Research Project-A new entrepreneurial proposition for an organisation

Knowledge and Understanding: Critically evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities and practices from the perspective of different communities of practice in order to develop a case for why an issue if worthy of investigation;

Knowledge and Understanding: Identify, select and justify the use of appropriate research techniques, methods and development strategies;

Intellectual, practical, affective and transferable skills: Critically justify and rigorously apply appropriate methodologies, techniques and practical strategies, being sensitive to the context;

Intellectual, practical, affective and transferable skills: Critically reflect upon their own experiences of undertaking a major project and how this compares to theories and concepts in the academic and grey literature;

Intellectual, practical, affective and transferable skills: Present arguments or conclusions clearly in an appropriate form to the intended audience.
You will undertake an action research project focused on understanding and supporting entrepreneurial action in practice.

This is an individual project. If possible, it should be based upon your own organisation as this will grant you better access to research resources and stakeholders.

You will conduct secondary research to support the development of:

A new entrepreneurial proposition for an organisation;
Or an idea for an entrepreneurial start-up.
The ‘proposition’ could relate to a new product or service; a new way of doing things; a new department; implementation of something that will change the way the organisation operates e.g. software and systems; the introduction of a new philosophy relating to human resources, production or quality, etc.

You should provide a strong argument for this opportunity in terms of market justification, exploring relevant issues/context behind the idea, the business model/context of successful innovation, and the size and nature of the opportunity. The evidence for this justification is secondary research and academic literature.

This project needs to provide you with an opportunity to understand and manage how to move from opportunity, to idea, to action. This could relate to your study or employability interests and/or current interests within the entrepreneurial management field.

In undertaking the project, students are expected to:

Identify an idea or opportunity.
Develop a strong case as to why this opportunity or idea is worthy of consideration as a project, particularly in terms of its value to the appropriate community of practice. Appropriate secondary research, academic literature and the use of metrics should be utilised within this section. Engagement with stakeholders can be demonstrated.
Develop a project plan to ensure completion within the identified timescales,
Identify the appropriate resources and internal and external support to develop and deliver the project,
Demonstrate how you will manage the project in terms of moving from idea to action,
Reflect on the project against key themes in the academic and grey (i.e. policy and practice) literature related to being enterprising, the role of the individual in moving an idea from concept to action; and the influence of the entrepreneurial task environment.

1. Entrepreneurial Opportunity (15%)

Clear justification of value of idea, opportunity or issue worthy of investigation and subsequent implementation / addressing to the appropriate community of practice / stakeholder group.
Project objectives and scope realistic in terms of time available and within the researcher’s sphere of influence.
Project plan developed to ensure completion within identified timescales.
Evidences management of the project from idea / opportunity to action.

2. Research Methodology (10%)

Demonstrates a clear understanding of research methods from theoretical and practical perspective, justifying the research approach adopted.
Successful completion of the online ethics training module ‘Introduction to Research and Professional Ethics’.
Ethical approval for the project sought and research undertaken complies with the University’s Research Ethics Policy.

3. Community of Practice (10%)

Demonstrates engagement with key stakeholders to identify ideas, opportunities or issues and to agree on researching and implementing / addressing one where the value can be evidenced.
Demonstrates identification of support and resources to undertake relevant research and to ensure successful implementation of idea /opportunity or addressing of the issue.

4. Use of Literature / Sources (20%)

Explicit application of the ‘Entrepreneurial Action’ module material and core readings to underpin the research and aid analysis.
Literature review undertaken to identify relevant academic and grey literature to inform research and aid analysis.
Evidence of critical thinking in the application of the literature in practice.

5. Analysis of the entrepreneurial opportunity / challenge (15%)

Clear and coherent analysis of the idea, opportunity or issue and of the work undertaken. Appropriate use of secondary research and associated metrics.

6. Conclusions & Recommendations (10%)

Conclusions clearly summarise the outcomes of the project.
Recommendations identified as appropriate.

7. Reflection on learning / skills to take forward (10%)

Critical reflection on your experience of undertaking a major project and how your learning might inform your future practice.
Reflection on development of entrepreneurial competency skills, providing evidence to support assertions made.
What next – to continue to develop your personal and organisational entrepreneurship?

8. Academic Literacy Skills (10%)

Report structure, presentation and cogency, correct spelling & grammar, appropriate use of tables, diagrams, and appendices.
Harvard Referencing system correctly applied.