ENTREP 5029OL - Project in Entrepreneurship (6 units)

Online - Quadmester 2 - 2018

The Project in Entrepreneurship (6 units) offers scope for candidates to pursue their own business related research interest in three broadly defined areas, namely; the new enterprise creation process or, the strategic management of innovation relevant to established or growth oriented SMEs and other organisations. A candidate will present their proposed topic to the Coordinator for approval prior to commencement of the work. The project will therefore allow a candidate to pursue research into an area or topic related to their personal entrepreneurship endeavours. Previous candidates have used the Project as a vehicle for undertaking research that leads to a business plan documenting the means by which a new venture may be established should it implement strategies designed to introduce innovation through entrepreneurial management.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ENTREP 5029OL
    Course Project in Entrepreneurship (6 units)
    Coordinating Unit Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation & Innov Centre
    Term Quadmester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s Online
    Units 6
    Contact Approximately 4 hours per week over 15 weeks (interaction and preparation)
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange
    Assumed Knowledge Completion of all core courses for the Masters of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    Assessment Assignments
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Paul Steffens

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    The overall aim of this course is to consolidate a student’s understanding of entrepreneurship practice and its relationship to entrepreneurship theory and research. A candidate should be aiming to become a subject matter expert in a particular area related to implementing an innovative or entrepreneurial project. The course contains a student driven research based project and therefore the nature of each project is negotiated with the lecturer/supervisor. A major objective is for candidates to integrate the knowledge gained through other courses and demonstrate mastery of their chosen subject domain.

    To achieve the goals of this course, you will need to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the relevance of entrepreneurship research for arriving at intended practical entrepreneurship outcomes. To present the findings of your work you will need a comprehensive understanding of the nature and purpose of written and oral communications in achieving project outcomes. Therefore it is advisable to have completed all the core courses of your program to integrate relevant knowledge from other courses into the Major Project Output (plan, report or paper).

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

    1 Explain the nature and purpose of innovation and entrepreneurship research and its relationship to innovation or entrepreneurship practice
    2 Generate a database of related articles and reports from academic journal databases, industry, government and general media sources
    3 Examine in-depth a selected and agreed area of entrepreneurship that relates to, influences and/or underpins the entrepreneurial practice.
    4 Apply effective communication skills in the development and presentation of business and research papers, reports, and plans.
    5 Construct a Major Project Output (plan, report or paper) that produces evidence of an integrated and self-directed research and practical learning experience that synthesises a range of course material acquired throughout the entrepreneurship program.
    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)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1,2,3
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    2,3,5
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    4
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    2,3,4
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    3,4,5
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    The University’s preferred textbook supplier is Unibooks: http://www.unibooks.com.au/

    Text book:
    No text required as a single book does not cover the required areas of learning.

    Recommended Resources
    A worthwhile reference text (sourcing and purchasing is optional) that discusses various emerging viewpoints on entrepreneurship theory and its practice is:Welsch, Harold (2004) Entrepreneurship: The Way Ahead, Routledge, New York.

    Additional Readings

    There is a wide range of material available on a variety of course topics. Candidates are encouraged to explore as many sources as possible through this self-guided study program. If you wish to share particular articles with others in the class, this can be arranged with your lecturer through the MyUni discussion board or other collaborative learning tools available through MyUni. The following are articles and readings (which is not an exhaustive list) that you may find useful for the journey of this course.

    Entrepreneurship Research
    1. Bygrave, WD. 2007 ‘The entrepreneurship paradigm revisited’, in Neergard, H and Ulhøi, JP Handbook of Qualitative Research Methods in Entrepreneurship, Edward Elgar, UK, pp. 17-48.
    2. Davidsson, P. 2002 ‘What Entrepreneurship Research can do for Business and Policy Practice’, International Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, vol. 1, iss. 1, pp. 5-24.
    3. Diamantopoulos, A & Schlegelmich, BB. 2000. ‘It’s all over…or is it?’, Taking the Fear Out of Data Analysis, Thomson Learning, England, pp.219-225.
    4. Leedy, PD & Ormrod, JA. 2001. ‘Planning Your Research Design’, Practical Research Planning and Design, 7th Edition, Merrill, Prentice Hall, USA, pp. 91-121.
    5. Sarasvathy, SD. 2001. ‘Causation and Effectuation: Toward a Theoretical Shift From Economic Inevitability to Entrepreneurial Contingency’, Academy of Management Review, vol. 26, iss. 2, pp. 243-263.
    Research Methods and Practice
    1. Johnson, RB & Onwuegbuzie, AJ. 2004. ‘Mixed Methods Research: A Research Paradigm Whose Time Has Come’, Educational Researcher, vol. 33, iss. 7, pp. 14-26.
    2. Knight, PT. 2002. ‘Research at a Distance’, Small-Scale Research, Sage Publications, UK, pp.80-113.
    3. Neuman, WL. 2003. ‘The Meanings of Methodology’, Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, 5th Edition, Allyn and Bacon, USA, pp. 68-94.
    4. Pfeffer, J & Sutton, RI. 2006. ‘Evidence-Based Management, Harvard Business Review, January, pp. 63- 74.
    5. Sharp, JA & Howard, K. 1996. ‘Literature Searching’, The Management of a Student Research Project, Gower Publishing Ltd, England, pp. 72-102.
    6. Veal, AJ. 2005. ‘Questionnaire surveys’, Business Research Methods: A Managerial Approach, Pearson Education Australia, Australia, pp. 142-168.

