TECHCOMM 3004ANA - Extended Project
Ngee Ann Academy - Quadmester 3 - 2014
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code TECHCOMM 3004ANA Course Extended Project Coordinating Unit Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation & Innov Centre Term Quadmester 3 Level Undergraduate Location/s Ngee Ann Academy Course Description The aim of this course is to enable students from a variety of backgrounds to gain experience and develop their knowledge in entrepreneurship into practical skills to a very high level. The course will assist in the development of interpersonal skills, analytical ability, and business acumen to the stage that the student is confident of starting and running a new venture.
Objectives
On completion of this course, students should be able to;
Demonstrate the practical skills in researching, planning, and executing a business plan for a new venture
Demonstrate an ability to operationalise a business plan and assessing the risks and opportunities that arise from this activity
Demonstrate a high level of competence in the entrepreneurial process and be able to communicate that knowledge to others
Syllabus
This syllabus is an application of the syllabus in the BIE.
Working on a practical business plan, implementing it, and exiting the businessCourse Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Gary Hancock
Program Director Contact Details:
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Name: Gary Hancock
Phone: +61 8 8313 0125
Teaching Staff:
Name: Doris Yee, Mentor
Short Bio:
Doris has over 20 years of experience in engineering and investing. She has worked with many entrepreneurs and served as Director/Observer on the Boards of companies in US, New Zealand and China.Since 1999, Doris has been involved in venture investing; initially at the National Science and Technology Board (NSTB) of Singapore, a government agency promoting technology development and entrepreneurship where she pioneered the Venture Incentive Scheme catalyzing the formation of technology enterprises and later at iGlobe Partners, a venture capital firm, where she was General Partner managing investments across US, New Zealand, China and Singapore. . She is currently serving as Director of Singapore Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SVCA), the representative body for PE and VC Fund Management Companies in Singapore and concurrently an Adjunct Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School Department of Finance.
As a shareholder, Board member/Observer, she has advised many companies; mentoring CEOs, assisting in the recruitment of key management, independent board members, undertaking business development, assisting in fundraising, acquisitions and exit opportunities.
Doris is a Certified Trainer/Facilitator and Assessor and has shared her experiences through speaking engagements, judging panels at forums and training programmes both locally and overseas such as Global Wireless Venturing Forums, China Private Equity Conference, Lee Kuan Yew Business Plan competitions, Global Security Asia Conference, Stanford Global Entrepreneurs Challenge, China Universities Business Plan Competition as well as courses organised by the Singapore Venture Capital Association, French Business School ESSEC, University of Adelaide and the National University of Singapore.
Doris holds an MBA and a Bachelor Degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering with Honours, both from the National University of Singapore. Doris served as Honorary Secretary of the Singapore Venture Capital Association(SVCA) from 2007 to 2011.. She served on the IT Advisory Panel of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce from 2007-2009. She served on the NUS Venture Fund Support Committee from 2004-2005. She is a Full Member of the Singapore Institute of Directors.
Email: dorisdnyee@gmail.comPhone: 98201857
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
Monday 14 July 2014 to Sunday 19 September 2014
Consultation session:
With Doris Yee
Monday 14th July 2014
For times and location, please refer to advice from Ngee Ann-Adelaide Education Centre, Singapore -
Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Apply the tools and techniques taught throughout the course to evaluate the factors that contribute to the success/failure of an enterprise
- Construct and research the plans for a business based on a perceived opportunity
- Present a coherent business plan to a panel in a concise manner
University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-3 The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1-3 An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 2, 3 Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1-3 A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 2, 3 A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1, 2 A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1-3 An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1-3 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
Textbook:
No textbook requiredRecommended Resources
You will be expected to draw on all the resources that you have collected during your studies in the Program. You will also need to demonstrate an ability to source your own reference materials, and show you have a sound understanding of what is relevant and appropriate.
