This module is intended to introduce students to the key concepts of business with emphasis on how to successfully export your service or product, consultancy planning and enterprise in the area of modern languages. It is run by the Department of Modern Languages in collaboration with Careers Network and the Department for Business & Trade.
In groups, students will be given a live industry brief to work on from a guest external partner who has a global outlook specialising in international partnerships. Students will be trained in understanding the processes and pitfalls of developing, planning and pitching a project proposal whilst specifically learning about:
Using creative thinking in relation to ideas generation when developing multiple solutions whilst also being flexible and adaptable. Ideas generation and market research in relation to researching the context and the market for the idea/project. Marketing and value proposition – how to promote the idea to its users, what is the benefit to them? Operations and financials – introduction to Project planning and proposing, communications, analysis and costings. This will be complemented through a consolidated understanding of the areas of business, including finance, marketing, and human resources, alongside the local, national, and global contexts of business. Students gain key evaluation and reflection skills in order to successfully strategise and manage projects. Pitching and presenting – support on how to convince/influence experts to invest and support your project plans.
The course will include one hour of online lecture (flipped classroom), one hour of seminar (timetabled) and a minimum of one hour independent group work, per week.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
demonstrate and apply the skills of creative thinking, independent learning, utilising resources and relevant information..
Creatively formulate a project plan and business case.
demonstrate an ability to communicate/pitch a project's scope, outcome, and impact to technical, expert, and non-expert audiences.
Critically evaluate the contextual global, human, political, ethical, and environmental factors influencing business
show understanding of the different aspects of business and project management
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment:
If the module is wholly or partly assessed by coursework, please state the overall weighting:
Group Presentation Project Pitch in English (10 minutes) (25%) Group mark
Group Project portfolio (white paper report) including group reflective statement in English (2000 words) (75%) Group mark
Alternative assessment if there are extenuating circumstances and a student cannot be assessed as part of a group presentation project pitch and group portfolio – as agreed with the module convenor: In lieu of group presentation and project portfolio: one 2,500-word project portfolio including reflective statement in English (100%)
Alternative assessment if on campus activity is restricted: live oral assessments will either be recorded presentations or conducted via Zoom/Skype
Reassessment:
Re- submit failed group component
Re-assessment if a student cannot be assessed as part of the group: In lieu of group presentation and project portfolio: one 2,500-word project portfolio including reflective statement in English (100%)
Alternative assessment if on campus activity is restricted: live oral assessments will either be recorded presentations or conducted via Zoom/Skype