Module Descriptors
ACADEMIC AGILITY, DIGITAL LITERACY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL THINKING
BUSM40012
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 4
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Frances-Marie Hitchen
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 72
Independent Study Hours: 228
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC REPORT - 1000 WORDS weighted at 30% - Learning outcome(s) assessed: 1
- GROUP PRESENTATION - 15 MINUTES weighted at 70% - Learning outcome(s) assessed: 2,3
Module Details
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Understand business research methods and academic writing to support academic development.
Knowledge and Understanding, Reflection
2. Conduct an environmental analysis collaboratively to identify trends impacting local businesses.
Research Skills, Critical Reasoning and Collaboration
3. Demonstrate entrepreneurial creativity to produce industry focused business solutions aligned to the local area.
Personal Development and Entrepreneurship
Digital Literacy
Knowledge and Understanding, Reflection
2. Conduct an environmental analysis collaboratively to identify trends impacting local businesses.
Research Skills, Critical Reasoning and Collaboration
3. Demonstrate entrepreneurial creativity to produce industry focused business solutions aligned to the local area.
Personal Development and Entrepreneurship
Digital Literacy
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
A1: Individual Academic Report
Research Methods and Academic Writing
In modern business, decisions are increasingly based on research rather than guesswork. Many of the research skills used in academic study are also essential in professional business environments, including management, marketing, and finance. These skills help organisations understand markets, customers, and performance in a structured and reliable way.
This assessment explains key research methods used in both academic and business contexts and discusses the importance of academic writing and referencing in professional roles, such as report writing, proposals, and strategic planning. It also provides an example of how academic research has influenced business decision-making within the local area of Stoke-on-Trent, demonstrating how research can be applied to real-life business situations. You are going to cover:
An explanation of key research methods used in academic and professional contexts (secondary literature must be used to support these explanations and examples from real-life businesses).
A discussion on the importance of academic writing and referencing in business (highlighting when it is used in business roles / professions).
An example of how academic research has influenced business decision-making within an SME within the Stoke-on-Trent area.
You will also reflect on your development of research and academic writing skills, including your learning, behaviours and use of sources, drawing on appropriate reflective approaches where relevant.
Formative feedback is embedded throughout the module to support students in developing confidence with research methods, academic writing and the application of research to business contexts.
Formative opportunities may include:
Research methods workshops, introducing key academic and professional research approaches, with guided activities and tutor feedback on understanding and application
Academic writing and referencing sessions, focusing on structure, clarity, use of sources and referencing conventions relevant to both academic study and professional business writing
Source evaluation exercises, where students practise identifying credible academic and professional sources and receive feedback on relevance and reliability
These formative activities support students’ transition into academic research practices while reinforcing their relevance to real-world business decision-making.
A2: Group Presentation
This assessment focuses on how academic skills are applied to real-world business practice within Stoke-on-Trent. It explores how ideas can be communicated effectively through academic writing and digital media, using local business issues and industry case studies to support key arguments.
You will have to demonstrate how you have identified an emerging business opportunity in the local area through market research and applies relevant academic theories to develop an innovative business concept (within your field of interest) with potential impact on the local economy. You are going to cover:
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, within your field of interest).
Apply academic theories to support the business idea.
Your presentation will be 10 minutes in total, presented in person, using a digital platform of your choice (Canva, SWAY, PPT etc.), following this there will be 5 minutes of questions relating to your innovative business idea.
Formative feedback is embedded to support collaborative working, research application and effective professional communication.
Formative opportunities may include:
Idea generation and market research workshops, where groups explore local business issues and receive tutor feedback on opportunity identification and research focus
Theory-to-practice activities, supporting students in applying academic concepts and research findings to business ideas, with formative tutor guidance
Presentation planning sessions, focusing on structure, clarity of argument and effective use of digital media
Peer and tutor feedback on draft presentations, including storyboard outlines or slide drafts, to support refinement of communication and content prior to final delivery
Rehearsal sessions, allowing groups to practise delivery, timing and responses to questions in a supportive environment
These formative activities help students develop confidence in applying academic research to entrepreneurial thinking, teamwork and professional presentation, while ensuring clarity, coherence and relevance to the local business context.
