University College for Interdisciplinary Learning

Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset

Course Unit Code

UCIL21331

Course Unit Details

• Level 2
• 10 Credits
• Alliance Manchester Business School

Overview

Have you ever wondered why some people become entrepreneurs? Thought about what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur, or questioned if you could become one yourself?

Becoming an enterprising individual and developing a new business venture can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Successful entrepreneurs have to become focused on creating and establishing a successful business, which is a risky and time-consuming process that entrepreneurs try to navigate as best they can, whilst juggling a wide range of demands and commitments.

This unit explores who and what entrepreneurs are and how they use motivation and self-development/reflection to improve on their decision-making skills to enhance both their personal and venture's performance.

The unit addresses key questions such as: What makes a successful entrepreneur? Can any person be entrepreneurial? What skill sets do I need to become an entrepreneur? You will explore these questions through the application of theory and analysis of a variety of prominent entrepreneurs who have become successful. Ultimately, you will look to develop your own Personal Developmental Roadmap for future entrepreneurial success.

This unit forms part of the Enterprise Challenge.

Aims

The unit aims to help students understand who and what entrepreneurs are and how entrepreneurs effectively acquire and implement a wide range of tools and techniques to enhance their success.

By the end of the unit students will be able to assess the traits and characteristics of successful entrepreneurs as well as their own entrepreneurial strengths, weaknesses. This information will help to provide students with a better understanding of who they are and what motivates them as individuals and ultimately how to achieve success in their lives.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit you will be able to:

• Define and debate different theories and models in entrepreneurial development, leadership, education, vision and strategy
• Apply a range of theories and methodologies used in entrepreneurial research
• Identify and reflect upon their own personal values, character, motivations and effectiveness in the light of relevant theory and models of self development
• Effective application of enterprising skill development: -research, communication, developing networks, resilience, and mindfulness skills

Syllabus

• Successful entrepreneurs and their developmental processes
• Theory and practice of entrepreneurship
• Application of entrepreneurial research methodologies
• Personal development - its theory and application
• Effective research, communication and public speaking/presentation resilience, and mindfulness skills

Assessment

1. Formative task, an individual slide-deck: a set of PowerPoint slides,10 slides max (0%)
2. Summative task, a group poster analysing an entrepreneur (30%)
3. Individual report: self-development roadmap (2000 words) (70%)

Eligibility

UCIL units are designed to be accessible to undergraduate students from all disciplines.

UCIL units are credit-bearing and it is not possible to audit UCIL units or take them for additional/extra credits. You must enrol following the standard procedure for your School when adding units outside of your home School.

If you are not sure if you are able to enrol on UCIL units you should contact your School Undergraduate office. You may wish to contact your programme director if your programme does not currently allow you to take a UCIL unit.

You can also contact the UCIL office if you have any questions.

Teaching Staff

Jonathan Styles

Teaching and Learning Methods

This unit is delivered face-to-face.

• 10 x 2 hour lectures