Enterprise in the Curriculum

Academic Forum for Enterprise/Innovation in the Curriculum 

13th February 2013 | lunch 12.30 | 0.85 Glamorgan Building

Cardiff University Enterprise aims to bring together colleagues from a diverse range of disciplines to exchange knowledge, collaborate and explore new opportunities in the area of enterprise education.  We are aware that colleagues from across the University are developing innovative and enterprising learning opportunities for students.  We would like to bring them together to consider how enterprise strategies may be woven into research led teaching.  The initial idea is that a discussion forum may contain both internal and external case study presentations and the opportunity to meet, discuss and highlight the challenges.  The on-going format will be informed via an initial discussion.  

12.30 Buffet lunch available in advance of meeting
13.00 What does an enterprising curriculum look like (inc. relevant examples)?
13.20 Round table discussion considering participants’ initial thoughts on;

• What are the benefits/challenges of developing a more enterprising curriculum?
• What does enterprise mean to you (and your discipline)?
• Is the same approach relevant to every discipline?
• Can common ground be found between disciplines?

14.20 Key ideas & thoughts raised/format for the future
14.30 Close

If you would like to attend this open discussion please contact ColesN@cardiff.ac.uk

Increasing the enterprise capability of students through teaching.

Cardiff University Enterprise has worked with students in developing their enterprise capability and potential new ventures since inception in 2008. Now in 2013 we are able to use the experiences gained to support the development of modern curriculum based pedagogies.  Our small team now boasts two Enterprise Learning Officers, who are available to work with academics in the building of a more enterprising curriculum.

What is ‘enterprise capability’?

Enterprise capability has a connection to employability, innovation, commercialisation, knowledge transfer and business start-up, however there is a distinction between the generic use of the term ‘enterprise’ in reference to business venture creation and a sense of practical action. The development of an entrepreneurial capability moves beyond knowledge acquisition to a range of intellectual, emotional and social skills that allow for the application of creative ideas and innovations.  It can include ideas development, taking the initiative, critical thinking, identifying opportunities, innovation, problem solving, making things happen, networking, communication, strategic thinking and decision making.  Development of one’s enterprise capability could be considered as a modern teaching theory that is trans-disciplinary.

Two approaches to embedding enterprise into teaching

The QAA (2012 p6) draws a distinction between ‘learning about enterprise’ and ‘learning for enterprise’. ‘About’ refers to traditional lectures and theoretical underpinnings of a particular theme from within the enterprise and entrepreneurship agenda (eg intellectual property, establishing a small firm).  ‘For’ is more experiential by nature drawing students into a meaningful and relevant theory led context that allows for self-learning, reflection, visualisation of opportunities for innovation, and then builds towards gaining an insight into what it means to be enterprising.  When considering enterprise each approach has a place, as does the combined approach.  There is no conflict with research led teaching as subject driven theory should lead in each case, with enterprise activity being woven in and often unstated.

How we can support you

• College, School or subject led strategies and support - The building of an enterprising capability should always be directed by subject based knowledge, therefore each College and School may need tailored support on embedding enterprise within their defined field.  Staff are able to work with individual academics, directors of teaching, College/School Heads to support or advise on pedagogic interventions, module/programme content or an overarching strategy.
• Academic Enterprise Forum - Informal staff led networks will be set up to allow for discussion, the sharing of good practice and feedback.  
• Mapping of existing enterprise - On a case by case basis the staff members are able to help map existing modules/programmes against published barometers of enterprise education.   
• Resources – Presentations by enterprise staff, academic papers and public policy documentation can be used to increase knowledge and discussion on engendering a culture of enterprise.  

Drivers.

• CBI (2009), Stronger together; Businesses and universities in turbulent times. A report from the CBI Higher Education Task Force. Available at http://www.cbi.org.uk/media/1121439/cbi_he_taskforce_report_strongertogether.pdf (accessed 05 December 2012)
• Cardiff University (July 2011) Education Strategy 2011-12 TO 2013-14. Available at: http://learning.cf.ac.uk/strategies/education-strategy_final/
• Oslo Agenda for Entrepreneurship Education in Europe (2006). Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/files/support_measures/training_education/doc/oslo_agenda_final_en.pdf (accessed 17 October 2012)
• QAA. (September 2012). Enterprise and entrepreneurship educations guidance for UK higher education providers. Available at http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Documents/enterprise-guidance.pdf (accessed 31 October 2012).
• Wilson, T (February 2012). A Review of Business–University Collaboration. Available at: http://www.hefce.ac.uk/news/newsarchive/2012/name,69548,en.html (accessed 22 November 2012)

We always welcome discussions on employability, enterprise, innovation, creativity and making a difference contact Neil Coles [ColesN@Cardiff.ac.uk] or Stuart Abbott [AbbottSG2@Cardiff.ac.uk] 02920781442