Library Resources
The University of Adelaide’s Barr Smith Library provides a range of learning resources including texts, journals, periodicals, magazines, and access to online databases and information services. It also offers a virtual library which is accessible via the University’s website. The University Library web page is: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/library/
From this link, you are able to access the Library's electronic resources.Online Learning
MyUni is the University of Adelaide's online learning environment. It is used to support traditional face-to-face lectures, tutorials and workshops at the University. MyUni provides access to various features including announcements, course materials, discussion boards and assessments for each online course of study (see: https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au) -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
This course is offered in blended learning mode with significant field work applying the concepts and theories taught throughout the course as well as face-to-face consultations with the Lecturer.
The project
Each student will negotiate with the course co-ordinator a series of activities that will satisfy the objectives outlined above. The project component is made up of two 6 unit courses, so should be treated as a full time 6 month project. It can be completed in a 12 month part time mode.
Being entrepreneurial and innovative is something that people develop through experience as well as formal education. The project component of this program is very important in that it allows students to learn from both success and, more importantly, failure in a safe environment under the guidance of teaching staff with experience in these areas.
This course comprises two parts:
Part A:
The candidate will identify and study an entrepreneur and his enterprise. Through interviews and any other means to be proposed (including the use of primary and secondary sources of information), the candidate will conduct an analysis of the entrepreneur’s background and his enterprise.
Part B:
The candidate will propose the setup of a business enterprise (either a new enterprise or a spin-off of an existing enterprise). The candidate will then undertake field work to verify the viability and assumptions related to his business proposal. Candidates will also be given ample opportunities to practise their presentation skills ( a key requirement) to an audience who will assess the viability of the plan.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
As a guide, a 3 unit course comprises a total of 156 hours work (this includes face-to-face contact, any online components, and self directed study).Learning Activities Summary
This is a draft schedule and session dates are a guide only. The timetable may be changed during the course delivery if necessary.
Week Activities Deliverable 1 Course Briefing Overall Expectations 2-3 Work on Proposal 3 Submit Assignment
(Part A-Proposal)Group Proposal for Case Study
- Who?
- What Business?
- Proposed Interview Questions with Founders/CEO
Individual Essay
- Describe the process and consideration/s used in choosing the enterprise
- Apart from the interview what other information can you gather? How?
4 Feedback & Oral Assessment (Part A-Proposal) Answer questions regarding group/individual submissions 5-6 Fieldwork: Undertake Interview/Case Study, Data Research
7 Submit Assignment
(Part A-Final)Group: Results of Interview, Case Study
- Transcript of Interview
- Description of Entrepreneur Background/Journey
Group:Analysis of Business (use tools and theories from course):
- Opportunity
- Product/Service
- Market Strategy
- Team
- Financials/Business Proposition
Individual Essay
- Explain 2 most important factors which led to success/failure of enterprise
- Give any recommendations for improvement of business
- Did your project proceed as planned? Why/Why not?
8 Feedback & Oral Assessment
(Part A- Final)Answer questions regarding group/individual submissions 9 Term Break 10 Work on Part B Proposal, Assumptions, Verification Plan 11 Submit Assignment
(Part B – Proposal, Assumptions, Verification Plan)Group Proposal for Own Business
- Opportunity
- Product/Service
- Market Strategy
- Team
- Financials/ Business Proposition Assumptions,
Group Verification Schedule/Plan
Individual Essay
- Describe the process of arriving at this Proposal
- What is your role in this Enterprise/Project? Why?
12 Feedback & Oral Assessment (Part B- Proposal, Assumptions, Verification Plan) Answer questions regarding group/individual submissions 13-17 Fieldwork:
Verify your Business
- Conduct Market Research
- Test Opportunity
- Build Prototype Product/Service
- Verify Proposition (Cost, Price etc)
- Competitor Analysis
- Build Financial Model
- Test Feasibility
Mentoring Session to update progress and give Feedback
-Results of Surveys/Quotations
-Interviews/Observations
-Compare Progress against Verification Plan
18 Peer Group Review Presentation with Visual Aids/Prototypes to Lecturer, Peers
Peers to query other Presenting Teams, Award Bonus, Demerit Points, Overall Participation/Contribution19 Submit Final Report
(Part B- Final)Group Final Report:
- Final Business Plan
Group Report:
- Deviation from Original Proposal arising from verification
Individual Essay
- Would you invest in this Business Plan? Why/Why not?
