Introductory description

This is an elective module available for Non-WBS students.

The module aims to:

1. provide non-WBS students with key principles in entrepreneurship give a theoretical and practical introduction to the process of developing a business idea.
2. provide students with the tools and encouragement to continue their entrepreneurship journey within the University of Warwick and beyond.

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.

Students will develop a business for a product or service of their choice. The elements of the course will cover the aspects necessary to develop a business idea. Sessions will include:

• Opportunities
• Innovation
• Intellectual property
• Lean startup approach
• Business models
• Finding Resources
• Communication
• Business idea coaching
• Growth

Learning outcomes

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

• Understand and be able to apply the key principles of entrepreneurship to the development of a business idea.
• Create a business idea pitch & individual assessment.
• Criticise and question the strength of a business idea.
• Demonstrate the ability to think critically about the entrepreneurial process.

Indicative reading list

• Barringer, B.R. and Ireland, R.D. (2010) Entrepreneurship: Successfully Launching New Venture , Harlow: Pearson
• Barrow, C., Barrow, P. and Brown, R. (2015) The Business Plan Workbook: a practical guide to new venture creation and development, London : KoganPage.
• Bhide, A. (1992) 'Bootstrap Finance: The Art of Start-Ups' Harvard Business Review, 70, 6, pp. 109-17
• Mollick, E. (2020). The Unicorn's Shadow. Wharton School Press - this book has five chapters and is classed as essential reading.
• Neck, H.M., Neck, C.P., & Murray, E. L. (2018). Entrepreneurship: The practice and mindset. Sage.
  Ries, E. (2011), The Lean Startup: How Constant Innovation Creates Radically Successful Businesses, London ; New York : Portfolio Penguin.
• Shane, S. (2003). A general theory of entrepreneurship. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.

Interdisciplinary

This module is designed for students from other University departments interested in studying and learning about entrepreneurship.

Subject specific skills

Identify an entrepreneurial opportunity.
Develop and iterate a business model.
Appraise the resources needed to support their business idea.

Transferable skills

Develop written skills in business presentation and communication.
Apply research skills and the ability to effectively search, gather and utilize information and knowledge.