This module aims:

-         to introduce students to the multi-disciplinary nature of innovation and entrepreneurship and their practical applications;

-          to increase awareness of the importance of identifying innovation in the business and management process;

-          to provide students with a solid theoretical understanding of key issues relating to innovation and entrepreneurship;

-          to enable students to apply theory within case studies and to consider examples from a range of global organisations;

-         to develop a critical awareness of the main themes of innovation and entrepreneurship in the public and private sectors including both product and service innovations;

-          to enable students to develop a range of personal skills such as undertaking research independently and as part of a group, and communicating ideas effectively orally and in writing;

- to expose students to varieties of enterprising behaviours and management styles influenced by organisational cultures.

Students will be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the role, value and function of innovation and entrepreneurship (internal and external) in a global business and management context.

Students will be able to demonstrate a critical awareness of the main themes, key current issues and problems associated with innovation in public, private and international business/management environments.

Students will be able to apply and integrate core theory to the business environment (in both local and international contexts) and specifically to the pressure for responding to expectations for innovation and entrepreneurship in all organisations.

Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to undertake independent research, acquire and analyse data and information, evaluate their relevance and validity, synthesise a range of information and evaluate decisions and priorities in complex situations.

Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively and concisely, orally and in writing.

Students will be able to operate effectively as part of a team.

Lecture - Some of the module will be delivered in a traditional lecture format but some of the lecture slots will consist of interactive activities in which students will be expected to participate, comment and discuss case studies they have been given in advance and comment on how theory applies to current global cases.

Seminar - Students will break out into smaller groups in order to focus on discussion and debate of individual case studies.

Seminars are used to apply insights and theories gleaned in lectures and background reading to real cases and problems in public and private sector organisations. Another important role of seminars is to facilitate the development of transferable skills by encouraging students to conceptualise problems, identify potential solutions (via role-play where appropriate) and to apply theory to practice. Students will also be expected to deliver presentations in seminars.

Group-work - Group project work in preparation for report

Students will have time built into their timetable to allow them to work in groups with their peers on their group presentations. Staff will not necessarily be present but will be available for queries and support where necessary. Students are encouraged to keep their own records of attendance.

The module will cover the following key themes:

- What is innovation and entrepreneurship? 

- Innovating during change and crisis periods

- Financial incentives for promoting innovation in all firms

- Entrepreneurial social responsibility

Theories and case studies will be drawn from a range of sources.

Reading lists will be provided for each topic, and students will be expected to undertake extensive individual research both into academic literature and individual case studies, which will include exploiting library databases and resources. They will receive training on how to access these resources. Supplementary materials will be posted onto VITAL and students will be expected to prepare for seminar sessions as well as participate in discussion boards on VITA L where appropriate.