20 Feedback & Oral Assessment
(Part B- Final)Answer questions regarding Final group/individual submissions Specific Course Requirements
You will be required to undertake significant field work in this subject. This may include working in another organisation, commencing your own enterprise, interviewing existing entrepreneurs, and forming and maintaining teams. -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
An overview of the course assessment appears in the following Table. Details appear in the following section:
Assessments will comprise written assessments and oral interviews/presentation. Assessments will be conducted to determine the candidate’s understanding of the key principles, theories taught during the course as well as the level of skills in applying them to an enterprise.
The Overall Assessment will be a combination of the Assessments of Part A (50%) and Part B (50%).
Part A# Assessment Length Weighting Due Date Learning Outcomes 1a Group Proposal for case study of an entrepreneur and his business < 2000 words 10% See MyUni 1 1b Individual Paper < 500 words 10% See MyUni 1 2 Oral on Group, Individual Submission of Proposal 10% See MyUni 1 3a Case write-up of chosen entrepreneur and analysis of enterprise < 5000 words 20% See MyUni 1 3b Individual Paper < 1000 words 30% See MyUni 1 4 Oral on Group, Individual Submission of Proposal 20% See MyUni 1 Total 100% Part B
# Assessment Length Weighting Due Date Learning Outcomes 5a Proposal for own business
Assumptions, Verification Plan< 2000 words
Gantt Chart10%
5%See MyUni 2 5b Individual Paper < 500 words 10% See MyUni 2 6 Oral on Group, Individual Submission of Proposal 10% See MyUni 2 – Mentoring Session – – See MyUni 1, 2 7 Presentation to Lecturer, Peer Group
Overall Participation/Contribution
Oral presentation with Visual Aids/Prototypes
10%
5%See MyUni 1-3 8a Group Final Report: Final Business PlanGroup Report Deviation from Original Proposal
< 5000 words
10%
5%See MyUni 1, 2 8b Individual Paper < 500 words 15% See MyUni 1, 2 9 Oral on Group, Individual Submission of Final 20% See MyUni 1, 2 Total 100% Assessment Related Requirements
Candidates must complete all course assessment requirements to be eligible to graduate from the course.
Students should attend all classes in order to pass the course. There is considerable experiential learning in workshops during the intensive classes that build your knowledge and thus enable you to be successful in this course.
Course results are subject to moderation by the ECIC Board of ExaminersAssessment Detail
Candidates who are consistently late in their submissions/interviews or exhibit signs of poor attitude will suffer a penalty in their final grade score.
The Overall Score for the Project is based on 50% of Project A and 50% of Project B.
Part A assessments
Assessment 1a: Group Proposal for case study of an entrepreneur and their business
Weighting: 10%
Due Date: See MyUni
Submission Details: Online through MyUni
Task:
Candidates need to seek out an entrepreneur willing and available for an in-depth study, which includes interviews and any other means of obtaining the necessary information (to be proposed by the candidate). The proposal will include:
· Description of the entrepreneur
· Description of the enterprise
· Questions to be used for the Interview with the entrepreneur
Length and Presentation:
Written proposal no longer than 2000 words.
Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
The breadth and depth of the proposal; the source and coverage of the data/information as well as the methodology and questions proposed to gather the information.
Assessment 1b: Individual Paper
Weighting: 10%
Due Date: See MyUni
Submission Details: Online through MyUni
Task:
· Describe the process and consideration/s used in choosing the enterprise
· Apart from the interview what other information can you gather? How?
Length and Presentation:
Written proposal no longer than 500 words.
Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
Ability to reflect and explain the process/considerations, understanding of project requirements and personal contribution to project.
Assessment 2: Oral Interview on Proposal for case study of an entrepreneur and their business
Weighting: 10%
Due Date: See MyUni
Submission Details: Oral Interview arranged with Lecturer
Task:
An oral assessment will be conducted after receipt of the written proposal to assess the candidate’s understanding and seek clarification on any points in relation to their written submissions.
