This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module is the first in a series of three consecutive modules (Principles of New Venture, launching a start-up and sustainable commercialisation) aimed at equipping students with knowledge and hands-on skills relevant for starting, launching and scaling a new venture, be it an independent start-up, or a new venture within an existing organisation. Principles of the New Venture provides students with a first-hand understanding and appreciation of the processes, practices and skills that are key to early stages of the entrepreneurial journey, with an emphasis on problem identification and framing. These are situated in the context of the evolving nature of entrepreneurship, and unique ways different cultures manifest these.
Students have an opportunity to engage with real-life case studies of the history of well-known ventures, and the entrepreneurs who spearheaded these projects. They also engage in activities that directly nurture the entrepreneurial mind-set, creativity and critical thinking skills. Supported by the ASPIRE team, the module will receive inputs from entrepreneurial alumni from the University of Kent, SME owners and established entrepreneurs in the Kent region and beyond. This will be through guest speakers, ideation pitches and marketing competitions. All students will be encouraged to engage with the Business Start Up Journey of ASPIRE.
Indicative topics include:
Evolving nature of entrepreneurship
How do entrepreneurs think?
What makes a successful entrepreneur?
Opportunity creation and Opportunity recognition
The business idea
The role of technology in the entrepreneurial process
Idea-market Fit: Conducting market research
Total contact hours: 44
Total private study hours: 256
Total module study hours: 300 hours
Main assessment methods:
Detailed Assessment Pattern Component Breakdown:
Written Individual Written Report (2500 words) 50%
Group Presentation 20%
Individual Reflective Video 30%
The group presentation must be passed in order to pass the module.
Reassessment methods:
100% coursework
Kawasaki, G. (2015) The Art of the Start 2.0: The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything. Penguin Publishers.
Mullins J. (2017) The new business road test. What entrepreneurs and investors should do before launching a lean start-up. Pearson Publishers.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role entrepreneurs play in global and local economies, as well as the evolving nature of entrepreneurship.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the skills and attributes that make up entrepreneurial behaviour.
- Develop skills and expertise relevant in the initial stages of starting new ventures, including market research, opportunity creation and recognition, and creative problem solving.
- Prepare creative content to communicate the process of ideation in new venture creation.
- Exploit innovative research tools and technologies to harness untapped market opportunities.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Develop a creative and curious approach to problem solving.
- Select and use appropriate methods to collect relevant data, based on which sound decisions in periods of uncertainties can be made.
- Work within small teams to build foundational competencies in managing project teams.
- Refine and adopt superior courses of action or thinking based on constructive self-evaluation and feedback from peers.
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