TECHCOMM 3002 - Applied Entrepreneurship

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015

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. The course will assist in the development of interpersonal skills, analytical ability, and business acumen.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code TECHCOMM 3002
    Course Applied Entrepreneurship
    Coordinating Unit Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation & Innov Centre
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    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. The course will assist in the development of interpersonal skills, analytical ability, and business acumen.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Gary Hancock

    Teaching staff

    Semester 2
    Name: Anne McCutcheon

    Short Bio:
    Anne is an experienced business development professional, manager, management educator and trainer. She is now semi-retired after completing a 4-year contract managing a small business advisory service in the City of Adelaide. Previously to that, and currently she maintains an small consulting practice in organisational, business and community development projects at the same time as undertaking management education contracts.

    Anne maintains many commitments to the development of entrepreneurial and small businesses in South Australia and is part of the working group at Mega, a mentor with SAYES as well as being a Governor of The Wyatt Trust – one of South Australia’s oldest philanthropic organisations. After an early career in community development, Anne’s work has included commercial, not for profit and public sector work environments, including local government nationally and internationally, state and federal government work places and projects.

    Anne’s career portfolio reads like a series of interesting projects, both big and small. She has worked as a business development consultant in the SA Centre for Manufacturing, developed a university marketing business model and plan, undertaken statewide responsibilities for a national network marketing campaign for disability services, led a team of occupational rehabilitation specialists, undertaken board responsibilities on small arts organisations, a well-endowed benevolent institution, a business incubator and facilitated networks of small businesses to work on collaborative business activity. Linkedin: http://au.linkedin.com/pub/anne-mccutcheon/4/b25/351


    Email:
    anne.mccutcheon@adelaide.edu.au

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Opening intensive:
    Monday 17th, Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th Wednesday August 2015
    9am to 6pm
    Napier 210 Tutorial room

    Closing intensive:
    Monday 14th, Tuesday 15th and 16th Wednesday September 2015
    9am to 6pm
    Napier 210 Tutorial room
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    See Guide to Writing Learning Outcomes https://www.adelaide.edu.au/learning/teaching/curriculum/outcomes/

    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

    1. Review and critique the approaches and models used to establish and operationalize entrepreneurial organisations with reference to applicable processes, regulations and systems.

    2. Analyse and apply business models which underpin innovative and sustainable business ventures.

    3. Access information and guidance relevant to people starting a new venture

    4. Identify and apply considerations required to operationalize a business plan


    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, 2
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1-4
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 4
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1, 2, 3
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1, 4
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1, 2, 3, 4
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1, 4
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1-4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    No textbook required
    Recommended Resources
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The intensive mode of the classes enables workshopping of key concepts in small groups within the class time. Each topic will commence with an overview by the facilitator, and the PowerPoint summaries will be available prior to the class.

    Students are provided with prompts, cases and activity materials prior to the class time through the MyUni site. These learning objects will form the basis of the interactive learning activities during the class sessions. The students will require internet searching capacity to source and verify information required to complete the class workshop activities.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    It is expected that students will attend each of the 6 full days of the course. It is expected that students will review materials provided online each evening prior to the class to prepare for the session, and also take their turns, as directed, to undertake information search activities for the benefit of the rest of the class.

    There are two assignments for students to undertake in their own time. On the last afternoon of the courses, an open book/internet access multiple choice quiz (assignment 3) will be administered for which students will require their own device and internet access.
    Learning Activities Summary
    On each day, students will engage with workshop activity in the class which will follow active listening in the seminar which overviews the topics. Activities are designed to underpin the knowledge needed to successfully complete the assessment tasks; which will require responses to case studies and demonstrating their knowledge of how to operationalize a new venture.

    Activities will require internet searches using students’ own devices. This is a draft schedule and session dates are a guide only. The timetable may be changed during the course delivery if necessary.

    Learning Activities Summary
    Intensive   Readings
    Day 1 • Operating business models and the small business life cycle
    • Business registration
    • Presentation + Q&A
    • Small group activity describing and analysing business models
    • Analysis and critique of information searching
    • Practice application for registration
    • Case study analysis
    http://www.businessmodelgeneration.com/canvas/bmc

    www.abr.gov.au

    Day 2  • Review of business structures
    • Licences, codes, permits and insurances
    • Presentation + Q&A
    • Small group activity
    • Information searching
    www.business.gov.au
    https://ablis.business.gov.au
    www.cbs.sa.gov.au
    www.safework.sa.gov.au