Research Methods and Academic Writing
In modern business, decisions are increasingly based on research rather than guesswork. Many of the research skills used in academic study are also essential in professional business environments, including management, marketing, and finance. These skills help organisations understand markets, customers, and performance in a structured and reliable way.
This assessment explains key research methods used in both academic and business contexts and discusses the importance of academic writing and referencing in professional roles, such as report writing, proposals, and strategic planning. It also provides an example of how academic research has influenced business decision-making within the local area of Stoke-on-Trent, demonstrating how research can be applied to real-life business situations. You are going to cover:
An explanation of key research methods used in academic and professional contexts (secondary literature must be used to support these explanations and examples from real-life businesses).
A discussion on the importance of academic writing and referencing in business (highlighting when it is used in business roles / professions).
An example of how academic research has influenced business decision-making within an SME within the Stoke-on-Trent area.
You will also reflect on your development of research and academic writing skills, including your learning, behaviours and use of sources, drawing on appropriate reflective approaches where relevant.
Formative feedback is embedded throughout the module to support students in developing confidence with research methods, academic writing and the application of research to business contexts.
Formative opportunities may include:
Research methods workshops, introducing key academic and professional research approaches, with guided activities and tutor feedback on understanding and application
Academic writing and referencing sessions, focusing on structure, clarity, use of sources and referencing conventions relevant to both academic study and professional business writing
Source evaluation exercises, where students practise identifying credible academic and professional sources and receive feedback on relevance and reliability
These formative activities support students’ transition into academic research practices while reinforcing their relevance to real-world business decision-making.
A2: Group Presentation
This assessment focuses on how academic skills are applied to real-world business practice within Stoke-on-Trent. It explores how ideas can be communicated effectively through academic writing and digital media, using local business issues and industry case studies to support key arguments.
You will have to demonstrate how you have identified an emerging business opportunity in the local area through market research and applies relevant academic theories to develop an innovative business concept (within your field of interest) with potential impact on the local economy. You are going to cover:
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, within your field of interest).
Apply academic theories to support the business idea.
Your presentation will be 10 minutes in total, presented in person, using a digital platform of your choice (Canva, SWAY, PPT etc.), following this there will be 5 minutes of questions relating to your innovative business idea.
Formative feedback is embedded to support collaborative working, research application and effective professional communication.
Formative opportunities may include:
Idea generation and market research workshops, where groups explore local business issues and receive tutor feedback on opportunity identification and research focus
Theory-to-practice activities, supporting students in applying academic concepts and research findings to business ideas, with formative tutor guidance
Presentation planning sessions, focusing on structure, clarity of argument and effective use of digital media
Peer and tutor feedback on draft presentations, including storyboard outlines or slide drafts, to support refinement of communication and content prior to final delivery
Rehearsal sessions, allowing groups to practise delivery, timing and responses to questions in a supportive environment
These formative activities help students develop confidence in applying academic research to entrepreneurial thinking, teamwork and professional presentation, while ensuring clarity, coherence and relevance to the local business context.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The main aim of this module is to develop your ability to apply academic research, communication, and critical thinking skills to real-world business and entrepreneurial contexts.
By focusing on local business environments such as Stoke-on-Trent, the module will help you connect theory to practice, communicate ideas professionally using digital media, and develop innovative business concepts that reflect industry needs and personal career goals.
Below lists the indicative content associated with this module and where your studies are linked to the wider University offering:
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
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
Business model canvas
Lean start-up principles
Customer discovery
Feasibility analysis
MVP concepts
Early-stage validation
Risk and iteration
Accessibility and Inclusion:
The module allows for relevance to a global community of students and flexibility of application of knowledge.
Employability, Enterprise and Professional Practice:
The module ensures students are aware of current innovative business practice and ‘real-world’ business case studies, focusing on the local area.
Academic, Digital and Research Skills:
The module specifically focuses on academic, digital and research skills development.
Explore
This module builds awareness of professional practice from both an academic and employability point of view specific to the students chosen industry of focus. Foundational professional behaviours will be embedded to help shape students' goals and identity.
