ObjectivesThe main aim and objectives of the programme are to: - obtain a critical understanding of small and medium sized business management processes; - develop analytical, problem-solving and learning skills associated with the understanding and practice of small and medium sized business management; - obtain a critical awareness of the social and economic context of small and medium sized business development, policy issues, and how they affect the management and growth of small businesses; - enable the student to acquire critical management and business research skills as they apply to the investigation and critical understanding of the operations of small and medium sized enterprises; - enable students to acquire critical learning and management skills to be part of a wider learning community and for the purpose of considering rewarding careers in small and medium sized enterprise management; starting their own enterprises or working in policy environment concerned with small and medium sized businesses.
Entry requirementsEntry Qualifications 2.1 or equivalent; IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 240/580
Academic titleMSc International Small Business Management
Course description
Course Description
The MSc in International Small Business Management examines the management of small and medium sized enterprise, covering micro and macro issues concerned with the economics, sociology, psychology and management of small businesses, their creation, growth and maturity, the people involved in their creation and management, and their operating environment.
Modules and Options
The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.
Stage 1
COMPREHENSIVE BUSINESS PLAN
Compulsory: BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS
Compulsory: ENTREPRENEURSHIP POLICY, CULTURE, AND REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Compulsory: MANAGING THE NEW ENTERPRISE
Compulsory: THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
Compulsory: THEORIES OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Core: INTERNATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING
DISSERTATION
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : Ideas, theory and practice of small and medium sized enterprise (SME) creation, growth and maturity in different environments
A2 : The value of entrepreneurship and SME development policy and their application in different economic contexts, with particular reference to the management of internal and external resources, externalities and networks
A3 : In-depth and critical understanding of key issues in the regional economic development, including regulatory framework issues, the role of institutions, social capital, political, legal, technological and socio-cultural factors, as they affect SME management
A4 : Epistemological issues and in-depth and critical understanding of types and processes of entrepreneurship, the evolution of SME in varied environments and their contribution to economic development
A5 : In-depth and critical understanding of ownership, networks, firm-specific and firm-addressable resources concerned with the management of SMEs, based on case studies from different environments
A6 : In-depth and critical understanding of the research process and the application of a range of research techniques.
A7 : Development of critical theoretical appreciation of 'how', 'why' and 'where' SMEs contribute to entrepreneurship and economic development, and/or the management processes of SMEs at different stages of the business life cycle, and the development of these issues into a dissertation
Teaching Methods
Applies to (A) 1 - 5 inclusive
Directed pre-reading,and writing tasks, lectures and workshops on different aspects of understanding types of SMEs and their growth patterns;
Discussions with tutors and supervisors on the values, principles and applications of unique SME management practices and processes and their theoretical underpinnings;
Directed self-study, observation and reflection of practice; comparative case work in workshops and the classroom; consultation with library materials, projects with enterprises, public agencies, presentations of findings related to models, strategies and good practice; examination of critical topics.
Formative assessments will be made through individual assessments group work and oral presentations. Related feedback, coupled with peer group interaction, should enable students to explore and augment their understanding of the topics, and develop their presentation skills. Summative assessments will be made through assignments and examinations.
Applies to (A) 6 and 7 only
Self-directed study with supervision.
Assessment Methods
Learning outcomes (1) - (6) are formally assessed by course work assignments and written examinations.
Learning outcomes (4), (6) and (7) are specifically assessed by the dissertation
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : Identify, design, develop, create, codify, synthesise, and critically review/analyse theoretical and practical arguments on SME development opportunities, strategies, and tools for practice and for public policy
B2 : Identify, develop and critically review theories of SME development and application in different critical contexts
B3 : Construction and use of appropriate methodologies and problem-centred/solution focused learning methods related to SME management processes
B4 : Assimilation and acquisition of skills in preparation for developing a dissertation
B5 : B1 -B4, plus: Carrying out independent research and formulating coherent and cogent arguments
Teaching Methods
Applies to (B) 1 - 4 inclusive
Lectures; workshop exercises, preparation of individual and team-based assignments, presentations of assignments to academic and practitioner panels; peer group work; final examination.
