10minutes and you must focus on the area of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

Key areas to include:

Communicating Ideas Through Writing and Digital Media

Present an argument on a current business issue using academic evidence (within the local area).

Demonstrate the use of digital media (e.g., blogs, presentations, infographics) in professional communication.

Use an industry case study to illustrate the role of academic skills in professional settings (within the local area).

Identifying Innovative Business Concepts

Conduct market research to identify an emerging business opportunity (within the local area).

Apply academic theories to support the business idea.

Use strategic thinking to outline a business concept with potential industry impact (to the local area).

Entrepreneurial Creativity and Reflection

Develop a creative strategy that meets both academic and industry standards (using local case studies to support).

Reflect on your learning experience, discussing challenges and personal development (this will be based on you as an individual when you present)

Outline steps for future academic and professional growth (this will be based on you as an individual when you present).



LO 2: Discuss ideas in writing and through digital media, using industry examples to highlight the impact of academic skills in professional contexts. Communication and Learning, Problem Solving

LO 3: Identify innovative business concepts by integrating academic insights with market research and strategic thinking. Application and Problem Solving

LO 4: Demonstrate academic practice with entrepreneurial creativity to produce strategies that meet both academic and industry expectations and reflect on your learning. Reflection

This module will focus on three key themes covering academic knowledge and understanding, career progression and entrepreneurial mindsets. Below is a structure of the content that will be covered:



Academic Knowledge and Understanding:

• Academic reading, note-taking, presentation skills and writing techniques

• Research methodologies and analysis

• Reflective practices and academic referencing (Harvard style)

• Digital literacy skills and the use of multimedia for effective communication

• Techniques for professional presentations and visual storytelling

• Integration of academic research with contemporary business strategies



Career Progression:

• Interactive workshops combining academic research with entrepreneurial planning

• Group activities, simulations, and industry guest lectures

• Graduate roles, options and progression pathways to PG and beyond

• Student Ambassador roles and Uni Temps opportunities with Career Connect

• Team building and leadership roles



Entrepreneurial Mindset:

• Fundamentals of enterprise, entrepreneurship, and small business management

• Innovation, opportunity recognition, and risk management

• Case studies on new venture creation and industry best practices

• Access to entrepreneurs in residence

Academic Agility and Entrepreneurial Thinking bridges academic study with industry-focused enterprise development. This module empowers students to harness academic practice and digital literacy skills, transforming them into actionable strategies for innovative business solutions. Through a blend of interactive lectures, practical workshops, and creative assessments, students are equipped to excel in both scholarly and professional environments.

The module adopts a blended learning approach that integrates interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, and self-directed study to create a dynamic learning environment. Interactive lectures provide students with the theoretical underpinnings of advanced academic research methods and entrepreneurial thinking. These sessions are designed to spark critical discussion and are supplemented by case study analyses that connect theory to real-world business scenarios, ensuring that students grasp both the academic and practical aspects of the subject matter.

In addition to formal teaching, the module emphasises collaborative learning through group discussions and workshops.

These small-group exercises and simulations encourage students to apply their acquired knowledge in practical settings, promoting innovative problem-solving and creative thinking. The workshops are further enriched by guest lectures from industry experts, offering students valuable insights into current market trends and professional practices.

Self-directed learning plays a crucial role in the module, with students encouraged to explore extensive online resources, digital libraries, and the module’s Blackboard system. This independent study component fosters digital literacy and research proficiency, allowing students to consolidate their learning at their own pace while preparing for assessments. Together, these strategies create a comprehensive learning experience that equips students with the academic agility and entrepreneurial mindset needed for success in modern business environments.

Barker, A. (2022) Improve Your Communication Skills: How to Build Trust, Be Heard and Communicate With Confidence. 6th edn. London: Kogan Page.

Barrow, C., Barrow, P. and Brown, R. (2012) The Business Plan Workbook. London: Kogan Page.

Cottrell, S. (2019) The Study Skills Handbook. 5th edn. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Graff, G. and Birkenstein, C. (2018) They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 4th edn. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

Greetham, B. (2018) How to Write Better Essays. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Hopkins, D. and Reid, T. (2018) The Academic Skills Handbook: Your Guide to Success in Writing, Thinking and Communicating at University. London: Sage.

Ries, E. (2011) The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses. New York: Crown Business.

Burns, P. (2016) Entrepreneurship and Small Business: Start-up, Growth and Maturity. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

BB learning material

University’s library and learning resources

Selection of peer reviewed papers, research reports, official statistics, contemporary case studies