    Planning and Strategy

    1. Alvarez, SA. & Barney, JB. 2006. ‘Can Organizing a Firm Create New Economic Value?’, Entrepreneurial Strategies, Blackwell Publishing, USA, pp. 11-46.
    2. Dollinger, M. 2003. ‘Entrepreneurial Strategies’, Entrepreneurship: Strategies and Resources, 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall, USA, pp. 89-125.
    3. Hamel, G. 2000. ‘Business Concept Innovation’, Leading the Revolution, Harvard Business School Press, USA, pp. 59-113.
    4. Mintzberg, H. 1994 ‘Models of the Strategic Planning Process’, The Rise and Fall of Strategic Planning, Prentice Hall, UK, pp. 35-90.
    5. Stutely, R. 1999. ‘What’s it all about?’ The Definitive Business Plan, Pearson Education Ltd, Great Britain, pp. 3-19.
    6. Timmons, JA & Spinelli, S. 2004. ‘The Business Plan’, New Venture Creation, 6th Edition, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, USA, pp. 397-420.

    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. Access to the Library's electronic resources.

    Online Learning

    LEARN is the University of Adelaide’s platform for dedicated online delivery. LEARN is a customised version of Moodle, and houses all course requirements including the course profile, announcements, additional course materials (beyond the prescribed text), assessment items, discussion forums, grading, feedback, links to various university and course resources, an internal website email system, a technical assistance facility, etc. LEARN is only accessible once the URL and a password have been provided to the student on enrolment. Students are given access to the course prior to the start date to familiarise themselves with the operational aspects and functionality of the website. 

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course is offered in online mode
    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. As this is a 6 unit course you should schedule 312 hours.
    Learning Activities Summary
    This is a draft schedule and a guide only. The specific timetable is set by each student to suit their needs, but has to fit the required due dates and may be changed during the course delivery if necessary in consultation with the lecturer.

    Activity 1 Define interest/theme for research as well as the project investigation part.
    Deliver your choice of topics to lecturer for approval with appropriate detail and motivation to show fit with the objectives of this course.
    Activity 2 Define scope and objectives of the chosen project
    Provide an overview of the requirements as you see it and desired outcomes of the research direction as well as the Major Project Output.
    Submit the Scope and objectives for lecturer comment and feedback.
    Activity 3 Proposal preparation
    Consolidate the project’s aims, rationale, focus of the research paper, time frames, milestones, and the project’s resource commitment.
    The assignment will need to consider both practical and academic requirements and will show how the research and practical work will integrate.
    Develop a work-plan showing time and appropriate milestones.
    The Proposal addresses both the Research paper as well as the Project Report or Plan.
    Deliver the Proposal for comment, feedback and grading.
    Activity 4 Research Presentation
    Complete the literature study as well as any planned actions, make your conclusions and write up.
    Deliver for grading.
    Activity 5 Major Project Output (plan, report or paper) that produces evidence of an integrated and self-directed practical learning experience that synthesises a range of course material acquired throughout the entrepreneurship program - introduction & background plus gather information

    Consists of:
    • information gathering, influence factors, areas impacting on theme: Submit section on gathered information and findings as a progress milestone
    • analysis of information: Submit interim report on analysis as a progress milestone in week 12
    • collation of insights.
    Make your conclusions & provide appropriate recommendations based on your work.
    Submit the final complete report = Major Project Output for grading.