Recommended directed reading, networking with external communities of practice, peer groups, practitioners; reference to public and private fora.
Development of learning logs from the beginning of the course.
Lectures and directed self-study for the identification of different research paradigms, techniques and methods used in traditional dissertation, and those which can be used to inform and support practical scenarios.
Formative assessment will consist of individual assignments, group work and oral presentations. Related feedback, coupled with peer group interaction, should enable students to explore and augment their understanding of the topics, and develop their presentation skills.
Applies to (B) 5 only
Self-directed study with supervision.
Assessment Methods
Applies to (B) 1 - 4 inclusive
Lectures; workshop exercises, preparation of individual and team-based assignments, presentations of assignments to academic and practitioner panels; peer group work; final examination.
Recommended directed reading, networking with external communities of practice, peer groups, practitioners; reference to public and private fora.
Development of learning logs from the beginning of the course.
Lectures and directed self-study for the identification of different research paradigms, techniques and methods used in traditional dissertation, and those which can be used to inform and support practical scenarios.
Formative assessment will consist of individual assignments, group work and oral presentations. Related feedback, coupled with peer group interaction, should enable students to explore and augment their understanding of the topics, and develop their presentation skills.
Applies to (B) 5 only
Self-directed study with supervision.
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : Compare and contrast different theoretical and practical approaches to SME management practice and SME policy development
C2 : Understand and appreciate features of SME development in different sectors and economic environments, and the tools necessary for routine and creative management skills (financial, people, interpretative, organisation, ideas generation, creative).
C3 : Lay the detailed, analytical ground work for the development of a dissertation
C4 : C1 - C3, plus: Development of practical plans for independent research in the form of a dissertation
Teaching Methods
Applies to (C) 1- 3 inclusive
Direct reading, lectures; review with practitioner/policy making advisory group; networking with peers; reference to public and private fora, the International Entrepreneurship Forum; on-line discussions; formation of teams linked to small enterprises and economic development agencies; international visits and activities; workshops; discussions with tutors and supervisors; projects; maintenance of learning logs.
Routine classwork, management of self-learning, group work and interactions with experts will provide an informal means for assessment of the practical skills acquired by the students.
Applies to (C) 3 only
Self-directed study with supervision.
Assessment Methods
Learning Outcomes (1) - (3) are formally assessed by course work assignments, written examinations, and the presentation of individual and group work. Learning outcome (4) is assessed by the completion of a dissertation.
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : Oral and written communication to different audiences in a coherent, cogent and effective manner.
D2 : Use of information technologies including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, statistical and web-based packages to read, download, analyse, and evaluate different types of data and information
D3 : Use and manipulate different types of numerical data, solve mathematically based problems, apply and interpret financial and statistical data
D4 : Use and application of analytical, morphological and other creative problem skills
D5 : Understanding and appreciation of different communities of interest, good spoken and written communication skills, empathy and resolution of conflict.
D6 : Developing ability to create individual learning logs; developing time management and critical task prioritisation skills, meeting deadlines, evaluating self-learning
Teaching Methods
Applies to (D) 1 - 6 inclusive
Key projects on different aspects of entrepreneurship and economic development, as per assignments; support and evaluation of supervisors and practitioner panel (including their feedback); links with the external platforms, such as OECD Trento Centre for Entrepreneurship, International Entrepreneurship Forum, i.10; maintenance of learning log.
Communication in the classroom, written assignments, group work, interactions with external and internal providers and experts, and use of information should provide for the means of assessing the range of key skills.
Assessment Methods
Learning outcomes (1), (3) and (4) will be assessed by presentations of individual and group work.
A variety of written coursework assignments and written examinations will assess (2).