Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- assess competition and market conditions
- recognise business opportunities
- plan and demonstrate distinctive business activities
- acknowledge customer- and user-friendly approaches when planning business operations

Implementation and methods of teaching

This course will be taught primarily online via Zoom.The Zoom link for each session will be made available via Moodle. If the coronavirus situation allows then some sessions may also be taught in the classroom.

Timing and attendance

This course involves students working in teams to produce a business plan and supporting pitch video. To help ensure that all students participate actively in this process all students are required to attend at least 90% of the sessions.

Learning material and recommended literature

All material will be supplied in the lectures, no extra reading is required.

Alternative completion methods

Business plan and supporting pitch video.

Exam retakes

There is no exam for this course, students will be judged on the completed business plan and pitch video.

Learning environment

This will be taught online via live Zoom sessions with possible classroom sessions if the coronavirus situation allows.

Student time use and work load

There will be a new topic each week after which students are expected to update their business plan/pitch video as appropriate.

Assessment criteria

Students will be graded on the completed business plan and pitch video. Although this is a group project students will still receive an individual grade based upon their own contribution.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Failure to attend 90% of the sessions.
Failure to grasp basic concepts with planning a business.
Failure to cooperate with the rest of the team.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

At least 90% attendance.
Understanding of the basic concepts involved in drafting a business plan.
Basic contributions to the plan and video.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

At least 90% attendance.
Good understanding of the basics of starting a business.
Realistic business idea.
Good understanding of the expenses involved in running and starting a business.
Comprehensive market research and a good marketing strategy.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

At least 90% attendance.
Excellent understanding of the many aspects required for starting a business (product description, branding, marketing, target customer, USP etc.)
Realistic business idea with real potential.
Deep understanding of the expenses involved in running and starting a business and comprehensive financial analysis including well justified projections for future growth.
Comprehensive market research and a good marketing strategy.
Contingency plan and ability to amend business idea based upon research and feedback.
Well edited and professional video highlighting the key benefits of the idea and containing a summary of the financial plan and pricing strategy.