Length and Presentation:
Varies depending on engagement with Lecturer
Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
The breadth and depth of the proposal; the source and coverage of the data/information as well as the methodology and questions proposed to gather the information.
Assessment 3a: Case write-up of chosen entrepreneur and Analysis of enterprise
Weighting: 20%
Due Date: See MyUni
Submission Details: Online through MyUni
Task:
Candidates will conduct the interview with the chosen entrepreneur and analyse any information obtained through both primary and secondary sources regarding the chosen enterprise. Candidates must submit a transcript of the interview together with
· Description of the entrepreneur’s background
· Analysis of the business (including the application of theories/concepts taught) which includes:
1. Identification of the opportunity
2. Description of product/service
3. Articulation of market strategy
4. Background/experience of management team
5. Financials/business proposition
Length and Presentation:
Written report no longer than 5000 words.
Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
The description and depth of analysis of the business including the Founding/Present team, the identified opportunity, the market penetration strategy, the competitive environment and the financial aspects of the company.
Assessment 3b: Individual Paper
Weighting: 30%
Due Date: See MyUni
Submission Details: Online through MyUni
Task:
(i) Explain 2 major factors leading to the success/failure of the of enterprise
(ii) Recommendations for Improvement of business
(iii) Did your project proceed as planned? Why/Why not?
Length and Presentation:
Written proposal no longer than 1000 words.
Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
Depth/breadth of analyses and innovativeness of solution.
Learning objectives with this assessment (refer to section 2.1): 1
Assessment 4: Oral Interview on Final Group and Individual Submissions for Project A
Weighting: 20%
Due Date: See MyUni
Submission Details: Oral Interview arranged with Lecturer
Task:
An oral assessment will be conducted after receipt of the written proposal to assess the candidate’s understanding and seek clarification on any points in relation to their written submissions.
Length and Presentation:
Varies depending on engagement with Lecturer
Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
The breadth and depth of the proposal; the source and coverage of the data/information as well as the methodology and questions proposed to gather the information.
Part B assessments
Assessment 5a: Proposal for own business
Weighting: 10% for Proposal and 5% for the Verification Plan
Due Date: See MyUni
Submission Details: Online through MyUni
Task:
Proposal for the Setup of a Business and a Verification Plan (a Gantt Chart) identifying key assumptions made in the business proposal and a schedule to verify these assumptions over the course of 5 weeks
Candidates must submit a proposal for the setup of a business enterprise articulating clearly:
· Business opportunity/observation
· Proposed product/service to be offered
· Strategy for reaching the intended market
· Team to be put together to execute the plan
· Financial assumptions made in support of the business proposition
The Verification Plan shall be submitted in the form of a Gantt Chart, clearly identifying each assumption to be verified, the time frame and the mode of action to be taken which can include conducting surveys, interviews, cold calls, observations, gathering of data on markets, costs, prices, competition as appropriate.
Length and Presentation:
Written report no longer than 2000 words.
Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
The breadth and depth of the proposal including the description of the business (team, opportunity, market strategy, competition, financials), the identified assumptions and an executable plan to verify the assumptions made.
Assessment 5b: Individual Paper
Weighting: 10%
Due Date: See MyUni
Submission Details: Online through MyUni
Task:
· Describe the process of arriving at this Proposal
· What is your role in this Enterprise/Project? Why?
Length and Presentation:
Written proposal no longer than 500 words.
Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
Ability to give coherent and substantive explanations to questions posed on written submissions.
Assessment 6: Oral Interview on Group Proposal and Individual Submission
Weighting: 10%
Due Date: See MyUni
Submission Details: Oral Interview arranged with Lecturer
Task:
An oral assessment will be conducted after receipt of the written proposal to assess the candidate’s understanding and seek clarification on any points in relation to their written submissions.
Length and Presentation:
Varies depending on engagement with Lecturer
Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
The breadth and depth of the proposal; the source and coverage of the data/information as well as the methodology and questions proposed to gather the information.
