The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the theory and practice of enterprise, entrepreneurship and small business in the visitor economy.

The module will encourage students to think conceptually and critically about the role of the individual in developing enterprise and new venture creation through self-reflection and analysis of graduate and industry / subject specific entrepreneurs. This will lead towards the creation of a pragmatic, considered and plausible business plan with actionable potential upon graduation.

The overall aim is to develop both an understanding of enterprise and an ‘entrepreneurial culture’ amongst final year undergraduates who have a desire to establish their own business venture and / or pursue self-employment as a career option.

• Overview of enterprise, entrepreneurship, and small business

• The entrepreneur as hero: media, policy and academic perspectives

• Economic perspectives of the entrepreneur

• The psychology of the entrepreneur

• Personality traits and risk

• Innovation, opportunity and creativity

• Social, civic, not-for-profit enterprises

• Intrapreneurship within large organisations

• Entrepreneurial marketing and strategy

• Entrepreneurial leadership

• Entrepreneurial success and failure

• New venture creation and business planning

• Financial, legal and business planning frameworks

• Case studies of tourism, hospitality and event entrepreneurs

• Assessment of own entrepreneurial and management capabilities

Creative entrepreneurship is important, as it can improve standards of living and create wealth, not only for the entrepreneurs but also for related businesses and the local economy. Entrepreneurs also help drive change with innovation, where new and improved products enable new markets to be developed. The module focuses on the formation and growth of new ventures, managing small businesses and the creation and implementation of small business start-ups. It will give you the skills you need to set up your own enterprise or work effectively in small and early-stage business ventures.



A1 – Task:

Guidelines:

As part of a pitch (10 minutes with 5 minutes for questions) students will present their business idea along with a basic feasibility study that identifies and justifies, the concept, the demand and the proposed target market.

Assessment Learning Outcomes: 1



A2 – Task:

Guidelines:

The final assessment (in the form of a 2000 report) will offer a detailed, and professionally presented business plan that offers an objective analysis of the proposed business idea. Contents to include:

Executive Summary / Overview of Business / Management Structure / Aims and Objectives

Products / Services /Feasibility

Internal and External Environmental analysis

Competitor Analysis and Marketing Strategy

Operations and Logistics

Costing and Pricing Strategy

Forecasts and Financial Data

References

Appendix

Assessment Learning Outcomes: 2

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 200 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 48 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 152 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.

This module will be delivered in a workshops format, which will be flexible enough to respond to the needs of students.



Workshops will engage in individual and small group exercises and discussions, with an emphasis on applying taught theoretical concepts to case studies of industry appropriate organisational settings and entrepreneurs.



Workshop delivery and indicative content will be supported by contributions from entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship facilitators and funders.

Critically evaluate models of enterprise, entrepreneurship and small business

Knowledge and understanding

Critically reflect upon personal skill and competence development for enterprise

Learning, Reflection

Appreciate the strategic and operational issues confronting new ventures and nascent entrepreneurs

Analysis

Identify and evaluate market opportunities and plan for the launch of a new business venture

Knowledge and understanding, problem solving and Application

Module study guide

The University Library and Learning Resources - books and academic journals

The module VLE

Electronic data bases

Learning support materials

Internet

Ateljevic, J. and Page, S. (2009) Tourism and entrepreneurship: international perspectives Oxford: Butterworth: Heinemann

Atrill, P. and McLaney, E.J. (2015) Accounting and finance for non-specialists Harlow: Pearson

Baron, D. P. (2013) Business and its environment Boston: Pearson

Barrow, C., Barrow, P. and Brown, R. (2012) The business plan workbook London: Kogan Page

Bridge, S and O’Neill, K. (2013) Understanding enterprise: entrepreneurship & small business Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan

Burns, P. (2011) Entrepreneurship & small business-start-up, growth & maturity 3rd edition, Palgrave.

Burns, P. (2016) Entrepreneurship and small business: start-up, growth and maturity Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan

Bygrave, W and Zacharakis A. (2011) Entrepreneurship, 2nd edition, Wiley.

Deakins, D. and Freel, M. S. Entrepreneurship and small firms London: McGraw-Hill Higher Education

Dyson, J. R. (2010) Accounting for non-accounting students Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall

Needle, D. (2015) Business in context: an introduction to business and its environment Andover: Cengage Learning

Ross, D.L. and Lashley, C. (2009) Entrepreneurship and small business management in the hospitality industry London: Butterworth-Heinemann

Shane, S. A. (2003) A general theory of entrepreneurship: the individual-opportunity nexus Cheltenham: Edward Elgar

Sheppardson, C and Gibson, H. (2011) Leadership and entrepreneurship in the hospitality industry Oxford: Goodfellow

Slowman, J. and Jones, E. (2017) Essential economics for business Upper Saddle River: Pearson

Storey, D.J. and Greene, J. (2010) Small business and entrepreneurship Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall

Westhead, P. Wright, M. and McElwee, G. (2011) Entrepreneurship: perspectives and cases New York: Prentice Hall

Wright, M. and McElwee, G. (2011) Entrepreneurship: perspectives and cases Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall

Economies are powered by innovation. Much of that innovation derives from forward-thinking individuals who possess the drive, skills, and background to turn a business vision into reality. The importance of entrepreneurs extends beyond the effect those individuals have on their own companies as they impact broader communities, and, in some cases, even the world. This module will spur you into action and will guide you to create a company whose strengths match the prominent characteristics, skill set, knowledge and experience of its founder.