Analyze Market Opportunities In A Particular Business Sector: Business Plan Assignment, UCD, Ireland

Module Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, the learner will be able to:

1. Analyze market opportunities in a particular business sector.

2. Construct a business plan proposal for the selected business opportunity

3. Develop a detailed business plan for identified opportunities.

4. Complete a detailed financial analysis for the business opportunity.

5. Conduct extensive primary and secondary research.

6. Defend a comprehensive and credible business plan.

7. Communicate both written & oral your business opportunity.

Introduction

The Business Plan module is a compulsory module on both the BA (Hons) in Business Studies and the BA (Hons) in Business Studies (Marketing). This module handbook offers an overview of all key aspects of the module.

The module is worth 10ECTS and requires significant independent work by each individual student.

In this module, students are introduced to all the key elements involved in starting up a business in Ireland. A core module is designed to allow the students to synthesize and apply all of their previously gain business knowledge to a viable business plan. Some of the previous learning that you will find important throughout this module includes:

Knowledge and understanding of:

a) Several business disciples

b) Past/current business developments

c) Theories, principles and practices in business

d) Research and problem solving

e) How to present complex information

Intellectual Skills through:

a) Academic study and inquiry

b) Research, selection, analysis and interpretation of information

c) Reasoned arguments and critiques

Practical Skills by:

a) Communicating at various levels using a variety of different methods

b) Presenting to a range of different audiences

c) Applying problem-solving skills and techniques

Key Skills through:

a) Managing time, workloads and information

b) Self-discipline and motivation

c) Self-responsibility

The module leader is Mr. Kevin O’Hara (kevin.ohara@griffith.ie). The module leader’s role is to guide all students on the main principles of the module and provide, via regular lectures or seminars, an overview of each section.

Each student will also be assigned a personal supervisor. This supervisor will be the main contact point for the student and provide regular, scheduled feedback on your individual plan.

Module Teaching and Learning Strategy

This module is delivered by means of lectures, seminars and tutorials designed to encourage students to understand all the elements of a business plan. Moodle provides extensive module supporting material with online articles and links to a vast variety of businesses and is used for submitting all the draft work, coursework and the final plan.

Students will enjoy high levels of engagement.  They will be required to conduct significant independent research and embrace their individual business plan project, following the guidance provided.

During seminars, opportunities are provided to discuss, reflect and/or analyze the information presented.  There is a strong emphasis on independent learning in this module.  Each student has an assigned supervisor. The supervisor is linked with their student after the proposal is approved, marked and feedback given. The supervisor supports the student on an ongoing basis until the plan is submitted.

The following approaches are used for teaching and learning:

Lecture/Seminars: where class time is used to review the various aspects of the business plan. These sessions are used to provide a clear structure and framework with which to commence your business plan together with reference to key aspects of the business plan.

Tutorials/Workshops, where the lecturer will deal with various topics on a more practical basis. Other lecturers who specialize in various areas e.g. Finance will assist in the conduct of these workshops.

Each learner has an individual supervisor who works with them on a regular basis via; for example, face-to-face contact, Skype and/or email. Students must keep a diary of all meetings and contact with their supervisors, noting key recommendations and deadlines.