MAN-30123 - Module Specification
Keele Business School
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

In this module, students will gain first hand experience of initiating, setting up and managing a new business venture. The module is ultimately designed to improve student employability and to widen career choice. Emphasis is placed upon the development of business skills, occupational awareness of new venture start up, self employment and the small business sector.
In teams, students will endeavour to discuss, plan and share ideas about managing an enterprise effectively within relevant legislation and regulations, involving the development of systems and procedures for operating the enterprise and their implementation in practice. Individually, students shall identify and evaluate their own skill development and learning in relation to set criteria.
In addition, to formal lectures and seminars facilitated by academic members of staff, advice and support will be available from external business advisors.

This module aims to introduce both theoretical and practical concepts of entrepreneurship and new firm formation. It provides an overview of the intellectual, physical and emotional demands associated with starting a new business. The module is intended to give a rigorous and honest insight into the realities of entrepreneurial activity and an understanding of the role small and medium-sized businesses play in a modern economy; this may be via the creation of a new independent firm or the organisation of a new enterprise within an existing firm.

Intended Learning Outcomes

work as a group, deploying judgement in the appropriate choice of business, process and market: 1,2,3
critically examine the fundamental aspects of business start-up in various contexts: 1,2,3
critically appraise and evaluate the construction and use of business planning: 1,2,3
apply an understanding of the key elements of the business planning process: 1,2,3
construct and effectively communicate the business idea and business model: 1,2,3

Study hours

24 hours workshop
110 hours private study
100 hours independent research
16 hours consultation with module leader
50 hours preparing for the portfolio

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment