This module will introduce you to working in the creative industries on a shoestring budget, through the proposal for the design and practical implementation of a market-researched product or service within the context of a viable business plan, into promoting, marketing and retailing your idea, keeping appropriate financial records and summarising the success of the project.

In undertaking this project module, you will be motivated by the desire to obtain skills of value to employers and the self-employed, improve your personal and enterprise skills, test the market for self-employment and improve your entrepreneurial skills. You will also develop a range of personal transferable skills such as organisational skills, networking, assertiveness, communication, presentation skills, problem solving, analytical skills, creativity and numerical ability. You will be required to keep an electronic blog, detailing your weekly activities and critically reflecting on your experience throughout the module.

This module will add to the value of your CV, creating for yourself a real-life business experience to draw on in job applications, funding proposals and interviews.

Ashton, R (2009) How to Start Your Own Business for Entrepreneurs Prentice Hall Business;
Fishel, C (2009) The Freelance Design Handbook: Don't Start Work Without It Rotovision
Ilasco, M (2010) Creative, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business Chronicle Books
Matthews, J L (2010) Fashion Unraveled - Second Edition: How to Start and Manage Your Own Fashion (or Craft) Design Business East Bay Fashion Resource
Sheldon , G (2008) Start Your Own Graphic Design Business: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Success Entrepreneur Press
Taylor, F (2010) How to Create a Portfolio & Get Hired: A Guide for Graphic Designers and Illustrators (Portfolio Skills) Laurence King
Yates, J (2009) All-Time Essentials for Entrepreneurs: 100 Things to Know and Do to Make Your Idea Happen Capstone
Yates, J (2009) Freesourcing: How to Start a Business with No Money Capstone
Various (2010) Dragons' Den: Start Your Own Business: From Idea to Income Collins

Library
Lynda.com
Internet access
Seminar room with digital projector
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

E Resources:
A range of planning and development guides are available on The Prince's Trust website and other web links available through Blackboard VLE

You will be involved in:
Seminars to share ideas and test your proposals
Group tutorials to discuss key themes such as market research, costing your work, marketing and promotion, business planning etc.
Individual tutorials to discuss your progress and personal targets
Workshops to assemble your work and plan your strategies for success
Presentations to peers and tutors

Summative Assessment Indications:
-Reflective Log 20% - in the form of an electronic blog (no word count) [Learning Outcomes 3 and 4]
-Coursework 80% (to include business proposal, business plan, artefact / service images or item(s), development work and critical analysis, financials and summary of success of the project (approx 4000 words) [Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4]


Formative Assessment Indications:
Weekly e-blog / reflective diary 'show and tell'
Discussions in workshops
Informal presentations to cohort
Feedback on assignment draft
Q&A
Self and peer evaluation