Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Module description

This module is open to all students as an elective. It is also part of the ‘With Proficiency in Entrepreneurship’ pathway whereby through completing four modules in the series the student can opt in to be awarded With Proficiency in Entrepreneurship and to have it added to their final degree title (For further details: https://business-school.exeter.ac.uk/research/centres/entrepreneurship/studying/wpi/)

This module introduces the student to innovation and entrepreneurship theory and practice. Using case studies, this module delivers foundational knowledge in these subjects. You will explore the histories, theories, and frameworks associated with innovation and entrepreneurship and how they support business growth. The module will consider contemporary urgent global issues such as sustainability and inequity and explore how entrepreneurs are innovating to tackle the sources of these problems. This will all be brought together in a workshop setting where students will apply their new acquired knowledge to build a range of entrepreneurial skills.

This module is a must for any student looking to gain business understanding. It will complement any degree of study helping the student to acquire contemporary knowledge and skills for today’s business world.

No prior knowledge/skills or experience is required

No pre-requisite or co-requisite modules are required

This module is suitable for non-specialist students

This module is strongly recommended for interdisciplinary pathways

Full module specification

Module title:	Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Module code:	BEM1034
Module level:	1
Academic year:	2023/4
Module lecturers:	Mr Adam Lusby - Convenor Dr Nikita Chiu - Convenor
Module credit:	15
ECTS value:	7.5
Pre-requisites:	none
Co-requisites:	none
Duration of module:	Duration (weeks) - term 2: 11

Module aims

An Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship aims to deliver the foundations that will be built upon through the WPI-E pathway. It will equip students with a strong introductory knowledge of innovation and entrepreneurship and how these subjects interrelate. Through exploring the histories, primary theories, and frameworks, the student will be introduced to a series of organisations and characters that serve as examples of theory in action. The module will take a critical view and place contemporary global challenges and risks at the heart of the learning

ILO: Module-specific skills

1. critically evaluate and reflect on major concepts and theories that underpin contemporary practices and debates in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship
2. apply innovation and entrepreneurship theories and frameworks to real-life scenarios/practices

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

3. evaluate innovation and entrepreneurships contribution to societal and economic growth in relation to responsible and sustainable business
4. explain the fundamentals of the interplay between technology, policy, entrepreneurship and innovation

ILO: Personal and key skills

5. apply cross cutting skills, including adaptability, entrepreneurial mindset, and the ability to comprehend and manage risks and uncertainty

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
28	122

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities	12	Online delivered lecture content via ELE
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities	16	Workshops
Guided Independent Study	122	Preparing for workshops and preparation for formative and summative assessments

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
In workshop critiques of project	During workshops	1-5	Verbal
Draft individual project proposal	During workshops	1-5	Verbal

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Individual project video	60	Video: 7 mins	1-5	Written
Individual multiple-choice quiz	40	2 x 30 min quiz	1-4	Automated online feedback
	0
	0
	0
	0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Individual project video	Individual project video	1-5	August/September reassessment period
Individual multiple-choice quiz	Individual multiple-choice quiz	1-4	August/September reassessment period

Syllabus plan

Indicative core themes considered in the module will include:

Definitions of entrepreneurship and innovation
Introduction to entrepreneurship and innovation theory and frameworks
Types of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship
Innovation strategies
Entrepreneurship and innovation case study review and analysis
Skills for assignment completion
Managing uncertainty and risks
Innovating in a sustainable and responsible manner
Understanding the human-technology interface

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Bessant, J., and Tidd, J. (2015). Innovation and entrepreneurship. John Wiley & Sons. https://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb4370728.
Goffin, K., and Mitchell, R. (2016). Innovation Management: Effective Strategy and Implementation. Bloomsbury Academic. https://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb4141745.
Neck, H.M., Neck, C.P. and Murray E.L. (2020). Entrepreneurship: The practice and mindset. Sage Publications. https://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb4339850.
Nielson, S., Klyver, K., and Evald, M.R. (2021). Entrepreneurship in theory and practice: paradoxes in play (Third Edition). Edward Elgar. https://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb4515355.
Ries, E. (2011). The Lean Startup. Penguin. https://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb4339846.