    This final output contains a collated presentation of all previous submissions so that it forms a professionally presented and cohesive whole.
    Specific Course Requirements

    Consultation Schedule
    There are no formal sessions for this course and instead candidates work directly with the course supervisor for their chosen project. Remember this is a self-study program so it is up to you to plan and make the most of your resources (including your lecturer/supervisor) to successfully complete this course of study. Please ensure that you coordinate any required appointment times for the review and supervision sessions by prior arrangement with the course supervisor.

  • 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:
    # Assessment Length Weighting Due Date
    At 0800 Adelaide time on day
    Learning Outcomes
    1a Scope and Objectives of Project 1000 max 5%

    Day 7 week 2

    4
    1b Project Proposal Typically 1,000-1,500 words 10%
    Day 7 week 5
    4
    2 Research Paper Research Paper
    3,000 - 4,000 words.
    25%
    Day 7 week 8
    1,2,3,4
    3

    Major Project Output

    (Plan, report or paper)

    Typically

    3,000 – 4,000 words
    50% Day 4  week 15 3,4,5
    4 Participation Course duration 10% Ongoing 1, 4
    Total 100%
    Assessment Related Requirements

    Candidates will be assessed by participation and submission of four assignments and ongoing online forum participation. All assignments must be completed to be eligible to pass the course.

    It is expected that assignments will be typed, using word processing software such as Microsoft Word. The preference is for you to submit the file via the LEARN Dropbox as well as a copy to the lecturer by email at piet.beukman@canterbury.ac.nz

    Don’t cram too many words onto a page: use a line spacing of 1.5 lines, and a right-hand margin of 4cm (to enable feedback and comments). If software other than Microsoft Word is used, the file format must be one that can be read using Word, such as .doc, .docx or .rtf (rich text format). PDF (Acrobat) format is not acceptable unless accompanied by an editable Microsoft Word document or similar.

    Course results are subject to moderation by the ECIC Board of Examiners

    Assessment Detail

    NO ASSESSMENT ITEM CAN COMMENCE WITHOUT CONSULTATION WITH YOUR LECTURER. ALL PROJECTS MUST BE NEGOTIATED AND AGREED WITH YOUR LECTURER PRIOR TO SUBMISSION.

    Assessment 1a:
    Scope and Objectives of the Project
    Weighting: 5%
    Due Dates: Week 2 Day 7: 0800 Adelaide time
    Submission Details: Via Drop Box in LEARN AS WELL AS A COPY TO piet.beukman@canterbury.ac.nz

    Task:
    Define scope and objectives of the chosen project

    Provide an overview of the requirements as you see it and desired outcomes of the research direction as well as the Major Project Output.

    Submit the Scope and objectives for lecturer comment and feedback.


    Assessment 1b:
    Project Proposal
    Weighting: 10%
    Due Dates: Week 5 Day 7: 0800 Adelaide time
    Submission Details: Via Drop Box in LEARN AS WELL AS A COPY TO piet.beukman@canterbury.ac.nz

    Task:
    Outline the project’s aims, rationale, focus of the research paper, time frames, milestones, and the projects resource commitment. The assignment will need to consider both practical and academic requirements and will show how the research and practical work will integrate.

    This assignment requires the candidate to develop the Project Proposal in consultation with the lecturer and/or supervisor. The Project Proposal will outline the practical area that the student will be working on in relation to the course objectives and demonstrate an awareness of the theoretical aspects that may inform and shape the applied project. The Proposal provides the framework for undertaking both assessment items 3 and 4.

    The Project Proposal will outline the project’s aims, rationale, focus for the research paper, time frames, milestones, and the projects resource requirements. The assignment will need to consider both practical and academic requirements and will show how the research and practical work will integrate.

    This is essentially a planning document, prepared at the outset of a project and assists the process of achieving greater focus and clarity regarding aims, objectives, tasks and desired project outcomes. It will also reflect the balance you will seek to maintain between academic/theoretical/intellectual/research-oriented tasks and the planning of practical entrepreneurship-oriented tasks.

    Initial questions that need to be asked relates to determining the key activities or components of your project.

    Then, for each activity:

    • What is the objective of this activity?
    • What needs to be achieved here?
    • What is most important? (what to drop, if this becomes necessary)
    • How will I know when this activity’s objective has been achieved?
    • When does this activity need to be finished?

    These points provide a guide on the minimum requirements that would expect to be covered in the project proposal. Of course you may require other information to be included depending on the nature of your project. In essence completeness relative to your chosen area of interests is expected:

    • Aims of the project (literature study as well as the major project/plan)
    • The rationale for your choice of assignment topics
    • An outline of the relationship between the theory and practice that you plan to study
    • A brief introduction to the theoretical research area
    • A brief introduction to the subject of the Major Project Output
    • The expected outcome for you i.e. how will this program of study inform and influence your entrepreneurial pursuits?
    • A schedule of activities for your program of study including contingency plans and resource requirements

    The project proposal is exactly that, a proposal. It is not intended that the proposal be cast in stone and it is fully expected that parts of it may change as the project unfolds. In essence the proposal is a guide, not a template; it is a deliverable. However this deliverable drives a process of Plan-Do-Check-Act during execution of the project.

    • Write the project proposal covering the key areas
    • Critique the proposal: is it achievable?
    • Modify the proposal as required
    • When it seems OK (for now) the project can begin

    As you go, compare the original plan with what’s actually been happening. Do you need to change the plan – e.g. to finish on time?

    Length and Presentation:
    Presentation will be in a report format. The typical length will be between 1,000-1,500 words.

    Criteria by which your assessment will be marked:
    This assignment will be assessed on the basis of completeness, presentation and clarity of the project intentions. The document should reflect professional and commercial quality. The aims should be clear; the rationale well defined; the theoretical research area should be clearly justified with preliminary investigations detailed; it should be clearly programmed and scheduled with resources and contingencies fully outlined. The relationship between your chosen areas of theory and practice should be explicit, well reasoned and argued.

    The Proposal, as well as all other submitted work, will need to demonstrate appropriate use of references. (Preferably use the Harvard referencing system. Guidelines can be found at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/referencing_guides/).

    The Proposal will also be presented online for comment by the class. The presentation objective is to convince your audience of the project’s merit and that it is a manageable task within the allotted time available to complete it. This presentation will contribute to class discussion on issues relating to project design.



    Assessment 2:
    Research Paper
    Weighting: 25%
    Due Dates: Week 8 Day 7: 0800 Adelaide time
    Submission Details: Via Drop Box in LEARN AS WELL AS A COPY TO piet.beukman@canterbury.ac.nz

    Task:
    This assignment requires you to consider academic resources and inquire into the learning the academic field may be able to offer.

    You will need to isolate and report on the knowledge, discipline, or body of research that informs the issues grounded in the practical undertaking of your new venture.

    This assignment is designed for the candidate to demonstrate a capacity to identify and use academic, government, media or general reference sources to expand their knowledge of particular issues encountered in entrepreneurship.

    In compiling this research paper you should collect and build a library of related articles and many which one would expect will feature in your reference list for this assignment. Locate and critique relevant work including the seminal works and authors who have pioneered the area of investigation.

    This is an open learning environment and the lecturer is there to help you discover what is ‘out there’ to be found. Your lecturers are a key resource so plan to use them.

    You will need to ask and answer, “What is the theory, underlying or embedded, in the areas of my interest?”

    By tracing the origins of entrepreneurship research the importance of its heritage becomes more obvious. The economic impact of the entrepreneur was the reason for entrepreneurship to become a useful field of study. Today, it is also recognised that the impact of entrepreneurship expands beyond just economic outcomes and also influences social outcomes. In affect entrepreneurship is a socioeconomic phenomenon.

    In executing entrepreneurship, the entrepreneur also needs to coopt others to the cause which in turn highlights the role of the organisation as an intervening concept between the entrepreneur and the affect on the state or national/regional level of interest. The influence of the entrepreneur though is not all one way and both the state and the organisation will influence the activities of the entrepreneur and of course on each other.

    The study of entrepreneurship then involves analysis of all of these levels either independently and/or interdependently. Keep in mind though that this is not entirely about externalities imposed on the entrepreneur or just about the personal traits, cognition and psychology of the entrepreneur. In order for entrepreneurship to function it also includes the entrepreneurial support team involved in the organisation of enterprise, all of whom have internal drivers such as their own values, attitudes, knowledge and feelings. Entrepreneurship research therefore is a complex phenomenon that engages with many levels ranging from the individual through to broader social structures.

    Often, students who are in the process of planning and establishing new businesses are understandably pre-occupied with the concrete, practical thinking and doing. As a result the stored and accumulated knowledge of other resources can easily be overlooked. This assignment therefore requires the candidate to consider other valuable resources and inquire into the learning these resources may be able to offer.

