The Entrepreneurial Mindset

Module description

This module aims to introduce you to the concepts of entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship (corporate entrepreneurship) and the entrepreneurial mind-set.  The module will explore and assess the most common characteristics associated with successful entrepreneurial behaviour, successful initiatives and the entrepreneurial processes. The module will give you an insight into the realities of entrepreneurial activity, an understanding of processes important in improving the probability of success, and the important factors that make a new venture more likely to succeed.  New enterprise may be via the creation of a new independent entity (commercial or social) or the organisation of a new venture within an existing enterprise.  Finally, this module will explore how the entrepreneurial mind-set can effect an individual’s ability to create and/or transform organisations, (or parts thereof).

Internationalisation: The module focuses on principles and process elements which are transferable internationally, with specific attention given to entrepreneurship with an international perspective.

External Engagement: Workshops and practical work will include significant input from entrepreneurs and corporate entrepreneurs (intrapreneurs).

Employability: You will be able to assess whether or not the entrepreneurial route is an appropriate career choice and, if it is, to embark with greater confidence on the process of converting an idea into commercial or social reality.

Sustainability: As part of the One Planet MBA, the module assumes the creation of businesses which support a resource-constrained world, and specifically, social entrepreneurship will be an integral part of the learning process. 

Ethics and Corporate Responsibility: This module will examine the role of ethics as part of new venture creation.

Research in Teaching: This module will draw on research articles in the first instance; use the module leader’s research expertise in the areas of discussion; and engage you in independent research to compare pragmatic experience with academic theory.

Full module specification

Module aims

By the end of this module you should have a critical understanding of the entrepreneurial mind-set, nature of  entrepreneurship, the entrepreneurial process, and the requirements for the launch and development of a successful new start-up or a new venture within an existing enterprise. This module will explore the impact of the entrepreneurial mind-set and how it can effect an individual’s ability to create and/or transform organisations (or parts thereof).

ILO: Module-specific skills

• 1. explain the defining characteristics of the entrepreneurial mind-set.
• 2. evaluate what makes a successful commercial or social entrepreneur.
• 3. explain the challenges of establishing a new commercial/social venture, or new venture within an existing organisation.
• 4. assess the key elements and resource demands of the entrepreneurial process.
• 5. explain how to lead with an entrepreneurial mind-set.
• 6. evaluate the relevance of the entrepreneurial mind-set in the business domain.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

• 7. critically evaluate the research literature on entrepreneurship.
• 8. explain how the entrepreneurial process operates for a start-up and for an existing organisation.
• 9. identify the key strategies for idea creation and opportunity exploitation.

ILO: Personal and key skills

• 10. explain how the entrepreneurial mind-set can effect an individual’s personal ability to create and/or transform organisations.
• 11. compare literature and pragmatic experience to illuminate the factors that will increase the chances of new venture success.

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

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

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

Re-assessment notes

The new assignment will have a brief which contains a different emphasis to the initial business plan.

Syllabus plan

Module introduction; understanding entrepreneurship and corporate entrepreneurship.

• The entrepreneur and the corporate entrepreneur; similarities and differences.
• The entrepreneurial mind-set.
• The entrepreneurial process (or frame).
• Innovation as the tool of entrepreneurship.
• Idea creation: how to create a business opportunity.
• Opportunity recognition, assessment (feasibility) and exploitation.
• Entrepreneurship and managing resources.
• The entrepreneurial environment and successful entrepreneurship.
• Social enterprise: the development of ventures underpinned by social equity and sustainability.
• The entrepreneurial mind-set with an international perspective.
• Organisational transformation and the entrepreneurial mind-set.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Bygrave, W and Zacharakis, A (2014) Entrepreneurship (3rd ed.)  John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-1-118-58289-3. 

Burns, P (2013) Corporate Entrepreneurship (3^rd Ed), Palgrave.

McGrath, R and MacMillan, I (2000) The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Strategies for Continuously Creating Opportunity in an Age of Uncertainty

Module has an active ELE page?

Yes

Origin date

21/04/2015

Last revision date

14/10/2016