In this module the students will study the business environment, the nature of enterprise, the generation of potential business ideas and how to package this knowledge in a professional, formal, realistic and professional business plan. The aim of this module is to: Provide an introduction to the business and particularly the role of the small to medium sized business. Help students generate potentially commercial ideas from their engineering studies, to evaluate this idea and package it as a product, process, service or concept in the form of a formal professional business plan. Present this plan as a project in seeking finance or investors to a jury.
The growing importance of Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs).
The Irish and European business economic structure.
The barriers to innovation in SMEs and their potential for growth.
Characteristics of entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurial process.
Idea generation, evaluation and protection.
Company and business law (including contract law); tort, liability issues.
Business planning process and preparation of a business plan.
Marketing research and management.
Principles of finance.
Business support initiatives.
Strategic planning for the SME.
Presentation and evaluation of the business plan.
