Module: Developing New Business Opportunities

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Developing New Business Opportunities
Module Code	ENI1017 (ITS: EF5145)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module explores the process of developing new business opportunities and it describes the approaches to planning in the context of new business opportunities. In particular, the module: Introduces alternative approaches to business planning, including tools such as the business model canvas. Develops the knowledge required to exploit business opportunities from across a range of disciplines, including new product development, strategy, marketing, finance, and management. Explores the application of alternative approaches to business planning in a range of contexts, such as new ventures, high growth firms, and in contexts such as new emerging technologies.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify a new innovative business opportunity.
2. Summarise the key issues in assessing an innovative new business opportunity.
3. Assess the commercial feasibility of an innovative new business opportunity.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of approaches to planning in the context of new business opportunities.
5. Develop a comprehensive business plan for a new business opportunity.
6. Argue in favour of an innovative new business opportunity.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	36	No Description
Independent Study	214	No Description
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	11053	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Caroline McGroary	Module Teacher	Caroline Mcmullan, Maura Mcadam, Peter Robbins, Raja Clouse

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Opportunity Recognition	20%	Week 1
Assignment	Business Plan	50%	Week 1
Oral Examination	The Pitch- selling your idea to a Venture Capitalist audience	30%	Week 1

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

The Origins of Business Opportunities: Exploring the sources of new opportunities and how entrepreneurs discover and create new opportunities.

Business Planning: The role and structure of business plans.

New Ventures: The new venture creation process. Exploring how entrepreneurs overcome challenges.

Financing New Business Opportunities: The sources of finance; preparing financial projections; valuing new businesses.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None