Module overview
This module has a very practical focus on the development of effective business plans. The taught content will address what is required in a business plan, including variations that occur across sectors or industries. At the end of the course, learners will be able to write a business plan and deliver a business pitch to potential investors.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Manage individual tasks, personal resources and time effectively;
- Write effectively for business purposes;
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Write an effective business plan for a new business;
- Evaluate the feasibility of a business plan for various types of new business.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The role of a business plan in creating a new venture;
- Sources of finance for new ventures;
- Intellectual property protection for new ventures.
Syllabus
- What is a business plan?
- Preparation of a credible business plan.
- Funding opportunities for new businesses.
- The feasibility analysis: overview and key dimensions.
- Intellectual property issues – patents, trademarks and brands.
- Elevator pitches.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- In class exercises
Learning activities include:
- Individual reading and research
- Group discussions
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 70 |
| Teaching | 30 |
| Total study time | 100 |
Resources & Reading list
Journal Articles
•Simón-Moya, V. & Revuelto-Taboada, L. (2016). Revising the predictive capability of business plan quality for new firm survival using qualitative comparative analysis. Journal of Business Research 69(4). , pp. pp.1351–1356.
Mason, C. & Stark, M. (2004). What do Investors Look for in a Business Plan? A Comparison of the Investment Criteria of Bankers, Venture Capitalists and Business Angels. International Small Business Journal 22(3). , pp. pp.227–248.
•Brinckmann, J., Grichnik, D. & Kapsa, D. (2010). Should entrepreneurs plan or just storm the castle? A meta-analysis on contextual factors impacting the business planning-performance relationship in small firms. Journal of Business Venturing 25(1). , pp. pp.24–40.
Chen, X.P., Yao, X. & Kotha, S (2009). Entrepreneur passion and preparedness in business plan presentations: A persuasion analysis of venture capitalists’ funding decisions. Academy of Management journal 52(1). , pp. pp.199–214.
Textbooks
Evans, V (2015). The FT Essential Guide to Writing a Business Plan: How to win backing to start up or grow your business. FT Publishing International.
Barringer, R.B. and Ireland, R.D (2012). Entrepreneurship: Successfully launching new ventures.. Pearson.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
In-class formative opportunities
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Formative feedback will be given in class on discussions related to the individual and group assignments.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Business plan | 70% |
| Individual Presentation | 30% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Business plan | 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 |
|---|---|
| Business plan | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External