By focusing on local business environments such as Stoke-on-Trent, the module will help you connect theory to practice, communicate ideas professionally using digital media, and develop innovative business concepts that reflect industry needs and personal career goals.
Below lists the indicative content associated with this module and where your studies are linked to the wider University offering:
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
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
Business model canvas
Lean start-up principles
Customer discovery
Feasibility analysis
MVP concepts
Early-stage validation
Risk and iteration
Accessibility and Inclusion:
The module allows for relevance to a global community of students and flexibility of application of knowledge.
Employability, Enterprise and Professional Practice:
The module ensures students are aware of current innovative business practice and ‘real-world’ business case studies, focusing on the local area.
Academic, Digital and Research Skills:
The module specifically focuses on academic, digital and research skills development.
Explore
This module builds awareness of professional practice from both an academic and employability point of view specific to the students chosen industry of focus. Foundational professional behaviours will be embedded to help shape students' goals and identity.
WEB DESCRIPTOR
How do academic skills turn into real business impact?
In this module, you’ll explore how research, writing, digital media, and creative thinking are used in real-world business and entrepreneurial settings. Using examples from Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, you’ll learn how to communicate business ideas effectively, analyse local market opportunities, and apply academic theories to develop innovative business concepts. You’ll also reflect on your own learning and professional development to support your progression through university and to your dream career! This module supports your progression towards a business-related career by strengthening your research, communication, and entrepreneurial skills.
In this module, you’ll explore how research, writing, digital media, and creative thinking are used in real-world business and entrepreneurial settings. Using examples from Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, you’ll learn how to communicate business ideas effectively, analyse local market opportunities, and apply academic theories to develop innovative business concepts. You’ll also reflect on your own learning and professional development to support your progression through university and to your dream career! This module supports your progression towards a business-related career by strengthening your research, communication, and entrepreneurial skills.
LEARNING STRATEGIES
The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 300 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 72 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 228 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks. Learning support material will be provided for the module.
The module will draw upon a mixture of activities including lectures, web-based activities, case study analysis, relevant videos and in-class discussions, individual and group problem solving and self-directed learning.
In addition to formal teaching, the module emphasises collaborative learning through group discussions and workshops.
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.
The module will draw upon a mixture of activities including lectures, web-based activities, case study analysis, relevant videos and in-class discussions, individual and group problem solving and self-directed learning.
In addition to formal teaching, the module emphasises collaborative learning through group discussions and workshops.
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.
TEXTS
Carpenter, K. (2021) Introduction to entrepreneurship. Edited by K. Carpenter. British Columbia: Kwantlen Polytechnic University. https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/rlkpvs/alma991000889136706826
Cottrell, S. (2024) The study skills handbook. Sixth edition. London, United Kingdom: Bloomsbury Academic, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/rlkpvs/alma991001045252406826
Cottrell, S. (2021) Skills for success : personal development and employability. Fourth edition. London, England ; Bloomsbury Academic. https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/rlkpvs/alma991000901952906826
Hair, J.F. (2023) Essentials of Business Research Methods. Fifth edition. New York, NY: Routledge. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003363569. https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/rlkpvs/alma991000997412106826
Goldberg, D.M. and Rosenfeld, M. (2014) People-centric skills : interpersonal and communication skills for auditors and business professionals. 1st edition. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley. https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/rlkpvs/alma991000874235006826
Cottrell, S. (2024) The study skills handbook. Sixth edition. London, United Kingdom: Bloomsbury Academic, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/rlkpvs/alma991001045252406826
Cottrell, S. (2021) Skills for success : personal development and employability. Fourth edition. London, England ; Bloomsbury Academic. https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/rlkpvs/alma991000901952906826
Hair, J.F. (2023) Essentials of Business Research Methods. Fifth edition. New York, NY: Routledge. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003363569. https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/rlkpvs/alma991000997412106826
Goldberg, D.M. and Rosenfeld, M. (2014) People-centric skills : interpersonal and communication skills for auditors and business professionals. 1st edition. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley. https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/rlkpvs/alma991000874235006826