    This course is part of a postgraduate level university (Masters level) qualification and, while the difficulty of the practical side of entrepreneurship is not underestimated, it is also necessary for candidates to develop and exhibit good conceptual and critical thinking skills. You will need, in this assignment, to report on the thinking and intellectual aspects that inform your practical entrepreneurship career and/or pursuits. You will need to isolate and report on the knowledge, discipline, or body of research that informs the issues grounded in the practical undertaking of your chosen area of entrepreneurship.

    Length and Presentation:
    Presentation will be in a research paper format. The typical length will be between 3,000-4,000 words. A substantial Bibliography/Reference list is expected that documents your personal library of entrepreneurship related articles and resources over and above the references.

    Criteria by which your assessment will be marked:

    • The level of originality and insight, specifically demonstrating the relevance of the particular subject to the candidate’s entrepreneurship career or pursuit.
    • Demonstration of a comprehensive understanding of the issues, theories and shortcomings (where applicable) of the chosen subject area and clearly relating these to the broad and general practice of entrepreneurship.
    • Clarity of expression and good use of language.
    • Logical planning, structure and sequence of presenting your findings.
    • Evidence of wide reading, research, and of critical analysis of the issues and concepts.
    • Overall presentation including correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
    • Use of resources in formulating your response, including proper acknowledgement and the appropriate use of references. (Preferably use the Harvard referencing system. Guidelines can be found at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/referencing_guides/).


    Assessment 3:
    Major Project Output
    Weighting: 50%
    Due Dates: Final due latest Week 15 Day 4: 0800 Adelaide time 
    Submission Details:   Via Drop Box in LEARN AS WELL AS A COPY TO piet.beukman@canterbury.ac.nz

    Assessment will include effective and ongoing regular progress communication to the lecturer of the project status. These will take place at the initiative of the student.

    Task:
    The report will be the outcome of a practical project undertaken as the basis for this course work. By practical we mean relating to practice or action and the report may take the form of a business plan, strategic plan or some other project plan that relates to the practice of entrepreneurship within the area of interest of the student.
    This project report/plan (MPO) forms the capstone of your learning in the MAIE Program. You are expected to apply and synthesize what you have learned in the subject courses that make out part of the MAIE degree, by undertaking a practical entrepreneurship investigation so as to prove your mastery of the subject matter.

    The MPO has an ‘academic’ focus in that it will be performed somewhat more formally in more depth than would be the case if the task was undertaken as part of an entrepreneurial pursuit. Your MPO will be more structured, go deeper into some matters, and will be presented in such a way that your academic supervisor will be able to form an opinion of your individual knowledge and capability to apply the principles learned in the subjects of the MAIE Programme.

    Practical work will relate to practice or action and the MPO may take the form of a business plan, strategic plan, implementation report, conference or journal article or some other output that relates to your entrepreneurship career or pursuit. The structure of the MPO should provide relevant information, which enables the reader to have a comprehensive understanding of the rationale, conduct and outcomes described by the MPO along with any relevant recommendations or future actions that arise as a result of the MPO. This requires smooth flow of information supported with succinctly written arguments. The report should be authentic and logical, coupled by sound reasoning. Any recommendations should clearly identify the resource requirements and clearly define any relevant risks and uncertainties. Future benefits in terms of, for instance, survival and growth should also be discussed with critical reasoning and support. Generally, the MPO should exhibit sound logic, in-depth thinking, and synthesis of other course materials presented throughout the program.

    As the MPO is an entrepreneurial experiential learning activity, it is beneficial if students take steps to identify a business mentor or mentors to provide appropriate input and feedback, cognisant of all confidentiality issues. Students are responsible for locating business mentors. A mentor should be experienced in entrepreneurship, will have practical experience within a relevant market or sector and will be a support for you throughout the ‘messy’ process of putting all the loose ends together.

    It is expected that students will manage any issues relating to confidentiality arrangements where applicable, and will keep the lecturer informed at all times.

    Confidentiality issues will at all times be respected and handled in a professional manner. However, a key learning is the ability to gain market and business insight without breaching confidentiality; your lecturer’s advice must be sought early if you have any questions on this or confidentiality management in general.

    The lecturer will have no right to decline signing a confidentiality agreement when instructed to do so by a student and the lecturer will be required to fully disclose and manage any potential conflict of interest that arises. In the case of this course only  if the lecturer is required to enter into a confidentiality agreement with a third party for some reason any costs arise from this arrangement, these costs will be paid by the lecturer in his personal capacity. Delays in reaching agreement will not be a reason for extension past academic due dates. 

