Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Small Business Management
Module Code	EF329
School	DCUBS
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: eric clinton Semester 2: eric clinton Autumn: eric clinton
Module Teacher	eric clinton
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The purpose of this module is to examine the theory and the practice of entrepreneurship and small business management. The module will place particular emphasis on the development of porfessional service firms. Entrepreneurship and small business management is studied in terms of opportunity recognition, the process of new venture creation and the determinants of new venture success. Assessment is based on students completing a number of assignments focussed on identifying a new business opportunity and preparing a plan and business pitch for a new business. The module is delivered through lectures.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and investigate the viability of a new business venture opportunity
2. Summarise the key issues for a new venture proposal
3. Interpret primary and secondary market research for a new business venture
4. Assess the commercial feasibility of a new business venture
5. Develop a comprehensive business plan for a new venture

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	Lectures
Assignment	21	Feasibility study
Assignment	30	Pitch and market research
Assignment	50	Business plan report
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Learning Activities.
The majority of classroom content is lectures that outline the theory and practice of entrepreneurship. During the module students will work on identifying and assessing a business opportunity, and preparing a pitch and business plan for a specific business opportunity..

Entrepreneurs and New Venture Success.
This topic explores entrepreneurs, the nature of the new venture creation process and the determinants of new venture performance..

New Business Opportunities.
Examines the sources of business opportunities; and explores processes for identifying new business opportunities. Students will identify business opportunities..

Feasibility Study and Market Assessment.
Explores what factors to consider in assessing the feasibility of a new business idea. How to carry out both primary and secondary market research and analysis..

New Business Planning.
Overview of the role and structure of a business plan..

Legal and operational issues.
Management, legal and operational requirements in starting a new business. Intellectual property; patents, trademarks and copyright protection..

Financing a New Business.
Examines the financial requirements of a new enterprise; the possible sources of finance; and how to prepare financial projections (costing and pricing, cashflow, manufacturing accounts, profit and loss account, balance sheet and break-even analysis)..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Report (s) (written / oral)	Feasibility Study	20%	As required
Presentation	Elavator pitch and market research	30%	As required
Report (s) (written / oral)	Business plan	50%	As required

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

O'Gorman, C and J. Cunningham: 2007, Enterprise in Action: An Introduction to Entrepreneurship in an Irish Context, 3rd., Oak Tree Press, Dublin,
Burns, Paul: 2007, Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2nd Ed, Palgrave,
Rae, David: 2007, Entrepreneurship: From Opportunity to Action, PalgraveMacMillan,

Other Resources

495, Website, 0, Government Resource for New Businesses, www.basis.ie, 496, Website, 0, City and County Enterprise Boards, www.enterpriseboards.ie, 497, Website, 0, Enterprise Ireland, www.enterprise-ireland.com, 498, Website, 0, Commercial Website, www.startingabusinessinireland.com,

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