Coursework (100%)
Coursework comprising:
• A professionally formatted written proposal for a new product directly targeted at your chosen sector industry (typically 1000 words), supported by evidence of research.
• A filmed 8 – 10 minute presentation to a panel of staff and industry practitioners, making use of appropriate visual aids
[Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4]

Formative Assessment
Participation in presentation workshops with an emphasis on effectiveness of communication in engaging and persuading the audience regarding the validity of a proposed industry facing product.

This module aims to develop your skills in identifying a need within your chosen sector industry and your proposal to address this need through (a) the presentation of a formal written project proposal and (b) a persuasive presentation to industry, otherwise known as an Industry Pitch.

The module will enable you to demonstrate your ability to develop, structure and deliver a presentation in order to communicate clearly the key concepts, supporting rationale and evidence (e.g. market research, client profile, identified gap in the market) behind your recommendations for a new product directly targeted at your chosen sector industry. This may be a physical item, service or business idea and dependent on the feedback you receive during your pitch, what you propose in this module may be followed through to completion in your final major production module during semester 2, though this is not compulsory.

You will be expected to develop a well-researched written project proposal, presenting an innovative idea that reflects your own areas of interest and strength, along with an awareness of what constitutes an appropriate level of complexity regarding your level of study as an emerging industry professional, and local, national and international sector industry expectations. Although the idea itself must be valid and well researched in order that you are in a position of authority on the subject, this module is principally geared towards improving and assessing your ability to generate and deliver an engaging and persuasive presentation.

Having drafted your project proposal, you will make an appropriate selection of information to deliver an 8 -10 minute pitch, allowing time for members of the panel to ask questions based on your presentation. Through a series of workshops you will be given several opportunities to develop confidence in various presenting methods, along with formative feedback on the effectiveness of your communication as you develop your core idea. Feedback will also help you to consider the best ways to evidence support to any claims you wish to make regarding the need for your product and the ambitions it implies.

It is expected at this stage in your learning that you reflect on the feedback provided by industry practitioners during your summative pitch, particularly if you intend to take your idea forward for development in your semester 2 final major production module.

Whilst you will be spending the majority of your time in guided independent study and research, you will also participate in the following activities:
Introductory briefing and explanation of assessment method,
Workshops to include -
Ideas generation
Proposal writing
Presentation skills and the use of visual aids
Communication skills
Confidence building
Reflective practice and responding to feedback
Individual and group tutorials
Group critique allowing constructive and evaluative discussions,
Engagement with industry specialists

Studio space suitable for discussion and presentations with IWB & dimmable lights
Computers with internet access
Proposal writing resources, i.e. exemplars and templates
DV Cameras and associated recording equipment
Viewing equipment to support reflective practice

Boross P. (2011) The Pitching Bible: The Seven Secrets of a Successful Business Pitch: CGW
Cuddy, A. (2016) Presence: Bringing your Boldest Self to your Biggest Challenge: Orion
Gallo, C. (2014) Talk Like TED: The 9 Public Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds: Macmillan
Gamble, I. (2009) Making the Business Case: Proposals that Succeed for Projects that Work: Gower Publishing Ltd
Ingledew, J. (2016) How to have Great Ideas: A Guide to Creative Thinking: Lawrence King
Klaff O. (2011) Pitch Anything: An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal: McGraw Hill Professional
Libes, M. (2013) The Next Step: A guide to Pitching your Idea: Lunarmobiscuit

1. DEMONSTRATE SKILLS IN IDEAS GENERATION UNDERPINNED BY YOUR INSIGHTS INTO KEY CONCEPTS ARRIVED AT THROUGH RESEARCH WITHIN YOUR CHOSEN SECTOR INDUSTRY. MAKE SOUND JUDGMENTS WHEN SELECTING METHODS AND MATERIALS TO PITCH IDEAS.
[Learning]

2. EXPRESS IDEAS IN A PERSUASIVE AND ENGAGING MANNER, USING A RANGE OF FORMATS IN RESPONSE TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE AND SITUATION.
[Communication]

3. SELECT AND EFFECTIVELY DEPLOY APPROPRIATE SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES IN ORDER TO GENERATE MATERIALS WHICH SUPPORT THE CONVEYANCE OF IDEAS. CONFIDENTLY COMBINE A RANGE OF PRESENTATION METHODS IN AN ENGAGING AND PERSUASIVE MANNER WHEN FACING A SPECIALIST AUDIENCE.
[Application]

4. APPROPRIATELY ENGAGE WITH OTHERS IN ORDER TO ACCESS INFORMATION TO INFORM OWN IDEAS. PRESENT IDEAS TO OTHERS WITH CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE AND BE RESPONSIVE TO CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK FROM OTHERS IN SUPPORT OF OWN DEVELOPMENT.
[Working with Others]