    Scope:
    Topics one, two and three will cover the information required for you to complete this task. This assessment item is to demonstrate
    that students satisfy objectives four and five of the course requirements.

    Length and Presentation:
    Presentation will be in an appropriate plan, report or research paper format. The typical length will be between 3,000 to 4,000 for the 6 unit course. In addition to the body of the document relevant Appendices should be included that exhibit your analysis, research and other calculations and contributions that support your argument and line of reasoning.

    Criteria by which your assessment will be marked:
    The report will be judged on its structure, presentation, content, integration and synthesis of course materials from across the program and, importantly, writing style. Please note that the academic assessment can only make judgement on the educational validity and not the actual business or project result or outcome. The mark will reflect your learning and will not be an indicator of the merit of the project.

    The standards by which the assignment will be assessed include:

    • The level of originality and insight, demonstrating clear understanding of the program materials elaborated through the chosen area of application.
    • The degree to which you have clearly communicated the aims and objectives of your MPO and succeeded in that task.
    • Clarity of expression and good use of language.
    • Logical planning, structure and sequence of presenting your findings.
    • Evidence of wide reading, research, and of critical analysis of the issues and concepts.
    • Overall presentation including correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
    • Use of resources in formulating your report, including proper acknowledgement and the appropriate use of references. (Preferably use the Harvard referencing system. Guidelines can be found at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/referencing_guides/).



    Assessment 4:
    Participation on the Discussion Forum
    Weighting: 10%
    Due Dates: Ongoing
    Submission Details: Not applicable

    Task:
    Students are expected to contribute, initiate and comment upon issues relevant to the Projects in the online forums through:

    • active participation by making informed and supported and motivated statements
    • this participation shall be on a regular and ongoing basis and will be ongoing during the whole time of this course – periods of quiet followed by intense flurries of activity shall be avoided
    • taking the initiative and raising issues
    • starting discussion topics and taking ownership of their supervision
      sharing thoughts, learning experiences and scholarly insights with the supervisor and the class online

    Assessment for this item will be based upon your communication and discussion. Discussion tasks require you to ponder, reflect and develop a dialogue. It will be up to you to find some interesting angles of discussion. There won’t be right or wrong answers but you are required to develop some insights around entrepreneurship theory and practice topics. The lecturer won’t be passive but will be reactive to you. It will be up to you to drive the discussion with the class and the lecturer.

    Scope:
    Students are expected to contribute, initiate and comment upon issues relevant to the Projects in the online forums through:

    • regular, ongoing and active participation by making informed and supported and motivated statements
    • taking the initiative and raising issues
    • starting discussion topics and taking ownership of their supervision
    • sharing thoughts, learning experiences and scholarly insights with the supervisor and the class online

    Length and Presentation:
    Not prescribed.

    Normally it would be 2 contributions of between 100-200 words per week and respond to minimum 3 other contributions. Make significant comments, not just ‘I agree’, but state why and make reasoned observations.

    Criteria by which your assessment will be marked:

    • Regularity of participation
    • Active and regular participation in discussions
    • Taking the initiative and raising new or complementary issues
    • Initiating discussion topics
    • Contribution to answering questions by others in group or commenting on their proposed approaches
    • Sharing your thoughts, learning experiences and scholarly insights with the supervisor and online when applicable.

    Assessment for this item will essentially be based upon the frequency, timeliness and above all the depth and insights, of your communication and discussion. Discussion tasks require you to ponder, reflect and develop a dialogue. It will be up to you to find some interesting angles of discussion. There won’t be right or wrong answers but you are required to develop some insights around entrepreneurship theory and practice topics. The lecturer won’t be passive but will be reactive to you. It will be up to you to drive the discussion with the class and the lecturer.


    Submission

    All text based assignments must be submitted via Drop Box in LEARN
    There are a few points to note about the submission of assignments:

    • Assignment Submission: Assignments should be lodged via Drop Box in the LEARN system. Please refer to individual assignment tasks for specific submission details relevant to each task. Note that assignments may be processed via TURNITIN, which is an online plagiarism prevention tool.
    • Cover Sheet: As part of your assignment, please add the completed University of Adelaide Assessment Cover Sheet to your assignment, 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. Where applicable, also include the word count excluding title pages and references.
    • 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 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.  The maximum grade allocated to a resubmitted and improved  assignment will be only P = 50%, regardless of whether it is worth more. Approval for resubmission will only be granted on medical or compassionate grounds and also if only if applied for before the due date and time. Ex post facto applications will not be approved.
    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.

  • Student Feedback

    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.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.