Enterprise and Innovation Skills Development Modules

The Enterpreneurial & Innovation (E&I) modules impart business management and enterprise skills applicable to the development of the technology-based enterprise project.

These modules are delivered in an intensive format as entrepreneurs progress through the program. The modules are taken in sequenced numerical order so that each module builds on the results and outcomes generated in the last module.

The five compulsory E&I modules focus on providing you with the skills to select an idea with good potential, manage the innovation process, and create and manage the business outcome. The developed skills apply to the entire business life cycle from start-up, through growth, to sustainability. You will achieve an understanding of both, the innovation and entrepreneurial processes. Lectures, workshops and hands-on work will be geared to assist you to fully exploit the potential of your engineering enterprise project.

Entrepreneurial Processes and Skills (SEP*720)
[Starts month 1]

Through this module you will develop an understanding of the fundamentals of sustainable businesses. Students will develop an awareness of and skills in innovation and entrepreneurial behaviour. Emphasis will be placed on becoming a more effective team player, becoming more aware of one's own learning style and entrepreneurial orientation, and understanding the process of business idea generation, development and evaluation.

Breakthrough Technology Venture Development (SEP*721)
[Starts month 5]

This course will introduce students to the concepts of new venture creation, and will provide an understanding of the responsible use of capital, basic capability in the process and techniques of market research, and appreciation of intellectual property value and protection issues. Learning outcomes will include understanding the process of business planning and valuation and understanding the main types of risk that affect the nascent entrepreneurial venture.

Positioning and Shaping an Enterprise (SEP*722)
[Starts month 9]

Learning outcomes of this module will include an understanding of the role of technology-based business in the economy; understanding the financial dimension of the venture; understanding the nature of capital investment and the role of banks and the VC industry; understanding business and managerial accounting; appreciating operational and resource issues; understanding project management and how the innovation process may be managed; understanding how manufacturing units may be set up and managed; and developing the ability to formulate an exit strategy.

New Venture Business Strategy (SEP*723)
[Starts month 13]

The focus of this final course is understanding the new venture value proposition and how to market it, including understanding market dynamics and competitive forces facing new ventures and strategies to create customer value, understanding the role of IT infrastructure in driving the enterprise productivity, and understanding e-business as a channel.

Taking a New Venture to Market (SEP*724)
[Starts month 9]

This module in the program will address the skills and knowledge needed to launch and sustain the new venture. The module will provide an understanding of how to manage the new venture strategically for growth and sustainability; how to put together a high performance team; the role of value-chain management and timing; and the critical factors that contribute to business survival and longevity.