The Small Business Management module is directed towards those who wish to learn about managing a small firm in Ireland. It has been designed to provide students with an understanding of how to manage a small business, particularly in the Irish context. The main thrust of the course is to develop in the student an understanding of the executive requirements that are necessitated when managing one’s own enterprise. This will integrate with their overall management studies to educate students in their learning of the particular needs of small businesses. The module is designed to promote the areas of management, and to clearly communicate the tools and techniques that would assist in the running and development of a business.
| Introduction Definitions of the small firm, heterogeneity of small firms, characteristics of small companies, data sources and problems of measurement
Government Policy and Small Business Small firms in the Irish economy, the role of government intervention, an evaluation of policy and its problems
Small Business Growth, Success and Failure Different stages of growth, types of growth, characteristics of fast-growth firms, reasons for failure.
Strategy Strategy and the small firm, success strategies in small firms, strategy making in small firms, strategic problems of small businesses
People People and the small firm, changing context of industrial relations, managing people in small firms, HRM
Networking Defining networks, alternative perspectives on networks, conceiving of small firm networks, research into networks
ICT ICT in the small firm, definition and background, overview of research streams, e-commerce, using ICT for strategic decision-making
Internationalisation SMEs and internationalisation, stimulating internationalisation, barriers to internationalisation, policy and institutional support
Leadership Teams, small business management, life cycles, types of management structures, routes to success.
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The learning and teaching methods employed will include lectures, discussions, problem-solving exercises, reading, and self-directed learning. In addition, formal lectures and workshops are supported by guest lecturers from practitioners in the area.
In addition to the reading list, supplemental readings will be continually provided to ensure that students are aware of current academic developments and emerging practitioner issues.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
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| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |