Introductory description

This gateway module introduces entrepreneurship as a method or a way of thinking and acting to create value in uncertain and dynamic environments. Drawing on ideas from across business, innovation, strategy, creativity, and the social sciences, the module explores how entrepreneurial ideas are generated, developed, and tested in practice. Students engage with key entrepreneurial concepts such as effectuation, opportunity recognition, and business modelling, while developing a venture idea (real or hypothetical) through practical activities, reflection, and experimentation. As a WBS gateway module, it provides a shared foundation for students progressing on or into different degree pathways, supporting the development of transferable skills including problem-solving, communication, teamwork, creativity and adaptability. The module also encourages reflection on personal interests, strengths, and future academic or career directions within and beyond WBS.

This is an elective module designed specifically for non-WBS students. To find detailed availability and to apply for this module, log in to my.wbs.ac.uk using your normal IT login details and apply via the my.wbs module application system. Once you’ve secured a place on my.wbs you should apply via your home department’s usual process, which usually takes place via eVision.

Note that you do not require the module leader’s permission to study a WBS module, so please do not contact them to request it.

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.

• Entrepreneurship as a method
• Fostering networks
• Opportunity recognition
• Effectuation in practice
• Navigating uncertainty
• Creativity and innovation
• Venture capabilities
• Business modelling
• Pitching your idea
• Unpacking your assessment

Learning outcomes

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

• Demonstrate application of entrepreneurship as both a method and a mindset, including how value is created in uncertain and dynamic environments.
• Explain and contextualise key entrepreneurial concepts, theories, and frameworks, such as effectuation, opportunity recognition, affordable loss, lean start-up, and business modelling.
• Describe how entrepreneurial opportunities are identified, developed, and refined, including the roles of creativity, innovation, networks, resource constraints, and iterative learning in venture creation.
• Analyse and evaluate entrepreneurial problems and opportunities using appropriate concepts, frameworks, and evidence in conditions of uncertainty.
• Apply critical and creative thinking to generate, test, and refine venture ideas, making informed decisions based on reflection and feedback.
• Critically reflect on entrepreneurial processes and personal learning, demonstrating the ability to learn from experimentation, success, and failure.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Interdisciplinary

Drawing on perspectives from business, innovation, strategy, creativity, and the social sciences, this module presents entrepreneurship as a way of thinking and acting applicable across disciplines and career pathways.

Subject specific skills

• Apply entrepreneurial frameworks and methods (e.g. effectuation, opportunity recognition, business modelling, Lean Canvas) to develop, test, and refine venture ideas under conditions of uncertainty.
• Create and communicate venture propositions through structured analysis, creative ideation, and effective use of pitching, storytelling, and branding tools.
• Engage in reflective entrepreneurial practice, using feedback, experimentation, and critical self-reflection to enhance venture development and entrepreneurial capability.

Transferable skills

• Communicate entrepreneurial ideas effectively, using appropriate written, visual, and oral formats, including reflective writing and pitching.
• Work collaboratively and professionally, building and using networks, engaging with feedback, and contributing effectively to group and peer-learning activities.
• Manage personal learning and development, demonstrating self-reflection, adaptability, and initiative in response to uncertainty and new challenges.