    Day 3  • Finances
    • Financing
    • Banking
    • Back office systems, polices and procedures
    • Presentation + Q&A
    • Small group activity applying finance concepts to business model
    • Analysis and critique of Information searching
    • Guest speaker
    www.ato.gov.au
    http://www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/industry/smallbusiness

    http://www.business.gov.au/business-topics/tax-finance-insurance/business-finances/Pages/crowdfunding.aspx
    Day 4 • Leasing and other contracts
    • Intellectual property
    • Presentation + Q&A
    • Practical application of concepts in class
    • Information searching
    • Practice application for trademark
    • Guest speaker
    https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/housing-property-and-land/housing/contacts/consumer-and-business-services-contacts

    www.ipaustralia.gov.au
    Day 5 • Employing people
    • Paying people
    • Workplace health & safety
    • Presentation + Q&A
    • Practical application of concepts in class
    • Set up a employee record
    • Interacting with animation about work health
    www.fairwork.gov.au
    Day 6 • Fair trading
    • Scams

    • Establishing KPIs and milestones
    • Presentation + Q&A
    • Information searches
    • Analysis of recent cases of breaches of fair trading
    • Plenary session around establishing a business
    www.accc.gov.au
    www.business.gov.au
    www.scamwatch.gov.au/
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    An overview of the course assessment appears in the following Table. Details appear in the following section:

    #AssessmentLengthWeightingDue DateLearning Outcomes
    1 Case study analysis (Individual) 1500 words    30% see MyUni 1, 2
    2 Online multiple choice quiz (Individual, open book) Individual
    Open book
       30% see MyUni 2, 3,& 4
    3 Business establishment road map (Individual) Individual    40% see MyUni 1, 2, 3 & 4
    Total 100%
    Assessment Related Requirements
    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 Examiners
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment 1: Establishing A Business With The Future In Mind
    Weighting: 30%
    Submission Details: Online through MyUni

    Task:
    Using the case study materials to be provided during the course, analyse and review the best way for these businesses to get established, in light of intentions for growth and longevity.
    2 case studies will be provided which outline examples taken from real business situations. These case studies outline the current business position of these 2 different new businesses, their trading history (if any) and briefly outline plans. Are they established using the best and/or right mechanisms to operationalize the business concept? Will the way they have currently established and structured their businesses assist them reach their (different) goals of growth and sustainability?
    Address all the questions at the end of each case study.

    Length and Presentation:
    1500 words.

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:

    Demonstration of:
    • understanding of the requirements for establishing a business venture
    • understanding the business models described in each case study
    • knowledge of steps to be undertaken to execute intended strategy and operationalize business plans as demonstrated in each of the case studies
    • your ability to access sources of information available to people starting new ventures
    • clarity of the explanation provided.


    Assessment 2: Online multiple choice quiz
    Weighting: 30%
    Due Date: Day 6 of the course (undertaken in class time), 1.5 hours (longer if needed for students with significant language barriers or other needs)
    Submission Details: Test to be undertaken online using MyUni in the classroom setting. Students to bring their own laptops or other suitable internet enabled devices

    Task:
    This assignment will assess your understanding and knowledge of the practical operational aspects of starting a business, as covered in the whole course. It will be in the form of an online multiple choice, multiple answer or short answer test.

    Length and Presentation:
    Online, 60 questions

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    Each correct answer will score 0.5 mark


    Assessment 3: Business Establishment Road Map
    Weighting: 40%
    Submission Details: Online through MyUni

    Task:
    For a business type of your choice, describe the business model and then generate a ‘road map’ of the steps to be taken to establish this business and describe the planning, management and organisational aspects for the business for the first year of operation.

    This can be for your current Australian business, a proposed Australian-based business of your own or that of a new Australian business well known to you, which can be used as a case study.

    In certain circumstances, allowance can be made to consider a business start-up in another country. If you wish to develop a road map for a business to be established in another country, please discuss with the lecturer prior to commencement.

    You are asked to address the following:
    1. The name of the organisation, the key business activities and description of the industry it is in.
    2. The proposed business model and value proposition for the business
    3. Business registration requirements and processes
    4. The legal business structure
    5. Banking arrangements
    6. All aspects of compliance that will need to be considered for this particular organisation to establish and grow, including setting up record keeping systems
    7. Any IP issues which are inherent in the business activity
    8. Business stationery requirements
    9. Proposed or actual arrangements for premises and business facilities, and insurances
    10. Systems and procedures to begin operations
    11. Establishment of employment records and employment contracts
    12. Trading issues and cashflow needs in the first 12 months

    Generation of a step by step approach to this topic is part of the requirements, to demonstrate your understanding of sequencing requirements in establishing a business.

    Scope:
    This assignment will assess your understanding and knowledge of the practical operational aspects of starting a business, as covered in the whole course.

    Length and Presentation:
    2000 word document, including diagrams and graphical elements as appropriate.

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    • demonstrated knowledge of requirements and steps for setting up a business and business infrastructure requirements and operationalizing an entrepreneurial venture
    • addressing each of the questions asked
    • clarity of explanation provided

    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.

    Resubmission & Remarking

    Resubmission of an assignment for remarking after reworking it to obtain a better mark will not normally be accepted.  Approval for resubmission will only be granted on medical or compassionate grounds.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    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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    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    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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