Module: High-Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship (C)

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	High-Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship (C)
Module Code	CSC1115 (ITS: CA4102)
Faculty	Computing	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

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

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Formal lecture (notes made available via web)
Assignment Completion	120	Assignment Completion
Independent Study	43.5	Revision of material & preparation
Total Workload: 187.5

Section Breakdown
CRN	10612	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Cathal Gurrin	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group project	Business Planning	60%	n/a
Report(s)	Research Assignment including Market Research and Financial Planning	40%	n/a

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

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Richard Blundel, Nigel Lockett: 0, Exploring Entrepreneurship, Oxford University Press, USA, 400, 9780199211555
Anne Sigismund Huff, Kathrin M. MÃ¶slein 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. GrÃ¼nhagen: 0, Entrepreneurship in a European Perspective, Gabler, 499, 3834920673

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None