In this module, learners will:
- Explore business development in several different sectors and understand terms like MediaTech, HeathTech, RetailTech, FinTech, etc.
- Understand contemporary concepts including AI, machine learning, IoT, big data, AR/VR, gamification, robotics, etc.
- Work in teams on a selected digital or technology idea
- Apply several entrepreneurial frameworks and tools to the selected idea to understand potential benefits and risks associated with launching the new business
- Produce financial forecasts and understand start-up valuation to raise funds from investors
- Produce a pitch deck to explain their analysis of the idea and present to a selected audience for feedback.

Online sessions (18 hours: 9 sessions of 2 hours each)
There will be 18 hours of class related teaching, which will include lectures and practical skills development.

Online assessment clinics (2 hours)
To help learners develop the assessment there will be a 2-hour clinic where learners can discuss progress, share a draft of their work and receive formative feedback.

Independent Learning (180 hours)
The tutor will provide resources through the virtual learning environment which will include videos and presentations as well as links to useful websites. Other academic learning will be achieved through reading around the subject area. The tutor will suggest useful texts, though many others will be suitable and can be found in our e-library. If you require help understanding any of the concepts, you may contact the tutor for assistance.

1. Group Pitch Presentation (50%) – This group presentation, consisting of a 10-minute pitch and a 15-minute Q&A session, will involve pitching your venture idea to a general audience and addressing any questions raised in relation to potential risks, issues and limits of knowledge. (Learning Outcomes 1, 4 and 5)

2. Individual Written Assignment (50%) – This 1500-word assignment will reflect on your experience of designing a digital or technology venture, in relation to the approaches and business models you have applied, where challenges arose and how these were mitigated, and fundamentally an assessment of the viability of your venture. (Learning Outcomes 2 and 3)

The learning strategy for this module is based around learners committing a total of 200 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 20 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 180 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.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the benefits and risks, and limits of knowledge, around start-ups involving digital and technology innovation and products.
Knowledge & Understanding
Learning

2. Critically evaluate viability and evaluate readiness of a new technology venture.
Application
Analysis
Enquiry
Reflection

3. Adopt a structured approach to market research and industry analysis to critically evaluate the commercial potential of an idea.
Application
Analysis
Enquiry

4. Develop the entrepreneurial skills required to manage a team and build a digital business.
Knowledge & Understanding
Learning
Reflection

5. Effectively analyse information, ideas, problems, and solutions in relation to a venture idea and communicate to a general audience.
Analysis
Communication

VLE learning support material to be provided for independent /self-directed learning
Module handbook
Academic journals and industry magazines
Selected contemporary problem/practice-based case examples

Fitzpatrick, R. (2013). The Mom Test: How to talk to customers & learn if your business is a good idea when everyone is lying to you, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

Isenberg, D. J. (2013). Worthless, impossible, and stupid: how contrarian entrepreneurs create and capture extraordinary value, Harvard Business Review Press.

Maurya, A. (2016). Scaling Lean: Mastering the Key Metrics for Startup Growth, Portfolio.

Mullins, J. (2013). The New Business Road Test: What entrepreneurs and executives should do before launching a lean start-up, FT Press.

Osterwalder, A. (2010). Business model generation: a handbook for visionaries, game changers, and challengers, Wiley-Blackwell.

Osterwalder, A., Pigneur, Y., Bernarda, G., & Smith, A. (2014). Value proposition design: how to create products and services customers want, Wiley-Blackwell.

Ries, E. (2011). The lean startup: how constant innovation creates radically successful businesses, Penguin.

This module is primarily designed for SME employees, students and graduates who are interested in starting a high-impact scalable start-up using digital or other technologies. This module is also relevant for people who are interested in launching new digital or technology innovations in their current organisations.

You don't need to have a background in digital and/or technology to succeed in this module. This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to plan all basic activities within a digital or technology start-up. Note that this course is not suitable for people who are interested in becoming a freelancer or running a small, family-owned business.

Participants of the module will experience the life of a technology entrepreneur. They will work within the secure environment of a university but will be encouraged to go out and do what entrepreneurs do in real life - hustle!

Through several real life exercises and interactive discussions, we will take the participants through several aspects of an entrepreneur’s life and highlight on key things that first time founders have to do to bridge the gap between the idea and reality. T The focus will be on experiential learning so you will be expected to apply the knowledge gained through this course to practical scenarios.