Module manager: Diane Holt
Email: D.Holt@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 Jul to 31 Aug View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
GPA of 2.5 (US) or equivalent
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Entrepreneurship plays an important role in society. Across the world micro, small and medium enterprises are providing the livelihoods for millions. Corporates with their large employee base are also responding to calls to be more socially responsible. Increasingly we are seeing the emergence of new ‘for-purpose’ business forms. They seek to create social and environmental value as well as the more traditional economic benefits. These enterprises are creative in addressing acute social needs. They may leverage social innovation to build business models and products. There are a myriad of social and environmental challenges within society. These challenges, especially those framed by sustainable development goals, offer opportunities. In particular, for new business start-ups, as well as the emergence of more responsible corporate forms such as B-Corps. This module explores various types of for-purpose businesses such as social enterprises. For example, B-Corps, Fairtrade and Hybrids. You will also consider some of the key founders that have shaped these businesses and the emergence of new ideas as microfinance. The module also considers how traditional corporates can be more socially responsible.
Through this module, students will develop an understanding of how enterprise might be a vehicle for social change and address acute social issues. Students will develop a more nuanced understanding of some of the key debates around the role of enterprise, the importance of contexts in the developed versus the developing world, the trade-offs that can occur in value creation and possible unintended consequences. They will develop an awareness of the sustainable development goals and how various for-purpose business models and innovations support different beneficiary groups
On completion of this module, students will demonstrate knowledge of:
1. the key characteristics of different types of for-purpose enterprise types;
2. how such enterprises might create social and environmental value;
3. the importance of considering various stakeholders;
4. the importance of context;
5. the importance of considering possible trade-offs and unintended consequences
Ability to communicate subject knowledge to others and to understand the emerging ideas around various for-purpose business models
The full syllabus will be available at the start of the module. There will be a series of interactive workshops that will cover various aspects of for-purpose business models in both developed and developing countries. These sessions include a focus on:
- Social and environmental issues that shape the business environment;
- The SDGs;
- Defining social enterprises, their stakeholder, value chains and beneficiary groups;
- Hybrid, Fairtrade, B Corp and not for profit models;
- What is CSR?
- What is the informal economy?
- Understanding context and how it shapes these organisations;
- Guest speaker/field visit;
- Trade-offs and unintended consequences; and
- The importance of social innovation and building creative solution to social problems
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visit | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Seminar | 8 | 3 | 24 |
| Independent online learning hours | 15 | ||
| Private study hours | 43 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 42 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Reading and research per seminar: 8 x 3hrs (24hrs)
Poster presentation preparation: 3 x 2hrs (6hrs)
Preparatory work for visit: 3hrs
Other assessment preparation: 10hrs
Online learning: directed reading available to them before arrival that will support the theory developed in class (5 x 3hrs)
Student progress will be monitored through attendance at, and participation in, seminars.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Project report, max. 1,500 words (individual) | 70 |
| Group Project | 15 minute group case study with poster presentation | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 4/29/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team