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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title High-Tech. Innovation & Entrepreneurship (C)
Module Code CA4102
School School of Computing
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Cathal Gurrin
Semester 2: Cathal Gurrin
Autumn: Cathal Gurrin
Module TeachersCathal Gurrin
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 7.5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Repeat examination
The repeat examination for CA will consist of a substantial case study / project.
Description

The objective of this course is twofold. First, to introduce students to the theory and practice of entrepreneurship in the context of high technology venture creation. Secondly, it will provide the student with a set of theoretical concepts and practical tools that can be used for understanding how IT-based innovative ideas and solutions can potentially be transformed into economic, social and/or other forms of value of which a distinct demand can be identified. The module is a combination of lectures and practical elements where students will apply skills related to creativity, leadership, planning, and team management involved in initiating and developing a new business venture.

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyse different stages and aspects of the entrepreneurial process
2. Be able to initiate the development process of an IT-based value offer (commodity, product, service, experience or a bundle of), by doing business modelling and business planning
3. Assess the potential and feasibility of a new IT-based venture
4. Assess the role of universities, governments, firms and entrepreneurs in the innovation process
5. Critically analyse the implications of key Irish and European legislation and Ethical Concerns for High Tech Enterprises
6. Construct approaches to managing within ethical and legal parameters for High Tech Enterprises
7. Practice enhanced team working, planning, negotiation and problem solving in a high-technology product development environment



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Formal lecture (notes made available via web)
Assignment Completion120Assignment Completion
Independent Study43.5Revision of material & preparation
Total Workload: 187.5

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

Foundation for High-technology Entrepreneurship
Definitions of high- tech entrepreneurship and the Entrepreneurship process. The environmental influences affecting entrepreneurship. Ireland’s high tech sector, structure and performance. Indigenous versus Overseas entrepreneurship.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Sources of innovation; Relevance of sources to the entrepreneur; New Product Development Strategies; Technology Adoption Lifecycle. How to work and think processual in loops between creative idea generating and bringing an innovation to the market.

Ideation
Sources of new business ideas, effective brainstorming, product benefits, idea screening, product concept development. Intellectual Property Rights. turning an opportunity into innovation, Bringing an innovation to the market

Ethics and Legal aspects for High-tech Enterprises
Relevant approaches to managing within ethical and legal parameters.

Entrepreneurial process and tools
The relationship of creativity and innovation to management of IT projects, How opportunity and innovation are linked within the IT domain. Business model canvases and business plans

Financial Planning and Commercialisation
Financing requirement, financial projections and analysis, cashflow, profit and loss account, balance sheet. New product pricing. Stages and sources of financing in high tech venture, government grants, venture capital and stock market flotation

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Group project Business Planning60%n/a
Report(s)Research Assignment including Market Research and Financial Planning40%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
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 2
Indicative Reading List

  • Richard Blundel, Nigel Lockett: 0, Exploring Entrepreneurship, Oxford University Press, USA, 9780199211555
  • Anne Sigismund Huff, Kathrin M. Möslein and Ralf Reichwald: 2013, Leading Open Innovation, Cambridge, Mass.: The MIT Press, 9780262312448
  • Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur: 2010, Business model generation, Wiley, Hoboken, New Jersey, 0470876417
  • Jack Lang and the Cambridge Entrepreneurship Centre: 2002, The high-tech entrepreneur's handbook, Pearson Education, London, 0273656155
  • C.K. Volkmann, K.O. Tokarski, M. Grünhagen: 0, Entrepreneurship in a European Perspective, Gabler, 3834920673
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
ECBSc in Enterprise Computing
ECSAStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAOStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
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