Introductory description

The module is based on a broad understanding of entrepreneurship as a practice informed by attitudes, skills and behaviours necessary to cope with uncertainty and complexity. It is designed to introduce the methods and skills required to develop an idea into a viable creative enterprise in collaboration with others and facilitate your development as a cultural entrepreneur. You will compare your personal motives, values and ideas with the myths and realities of running an enterprise. You will also have the opportunity to apply some of the techniques and concepts covered elsewhere in your MA studies (e.g. marketing, intellectual property, communication and management strategy) in practice.

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.

The first part of the module: Defining Cultural Entrepreneurship aims to establish an understanding of cultural entrepreneurship and the cultural entrepreneur in terms of practice and the individual in the context of both the enterprise and the wider culture. Part Two: Cultural Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Implementation focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to start up and manage a new creative enterprise, through practical exercises and the the development of a team venture. At the end of the module you will produce a written business plan for your creative enterprise in collaboration with your team.

Learning outcomes

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

• Demonstrate an understanding of key terms and principles in financial management and planning.
• Understand the principles of setting up an enterprise.
• Understand the assumptions and principles behind investment in the creative industries for different types of investor and different types of enterprise.
• Make a convincing case for investment in a creative enterprise, using appropriate evidence, arguments and language.
• Research and critically evaluate the market opportunity for a new creative enterprise
• Present an argument or case convincingly to a group of people.
• Communicate what you have learnt, both orally and in writing.
• Work collaboratively with others in seminar presentations and written assignments.
• Solve problems, arising from seminar presentations and written assignments.

Indicative reading list

Barringer, Bruce R.; Ireland, Duane. (2016) Entrepreneurship: Successfully Launching New Ventures Global Edition (Pearson Education Limited)

Bilton, C.and Cummings, S. (2014) Handbook of Management and Creativity (Cheltenham: Edward Elgar)

Bilton, C. & Cummings, S. (2010) Creative Strategy: Reconnecting Business and Innovation. (London: John Wiley & Sons)

Bridge, S. (2017): The Search for Entrepreneurship. (London: Routledge)

Campbell Jones, Spicer, Andre (2009) Unmasking the Entrepreneur (Edward Elgar: Cheltenham)

Drucker, P. (2007) Innovation and Entrepreneurship: practice and principles (Oxford: Butterworth: Heineman)

Finch, Brian (2013) How to Write a Business Plan (London: Kogan Page)

Godin, Seth (2003): Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable (Penguin Books)

Howkins, J. (2001) The creative economy: how people make money from ideas (London: Penguin).

Kolb, B. (2015): Entrepreneurship for the Creative and Cultural Industries. (London: Routledge)

Leadbeater, Charles and Oakley, Kate (1999) The Independents: Britain's new cultural entrepreneurs (London: Demos)

NESTA Enterprise Toolkit 2016 Edition

Osterwalder, A. & Pigneur, Y. (2010): Business Model Generation (London: Wiley)

Osterwalder, A (2014): Value Proposition Design: How to Make Stuff People Want
(Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley)

Parrish, David: T-Shirts And Suits: A Guide to the Business of Creativity

Parrish, David (2014) Chase One Rabbit: Strategic Marketing for Business Success: 63 Tips, Techniques and Tales for Creative Entrepreneurs

Rae, D (2007): Entrepreneurship: From opportunity to action (Palgrave Macmillan)

Ries, Eric (2011): The Lean Startup: How Constant Innovation Creates Radically Successful Businesses (London: Portfolio Penguin)

Van Der Pijl, P. L. K. Solomon, L. K. & Lokitz, J. (Eds) (2016). Design a Better Business: New Tools, Skills and Mindset for Strategy and Innovation (London: John Wiley & Sons)

Vassallo, Walter. (2016): Crowdfunding for Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Subject specific skills

The module is based around a series of tasks to assist you in the development and evaluation of an existing or new viable service or product. One of the tasks will involve developing and taking ownership of a virtual business and making strategic decisions as a member of a management team during a two day business simulation. You will be expected to apply your learning in practice through the preparation of a written business plan with your team. You will also be invited to reflect on your personal journey in the context of entrepreneurial identity and cultural entrepreneurship.

Transferable skills

Ideation, evaluation and concept development. Advanced communication skills including pitching, presenting and customising messages for specific audiences. Understanding of financial management and basic accounting skills. Understanding of marketing practice, research and analysis. Reflective practice.