Module DXX-4518:
Business Planning for Green Economies

Module Facts

Run by School of Natural Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr Paula Roberts

Overall aims and purpose

This module explores the process of establishing a venture from idea generation to the completion of a business plan which incorporates environmental planning and management. It takes the student through the actual process of developing a business plan and its different components, the market and sustainability. The module considers how businesses (new and existing) can embrace the green economy whilst functioning as part of an economy that has historically placed very little attention on anything 'green'. Key learning themes in this module include: • Entrepreneurship • The entrepreneurial role in relation to the initiation and development of a sustainable business • Key environmental factors of business development • The differences between the entrepreneur and the environmental manager, and the problems faced by small growth firms in sustainable growth. • The importance and complexity of entrepreneurship and environmentalism within a large firm environment

Course content

Entrepreneurs and small firms are the lifeblood of an economy, and make an increasing contribution to innovation, wealth creation and employment. However, there is a growing trend for corporate social responsibility to embrace environmental concerns and show conformity to a plethora of environmental standards. This module will provide a detailed insight into the concepts of entrepreneurship and the role of small firms within the economy; and how to engage with the environmental and sustainability agendas. This module encourages participants to develop a critical awareness of the nature and role of entrepreneurship and the environment in the economy and society. Candidates will learn about the process involved in new venture creation and be required to develop a sustainable business plan.

Key themes include: 1. Exploring the nature of the entrepreneur, in a historical, economic and environmental context 2. An understanding of the development and complexities of other forms of businesses such as franchises, family businesses and entrepreneurship 3. Understand the purpose of a sustainable business plan 4. Learning to complete a business plan to a sufficient depth and standard and to tailor the business plan to differing reader interests

Assessment Criteria

threshold

No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills. Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives.

good

Much of the relevant information and skills mostly accurately deployed. Adequate grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Fair integration of theory/practice/information in the pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Some evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

excellent

An outstanding performance, exceptionally able. The relevant information accurately deployed. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

Learning outcomes

  1. Understand the nature of the entrepreneur, particularly in a historical and economic context

  2. Understand the entrepreneurial role in relation to the initiation and development of a sustainable business

  3. Understand the key environmental factors of business development

  4. Be aware of the differences between the entrepreneur and the environmental manager, and the problems faced by small growth firms in sustainable growth.

  5. Recognise the importance and complexity of entrepreneurship and environmentalism within a large firm environment

  6. An understanding and appreciation of the realities of setting up a new venture in keeping with environmental concerns

  7. An understanding of the development and complexities of other forms of businesses such as franchises and family businesses

  8. Understand the purpose of a business plan

  9. Be able to complete a business plan to a sufficient depth and standard and to tailor the business plan to differing reader interest

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Business Plan 75.00
Business Pitch 25.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Private study

Private study to understand key themes and knowledge and complete assessment

 160
Practical classes and workshops

Lectures and workshops designed to provide introductions to key themes and knowledge

 40

Transferable skills

  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Subject specific skills

  • PS1 Communication skills, covering both written and oral communication with a variety of audiences
  • PS2 Skills in the employment of common conventions and standards in scientific writing, data presentation, and referencing literature
  • PS6 Information technology skills which support the location, management, processing, analysis and presentation of scientific information
  • PS14 Independent learning skills required for continuing professional development
  • PS15 The ability to think critically in the context of data analysis and experimental design
  • SK1 Are fully conversant with major aspects of chemical terminology
  • PS10 other relevant professional skills such as business awareness

Resources

Courses including this module