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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2014 - 2015

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

The module aims to review and introduce the portfolio of skills and competencies required of effective social entrepreneurs. Describes the various controversies surrounding the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills. Delivers core people skills for entrepreneurs. The module introduces students to the different perspectives, theories and research underpinning entrepreneurial creativity. In particular the module aims to:  Review the differing approaches to understanding entrepreneurial creativity and functioning  Introduce the variety of models and tools available to aid diagnosis and understanding of creativity thinking & problem-solving  Explore the need to synthesise appropriate approaches and techniques to cater for a variety of organisational and environmental challenges.

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate the different approaches to creativity and problem diagnosis in enterprises
2. Recognise and evaluate opportunities for new product, new process and new services innovations in social enterprises
3. Identify and assess the role, characteristics and motivations of social entrepreneurs
4. Identify and assess the skills of social entrepreneurs.
5. Critically analyse the conditions required for the development of a social enterprise and the development of social entrepreneurs



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture48A mixture of face to face lectures and live webinars
Assignment Completion40Individual Assessments
Assignment Completion40Group Project
Independent Study122No Description
Total Workload: 250

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

Developing Business Ideas through Innovation Processes
How ideas are developed via a systematic approach; discussion of different types of innovation processes

Strategy Development Skills
Building on an understanding of the principles of strategy, this topic will examine the skills needed to develop strategy for social enterprises.

Business Environment Analysis Skills
Frameworks for business environment analysis; analysis skills development

Problem Solving Skills
Problem identification; problem definition; problem solving skills development

Market Research Skills
A market research framework; market research skills development

Primary Market Research Methods
Outline of qualitative and quantitative primary market research approaches; selecting the best approach to solve your business problem

Observing Customers
Techniques for observing customers

Creative Thinking Skills
Exploring a range of creative thinking techniques; development of personal as well as employee/volunteer creativity

Collaborating for Innovation
How to innovate via others; examining collaborative approaches such as partnerships

What is an Entrepreneur?
Defining what an entrepreneur is and what it means in the social enterprise context

Entrepreneurial Traits, Competencies, Skills and Attitudes
Discussion of the research on entrepreneurial traits, competencies, skills and attitudes and the applicability to social enterprises

Creativity and Entrepreneurship
Linking creative and entrepreneurial approaches

Developing a Creative Culture and Climate
How you develop a creative culture and climate in social enterprises

Self-Management and Development
Understanding the importance of self reflection and continuous development

Understanding and Developing Teamwork Skills
The role of the entrepreneurial team; team skills development

Listening and Communicating Skills for Different Situations
Understanding the communication process; the different ways of listening

Motivating, Influencing and Persuading
Types of motivation, approaches to influencing and approaches to persuading

Managing and Using Change
Types of change; planned and unplanned change; incremental and radical change; the changing social enterprise landscape

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
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
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Forfas (2013) SOCIAL ENTERPRISE IN IRELAND: SECTORAL OPPORTUNITIES AND POLICY ISSUES. Forfas, Dublin: 0, .,
  • Doyle, G and Lalor, T (Eds) (2012), Social Enterprise in Ireland: A people's economy? Oak Tree Press: Dublin: 0, .,
  • Thompson, L. L. & H.S. Choi (eds) (2006) Creativity and innovation in organizational teams. Mahwah, NJ, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates: 0, .,
  • Drucker, P. (1999) Innovation and entrepreneurship: practice and principles. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.: 0, .,
  • Imminck, R & O Kane, B. (2002) Look before you leap: a guide to self-employment. London CIPS: 0, .,
Other Resources

None
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