ULMS Electronic Module Catalogue

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title HACK CAMP
Code ESTE402
Coordinator Prof JS Smith
Electrical Engineering and Electronics
J.S.Smith@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 10

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

None 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:

MSc Sensor Technologies and Enterprise (ESTE)

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:

 

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           20
Day one: "hack day" Day two: customer discovery techniques and their application Day three: shaping the proposition and developing a pitch
20
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 80
TOTAL HOURS 100

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Coursework  30 minutes  Year 2, semester 1  50  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Group pitch 
Coursework  5000 words  Year 2, semester 1  50  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Reflective essay Notes (applying to all assessments) All learning outcomes are covered by both assessments. Students who fail the group pitch will be reassessed via an individual written assignment. 

Aims

To provide a practical, hands on introduction to idea development and validation, customer discovery and the pitching to stakeholders.


Learning Outcomes

Apply problem solving techniques in groups to respond to problems as entrepreneurs.

Engage with potential customers and stakeholders to gather feedback.

Critically re-evaluate and iterate an emergent business proposal.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teamwork - Day one: "hack day"
Day two: customer discovery techniques and their application
Day three: shaping the proposition and developing a pitch


Syllabus

This three day intensive programme will introduce students to some key concepts in technology entrepreneurship. In particular these concepts will be: (1) the “hack day”, where iterative problem solving techniques are applied in groups and solutions developed within predetermined time constraints; (2) the technique of customer discovery to gain feedback on the idea; and (3) the presentation of the idea to potential investors.

 

The programme will familiarise students with the broad concepts, support the development of team working and build confidence.

 

Introducing external stakeholders to the process will develop new networks of local contacts for the students and give a broadened understanding of the marketplace.

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The techniques employed mirror commercial practice, i.e. the application process for investment and accelerator programmes.

 

The format of the workshops will include opportunities for students to work autonomously and unsupervised. Access to a dedicated “hack space” for the period of the module will encourage the development of prototypes and minimum viable products.

 

Industry standard tools such as the business model c anvas and value proposition canvas will be used as part of the planning and pitching process.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: