Introductory description

N/A.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This module uses experiential learning to develop a critical understanding of the
commercialisation process. The programme will be in three phases:
Phase 1- Getting started: What? Who?
Why is the commercialisation process of any interest to scientists?
How do you begin? (Who is in the team? What are my skills for this activity?)
Ideas generation—from where does a 'product' come?
Output: An action plan to be ready for Phase 2 with an 'idea' or 'product', supported by the
group, that will be developed as the programme progresses. The product might relate directly to
one or more group members' research or may be more theoretical. It should be clearly seen to
have (commercial) potential.
Phase 2 - Making it a reality: How?
What is the process of commercialisation?
How do you take the idea from Phase 1 into a reality?
What roles are required?
Output: The participants will have obtained a clear idea of the commercialisation process,
particularly within the University context, including issues relating to IP and Business Plans. They
will have a clear idea of where within Warwick's structures they go for advice. They will be in a
position to prepare an upper level pitch for their 'product'.
Phase 3 - Does it work?
Presentation of an upper level pitch supported by a business plan to a panel of experts composed of the mentors and other relevant figures, including from industry and the alumni community. Output: A project that is sufficiently coherent that it could attract serious external interest and funding. All participants have confidence to embark on a commercialisation process within the Warwick context.

The acquisition of related skills and knowledge will culminate in the development of a business plan and a high level pitch. The development of a business proposal is the means by which participants will integrate and apply what they have learnt during the module and demonstrate understanding of key concepts and processes. It will be designed to help participants evaluate the potential of their research and think through wider issues such as research contribution to knowledge. In addition to developing the skills associated with putting together, the business plan they will also practice presentation skills through the presentation of their business proposition to a panel, as part of a fundraising exercise. Participants will be expected to use a Learning Journal to record and reflect on their learning experience and what they learn as they progress through the module.
The module is based on 3 days of taught course material plus formally mentored group work.
The course will include identifying resources necessary for evaluating, developing and commercialising an idea as well as issues of how to protect (or not) intellectual property.
At the end of the taught course participants would be expected to identify a partner/s and choose an idea which can be developed as part of the business planning process. The idea should in some way be related to the research of particular members of the team and may be part of ongoing activities in their research group. In certain cases the research of others may be the focus of this part of the module. This will be facilitated in class. Students will work in teams. Teams will be assigned an individual tutor to support them through this process. All module teams will be required to present their ideas to a panel.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the need for greater levels of commercialisation and the commercialisation process.
• Demonstrate a detailed understanding of intellectual property law, regulation and patent.
• Demonstrate an understanding of strategy and the strategic process.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Subject specific skills

N/A

Transferable skills

Key Skills/Cognitive Skills
Demonstrate an ability to develop and effectively communicate a commercial opportunity

Key Skills
Demonstrate written communication skills developed through the business plan (and, where relevant, the individual report)
Demonstrate oral communication skills developed through team commercialisation process and group presentations.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of team development processes, team structure and dynamics to work effectively with others including harnessing multi-disciplinary expertise, and managing team-based projects, conflict and decision making.