Assessment 7: Presentation of business plan with visual aids to Lecturer and Peer Group
Weighting: 10% and 5% (Overall Participation and Contribution)
Due Date: See MyUni
Submission Details: Oral presentation including any visual aids or apparatus such as powerpoint slides, models, simulations and/or prototypes
Task:
Candidates must present the merits of the proposed business plan to the Lecturer and Class. Candidates can utilise various tools (powerpoint, flash, props, prototypes, models etc) to highlight their presentations and capture their audience attention. This will be a highly interaction session with Class members querying the presenting teams and casting votes for bonus or demerit points.
Length and Presentation:
Oral presentation 20 minutes; Q&A 20 minutes
Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
Presentation
30%
Clarity, Comprehensiveness, Delivery, Effectiveness of Presentation Aids
Rigour
30%
Feasibility, Consistency, Appropriateness of Assumptions, Extent of Verification, Execution
Investability
40%
Attractiveness of proposition, Credibility of team, Competitiveness/Protectable Advantage, Sustainability, Growth potential, Innovativeness
Assessment 8a: Group Final report
Weighting: 10% written report and 5% report highlighting deviation from Proposal
Due Date: See MyUni
Submission Details: Online through MyUni
Task:
The Final Report will comprise:
· Final Business Plan
· Report comparing the areas which deviated from the original business proposal and the reasons for these deviations
Length and Presentation:
Written report no longer than 5000 words; including the Executive Summary ( 1 page)
Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
Include the description of the business (the opportunity, team to be recruited, the competition, market penetration strategy and the financials), the results of the verification exercise and how these results have impacted the final business plan.
Assessment 8b: Individual Paper
Weighting: 15%
Due Date: See MyUni
Submission Details: Online through MyUni
Task:
Would you invest in this Business? Why/Why not?
Length and Presentation:
Written submission no longer than 500 words.
Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
Depth and breadth of analyses and rationale for answer.
Assessment 9:Oral Interview on Final Group and Individual Submissions for Project B
Weighting: 20% oral interview
Due Date: See MyUni
Submission Details: Oral Interview arranged with Lecturer
Task:
An oral assessment will be conducted after receipt of the written proposal to assess the candidate’s understanding and seek clarification on any points in relation to their written submissions.
Length and Presentation:
Varies depending on engagement with Lecturer
Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
The breadth and depth of the proposal; the source and coverage of the data/information as well as the methodology and questions proposed to gather the information.Submission
All text based assignments must be submitted via MyUni.
Please refer to step by step instructions: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/myuni/tutorials/files/AssignmentStudentSubmission.pdf
There are a few points to note about the submission of assignments:
- Assignment Submission: Assignments should not be emailed to the instructor; they must be lodged via the MyUni Course site (unless specified to do both). Note that assignments may be processed via TURNITIN, which is an online plagiarism prevention tool.
- Cover Sheet: Please submit, separate to your assignment, the completed University of Adelaide Assessment Cover Sheet providing details of yourself and your team members (if applicable), your assignment, the course, date submitted, etc. as well as the declaration signed by you that this is your (your team’s) work. Note that the declaration on any electronically submitted assignment will be deemed to have the same authority as a signed declaration.
- Backup Copy of Assignments: You are advised to keep a copy of your assignments in case the submitted copy goes missing. Please ensure that all assignment pages are numbered. If your assignment contains confidential information, you should discuss any concerns with the Course Lecturer prior to submission.
- Extensions of Time: Any request for an extension of time for the submission of an assignment should be made well before the due date of the assignment to the Course Lecturer. Normally, extensions will only be granted for a maximum of two weeks from the original assignment submission date. Extensions will only be granted in cases of genuine extenuating circumstances and proof, such as a doctor’s certificate, may be required.
- Failure to submit: Failure to submit an assignment on time or by the agreed extension deadline may result in penalties and may incur a fail grade. Note that a late penalty of 5% of the total available marks for that assessment item will be incurred each day an assignment is handed in late (Unless otherwise stated in 'Assessment Related Requirements' or 'Assessment Detail' above). Assignments handed in after 14 days from the due submission date will fail even if a 100% mark is granted for the work.
Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
NOG (No Grade Associated) Grade Description CN Continuing Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
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SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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