The project requires students to identify emerging opportunities in an identified economic sector and develop a creative proposal for a new product, service or venture activity. The project also requires students to reflect on the process used to develop and justify the opportunity proposal.
Firstly identify a market or sector, then investigate the impact of the mega trends studied and the emerging trends on that market or sector. Your task is then to identify entrepreneurial business opportunities arising as a result of the impact of the trends.
Your findings should be presented in the form of a 2000 word fully referenced academic report addressing market or sector key trends for the immediate future and longer term, identification of the business opportunity, development of the business or product, justification / feasibility study. This should incorporate the theoretical perspectives studied in the module.
Criteria
Assessments will be based on the demonstration of the ability to take both an analytical and intuitive approach to business opportunity. Synthesis of ideas backed by rigorous analysis, demonstrating a thorough grasp of business situations will be expected.
The project requires students to develop convincing and substantiated arguments regarding the viability of the opportunity, and to evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of the process used in the identification of the opportunity.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this assessment, successful students will have demonstrated their ability to:
• Critically understand the meaning of business opportunity and its centrality to innovation and entrepreneurship
• Compare and contrast alternative strategic responses to opportunities in a range of contexts
• Critically evaluate a range of current practices in the management of innovation and entrepreneurial endeavours
• Apply a range of relevant techniques applicable to the development of new products, services and venture opportunities
• Identify, and assess the viability of, an opportunity and justify a proposal for new products, services and venture activities, in the light of resource implications
• Compile a project report, analysis and findings, which clearly shows evidence of autonomous learning (learning to learn; problem solving; self management; communication skills)
Format for the submitted work
• The work is required to be submitted in report format using Business English, and should be 2000 words
• Submission should be suitable for an employer
• Ensure you upload your work to Turnitin (via NILE)
• No extensions will be given
• Harvard Referencing must be applied
• A rubric will be used for feedback
