Introductory description

This is an elective module for first year non-WBS students. It can be taken on it's own, or along with other WBS modules as part of the Business and Management pathway. Please speak to your home department for more information.

The module aims to:

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

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 the key principles of entrepreneurship to the development of a business idea
• Create a business idea pitch
• Appraise the strength of a business idea
• Demonstrate the ability to analyse 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.

Subject specific skills

Identify an entrepreneurial opportunity
Develop 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 to a business idea