In the Enterprise Challenge module, learners will work in multidisciplinary teams and are tasked with responding to a challenge or problem set by an Enterprise or Civic partner. They will gain core skills vital for future-proofing their careers, including teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, influencing, critical thinking and communicating with confidence. Teams will respond to challenges implementing an end-to-end innovation cycle, learning how to apply human-cantered research, ideation, prototyping and evaluation techniques and methods, assisted through mentorship and guidance from academic and enterprise stakeholders.
The module uses a project-based learning (PBL) model where students work in teams and collaborate with industry professionals to conceptualise solutions to real business, civic or environmental problems. Project-based learning (PBL) is an instructional approach that involves learners working collaboratively on a project or problem where they apply and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competencies they have acquired.
The Enterprise Challenge provides learners with a hands-on learning experience - bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills. The module also exposes learners to different industries and allows them to explore potential career paths. Learners will develop and refine a range of soft or transversal skills that are highly valued by employers and are applicable across sectors and disciplines. By working in teams, learners learn to collaborate effectively and build relationships with their peers, which is essential in the workplace.
Introduction
The module embraces a design thinking approach, guiding learners through a series of structured phases to collaboratively tackle live challenges. Starting with an introductory phase, participants gain an overview of the module, developing familiarity with the industry or organisation, establishing project goals, forming teams, and initiating planning.
Discovery
The subsequent research and analysis phase employs human-centered and secondary research methods, culminating in the identification of target customers, stakeholder groups, and the formulation of a project brief.
Ideation and Prototyping
Through ideation and analysis, learners explore techniques for generating ideas, crafting value propositions, and developing techniques for prototyping solutions.
Evaluation
In the subsequent solution development phase learners iterate prototypes and solutions based on testing, evaluation, reflection and feedback from project sponsors. They develop a go-to-market strategy that considers scalability, sustainability, and financial viability.
Pitching and Communication
The module concludes with a pitch presentation to industry mentors and stakeholders and the submission of project deliverables and a reflective learning contribution.
The module employs a range of learning and teaching methods, such as workshops, lectures, research, critique and feedback sessions. Through collaborative workshops with the project sponsor, learners gain an initial understanding of the enterprise challenge project. Research activities, conducted with stakeholders equip learners with a comprehensive understanding of the problems they are solving for. Collaborative ideation workshops facilitate both divergent and convergent thinking among teams. Feedback and testing sessions with stakeholders enhance the evaluation process. Additionally, reflective sessions are employed to promote critical thinking and self-assessment.
The module is designed to be delivered in a multi-modal format, delivered through blended and in-person on-campus learning.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |