Overview

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. Students will learn about the process involved in new venture creation and be required to develop a sustainable business plan.

Key themes covered may include: - The nature of the entrepreneur, in a historical, economic and environmental context. - The development and complexities of other forms of businesses such as franchises, family businesses and entrepreneurship. - Policy surrounding, and implementation of, sustainable business practices. - In-depth information on the construction and purpose of a sustainable business plan.

Assessment Strategy

Grading Criteria

Threshold - A threshold student should have a basic knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts related to business planning and sustainable business practice. Through the assessment, they should demonstrate a basic ability to synthesise and interpret information, key terms and concepts from lectures and readings, in the defined structured required. Assessments should demonstrate the general capacity to organise acquired knowledge. The quality of oral and written communication will be limited. (Grade C; mark range 50-59%).

Good - A good student should have thorough demonstrable knowledge across all aspects of the module and be able to cite examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think about the environmental considerations of a business and synthesise this with materials from lectures and some information from background reading. Coherent written work should be produced, with clear understanding demonstrated of the topics covered. The quality of oral and written communication will be good. (Grade B; mark range 60-69%).

Excellent - An excellent student should have a high level of understanding and detailed knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to detail examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think critically about the subject and specific case studies, to synthesise lecture material and information from extensive background reading in support of a detailed, developed plan. The quality of oral and written communication will be excellent. (Grade A; mark range 70-100%).

Learning Outcomes

• Appraise the realities of setting up a new venture in keeping with environmental concerns and analyse this within the context of various forms of businesses.

• Demonstrate an ability to complete an in-depth high-standard business plan, and be able to tailor it to differing business interests.

• Discriminate between the key environmental factors of business development and the problems faced by small firms in sustainable growth, and recognise the importance and complexity of entrepreneurship and environmentalism within a large firm environment.

• Evaluate the nature of the entrepreneur, the entrepreneurial role in initiation and development of a sustainable business, and the differences between the entrepreneur and the environmental manager.