ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
Attempt both the tasks below:
Task 1- (2000 Words)
According to Cohan, Peter S , 2012, p188 “ Aspiring entrepreneurs should look out for big companies in which to train by following the hungry start-up strategy of big companies as start-up training grounds?”.
Using relevant literature critically analyse this statement and examine whether training strategies are useful for aspiring entrepreneurs. Using relevant examples, discuss, debate and substantiate whether the implementation of such training strategies can enable an individual to become an entrepreneur.
Please ensure that your assignment follows this structure:
A table of contents
A list of figures and/ or list of tables where appropriate
Introduction -( 10 marks -300 words)
Literature Review-& Critical Analysis (70 marks -1400 words)
Conclusions- -( 10 marks -300 words)
References / Presentation – 10 marks
Bibliography
Appendices if appropriate
Task 2 – Individual Written Presentation 2000 Words-
Develop an effective business plan for launching a new product and obtaining financial and managerial support from potential backers. Explain the key issues that you would highlight and emphasise in a presentation of your business concepts including the questions that you would expect from potential investors and your considered answers to them. Students are also required to submit Ten power point slides of this business plan in the Appendix.
Assessment Criteria, word limit and the breakup of marks
1. Business Description – Should provide the background and history of the business. Also contain the goals as well as the product or services description being proposed. It also discuss the supplier information, agreements and ownership structure and legal considerations. 10 marks- 400 words
2. Business Opportunities – Should contain the potential customer, geographical area, business competitors. 10 marks- 400 words
3. Marketing Strategy – Should present the costing and pricing, sales projection, and marketing plan. 10 marks- 400 words
4. Business Operations – Should include the operational function, services offered, and personnel. 10 marks- 400 words
5. Finances – To include the revenue, expenses, and financial projections. 10 marks- 400 words
Guidelines for undertaking the proposal / Assessment criteria
Task 1 (2000 words)- 50%
Your analysis must be grounded in appropriate academic literature and must provide clear evidence of independent critical evaluation. (50%) 2000 words- 50 marks
Task 2 (2000 words for individual written presentation) -50%
You are required to identify critical issues that would generate interest. For example:
1. Business Description – Should provide the background and history of the business. Also contain the goals as well as the product or services description being proposed. It also discuss the supplier information, agreements and ownership structure and legal considerations. 10 marks- 400 words
2. Business Opportunities – Should contain the potential customer, geographical area, business competitors. 10 marks- 400 words
3. Marketing Strategy – Should present the costing and pricing, sales projection, and marketing plan. 10 marks- 400 words
4. Business Operations – Should include the operational function, services offered, and personnel. 10 marks- 400 words
5. Finances – To include the revenue, expenses, and financial projections. 10 marks- 400 words
Module Learning Outcomes to be Assessed:-
Upon successful completion of task 1 the students will be able to:
Identify, determine, and critically evaluate the factors which may contribute to the success or failure of a new venture including the management abilities, skills and contexts which may contribute to this success.
Critically consider the relationships which may exist between management knowledge, entrepreneurship and new venture development and the complexity of factors which contribute to new business development
Determine, and identify the critical tasks to be accomplished within new venture life cycles, including the challenges and opportunities faced at each stage of the venture. (e.g. management thinking, concept; prototype; test; scanning: start-Up; early growth;
penetration developments; continuation of success; re-positioning; contingency planning, financial and HRM contexts of management)
Upon successful completion of task 2 the students will be able to:
Evaluate and critically analyse the relationships which may exist between knowledge, entrepreneurship and new venture development and the complexity of factors which contribute to new business development
Identify and determine the necessary financial and non-financial resources available for new ventures; the criteria used to screen and evaluate proposals, their attractiveness and risk, and know how to obtain start-up and early growth capital and develop an integrated plan for new venture development (including financial projections for start-up ventures).
Apply models for the screening of new ventures/opportunities to live start-up concepts and ideas, and subsequently develop a live case business plan suitable for presentation to investors and industry participants.
