Module overview
The emergence of the digital economy has unlocked new opportunities for entrepreneurs, leading to the creation of new business models, innovations and value in data driven sectors. The digital economy initially stemmed from the technology sector, but as new tools and techniques have become more accessible and widespread, new digital enterprises and entrepreneurs have begun to emerge in a variety of sectors. Entrepreneurs have been particularly keen to locate opportunities where digital business models can be created to unleash disruptive innovation, with serial venturing teams becoming digital entrepreneurs. Considerable wealth has been accumulated through digital entrepreneurship,but developing successful and sustainable ventures is a complex task. This module provides insight into the emergence of digital entrepreneurship, key concepts, business models and the resources needed to develop successful ventures. Students will develop a business plan for a digital enterprise as part of a venture team and will present this plan in a business pitch. This module will be of interest to students planning on developing their own enterprise, or who intend on working in dynamic, digital businesses.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the development of unique digital business models;
- the skills and resources required for digital entrepreneurship;
- the criteria for the development of a successful digital business plan and business plan presentation.
- the rise and development of the concept of digital entrepreneurship;
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- converse with key stakeholders about issues relevant to the development of new digital ventures;
- evaluate, analyse, understand and interpret the activities involved in digital business venturing.
- analyse and interpret different approaches to the creation of digital business models;
- understand opportunity recognition, development and evaluation of digital business ventures in a variety of contexts;
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- self-manage the development of learning and study skills, both individually and as part of a collaborative learning group;
- synthesise, analyse, interpret and evaluate information from a range of sources.
- contribute successfully to a peer work group;
- identify own personal attributes applicable to entrepreneurial situations in digital contexts;
Syllabus
The topics covered in this module will include:
- Defining Entrepreneurship
- Defining digital entrepreneurship
- The rise of entrepreneurship in digital spaces
- The sharing economy and the digital business
- Opportunity development, assessment and evaluation
- Developing digital business models that capture value and sustain their competitive advantage
- The digital entrepreneurship environment and the nature of entrepreneurial activity
- Key actors, resources and technologies to facilitate digital entrepreneurship
- Communities of practice, diverse venture teams and socio-technical systems needed to create successful digital models
- Digital businesses role in social and sustainable development
- The creation and development of the business plan
Business plan and business plan presentation; assessment and evaluation.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
Lectures, virtual discussions, interactive case studies, problem-solving activities, directed reading, and private/guided study.
Learning activities include
- Introductory lectures
- Case study / problem solving activities
- In class, virtual debate and discussion
- Private study
- Use of video and online materials
- Development of a digital business plan
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Teaching | 24 |
Independent Study | 126 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Journal Articles
Small Business Economics. Small Business Economics.
Journal of Management Studies. Journal of Management Studies.
R&D management. R&D management.
Journal of Economic Geography. Journal of Economic Geography.
Research Policy. Research Policy.
Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice. Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice.
Journal of Business Venturing. Journal of Business Venturing.
Organisation Science. Organisation Science.
Academy of Management. Academy of Management.
Journal of Small Business Management. Journal of Small Business Management.
British Journal of Management. British Journal of Management.
Textbooks
Ng, I. (2014). Creating New Markets in the Digital Economy: Value and Worth. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Malecki, E. and Moriset. (2007). The Digital Economy: Business Organization, Production Processes and Regional Developments. London: Taylor & Francis.
Barringer, B.R. and Ireland, R.D. (2010). Entrepreneurship: Successfully Launching New Ventures. London: Pearson.
Bridge, S., O’Neill, K. and Cromie, S. (2003). Understanding Enterprise, Entrepreneurship and Small Business. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
In-class activities
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Formative assessment and feedback will arise from class activities such as problem solving activities, discussions, use of case studies and in-class quizzes.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Report | 80% |
Group presentation | 20% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Report | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Report | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External