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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title New Enterprise Development Project
Module Code BAA1003 (ITS: EF317)
Faculty DCU Business School School DCU Business School
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
Description

New Enterprise Development is a year-long final year undergraduate module that tasks students with creating an innovative product or service idea and putting it through the various stages of the new venture creation process including: concept development, feasibility analysis, market research, digital marketing campaign, financial planning, and finally the business plan presentation in the form of a Dragons’ Den. The module has the dual aim of introducing the student to [1] the theory and [2] the practice of entrepreneurship within the context of new enterprise development. The theory section provides an understanding of the role of the entrepreneur in innovation and new business formation. The practical section provides students with an understanding of the processes involved in initiating and developing a new business, and aims to encourage and develop in students the entrepreneurial skills required for such a venture in the world of practice. The module is delivered by means of lectures, tutorials, national and international guest speakers, and assignment feedback.

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. Prepare financial statements for a new business.
5. Assess the commercial feasibility of a new business venture.
6. Develop a comprehensive business plan for a new venture as part of a team.
7. Discuss the nature and origins of new ventures.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture36Lectures covering theory and practice of entrepreneurship
Seminars12In class guest speakers relevant to the module
Tutorial4Two per semester
Group work48Assignment related
Assignment Completion12Entrepreneur interview and analysis
Assignment Completion15Feasibility Study
Assignment Completion25Market research and strategy
Assignment Completion50Business Plan
Independent Study48Assignment related
Total Workload: 250
Section Breakdown
CRN10073Part of TermSemester 1 & 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorEric ClintonModule TeacherCatherine Faherty, Colm O'Gorman, Henrique Machado Barros
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
ProjectInterview an entrepreneur and report findings20%Week 6
Report(s)Feasibility Study20%Week 10
ProjectMarket Research and Strategy Report25%Week 27
Report(s)Business Plan35%Sem 2 End
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

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
Classroom content includes lectures and guest speaker seminars. Tutorials cover the requirements for the assignments in detail. A major part of the module is working on identifying and assessing a business opportunity. Market research is undertaken to determine the feasibility of this opportunity, and a complete business plan is developed. Written and verbal feedback on some assignments is provided.

Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation
This topic explores the nature of entrepreneurship, the entrepreneur and the new venture creation process.

New Business Opportunities
Examines the generation of new business ideas, the sources of business opportunities, and the processes for identifying business opportunities. Identify a new business opportunity.

Feasibility Study
Explore and identify the factors to be considered in assessing the feasibility of a new business idea.

Market Research and Assessment
Develop a market research plan to determine the feasibility of a new business opportunity. Undertake and analyse primary and secondary market research for the new business opportunity identified.

Legal and Operational Issues for a New Venture
Examine the registration, management, legal, and operational requirements for starting a new venture. Examine the area of intellectual property, patents, trademarks and copyright protection.

Finance and Financial Statements
Examine the financial requirements for a new business and sources of start-up and other funding. Preparation of costing and pricing tabulations, break even and ratio analysis, and financial statements including cashflow, profit & loss and balance sheet.

New Business Planning
Examine the role and structure of a business plan. Develop a complete plan based on a new business opportunity.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • O'Gorman, C and J. Cunningham: 2007, Enterprise in Action: An Introduction to Entrepreneurship in an Irish Context, 3rd Edition, Oak Tree Press,
  • Burns, Paul: 2007, Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2nd Edition, Palgrave,
  • Rae, David: 2007, Entrepreneurship: From Opportunity to Action, PalgraveMacMillan,
  • O'Kane, Brian: 2004, Starting a Business in Ireland, 5th Edition, Oak Tree Press,
  • Deakins, David and Mark Freel: 2009, Entrepreneurship and Small Firms, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill,


Articles:
  • Sahlman, W: 1997, How to Write a great Business Plan, Harvard Business Review, Vol 25, Issue 4, p98-108,
Other Resources

None

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