Things to consider:
Did they display the individual characteristics commonly associated with effective entrepreneurs? If not, did they develop them? How did they do that?
What approach did the company take? Was it a ‘lean start-up’ or something else?
What is their ‘value proposition’? Was that always clear to them?
What barriers did they face, and how did they overcome them?
Tools to analyse your chosen business you could include the Business Model Canvas and a SWOT analysisor other tools you are familiar which you feel explain more about the business or the entrepreneur.
Think of this more as a business report, this frees you to include a wider range of materials that will help analyse your entrepreneur – screenshots or links to social media, logos and/or marketing materials or pictures of people and business premises have been used in the past.
FAQs
Can I speak to a friend for this?
Yes, but be aware that friends don’t always give the best interviews!
Can I use a business from overseas?
Yes, but please provide evidence of the business (such as a website link) and the full interview in the appendices.
How do I include an interview in my report?
The easiest method is to prepare some questions, record your interview on Zoom, transcribe it and include the full transcription in the appendices along with a link to your recording. You can then reference the relevant parts of the interview in the main body of the report.
Assessment Marking Criteria:
| Criteria | Mark % |
| Presentation Well written answer in legible English with appropriate sentence construction and use of grammar. Clear logical structure and progression of argument. Conclusion and recommendations clarified. | 10% |
| Quality of Analysis & Evaluation Application of relevant theories and models to the development of evidence based argument. Appropriate use of academic referencing to support key assertions. | 40% |
| Knowledge and Understanding Demonstrate clear and deep knowledge and understanding of the subject matter and its application to academic theory and/or management practice as applicable | 40% |
| Independence of thought Ability to synthesis and critically appraise information and apply it in a logical manner to the answer. | 10% |
Word Count
3500 words maximum. The word count excludes the cover page, any appendices, and the reference list.
Referencing
Use the Harvard referencing style (ie. in-text citation and separate reference list).
Support
This summative assessment will be supported by formative class-based exercises: in particular, each student must deliver a short (5 minute) presentation outlining their proposals for the case study prior to final submission.
Additional guidance will be available from the module tutor during teaching sessions.
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