Course Resources Archive

The module covers the full range of issues in establishing a business in the private or third sectors. This includes business plans and planning; business ideas and opportunities; enterprise start-up; market analysis; sales forecasting; legal forms of business; profit and loss, cash flow and balance sheet forecasting; breakeven analysis; sensitivity analysis; sources of funds; funding strategies; bank lending; venture capital; accounting for VAT and PAYE; enterprise growth and growth strategies; operations planning; franchising; exit strategies; risk analysis; contingency planning.

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

1. Evaluate the process of, and management issues in, the start-up of a new venture, including the factors contributing to the success or failure of a new venture (PLO1)
2. Critically evaluate the constraints on, and risks of, small business development and be able to formulate recommendations for managing and funding new enterprises (PLO4)
3. Undertake a detailed appraisal of a particular business opportunity through the medium of compiling and evaluating a business proposal (PLO3)
4. Conduct market research; identify and access support services for small firms and start-ups (PLO2).
5. Have developed communication and literacy skills, through the conducting of primary research, the analysis of published materials, and the preparation, presentation and defence of a written business plan (PLO6)
6. Have enhanced capabilities for independent learning and for working with others, through self-study working and through the pursuit of a complex and intensive group project (PLO5)

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.