Specialist Diploma in Entrepreneurship Design Thinking (ERC Institute)

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Course Delivery

Students undertaking the Specialist Diploma in Entrepreneurship Design Thinking programme will be expected to complete 10 modules of academic study over 6 or 9 months. This programme is available on full time or part time basis. Full-time students will attend classes 5 days a week on weekdays for 6 months, while part-time students will attend classes 2 times a week for 9 months.

Course structure

Module Descriptions

Module 1: Exploring Entrepreneurship

This module equips participants with the knowledge in Entrepreneurship and the important contribution to the nation’s economy. The module will explore the attitudes and characteristics of successful entrepreneurs and the cultural diversity of Entrepreneurship.

Module 2: Recognizing Opportunities & Generating Ideas

This module equips participants with the knowledge of creativity and innovation as they are such an integral part of entrepreneurship. This module will provide participants the techniques for improving the creative process.

Module 3: Market Analysis

This module equips participants with the techniques in analyzing both the macro and micro market environment in a holistic approach. This module will provide elements in evaluating each new idea and coming out with a viable business concept.

Module 4: Strategic Management in the 21st Century

This module equips participants with the knowledge in the formulation of strategy and developing the competitive advantage. This module will assist in closing the strategy-to-execution gap for creating sustainable value. 

Module 5: Sales & Marketing Management

This module equips participants with the knowledge in marketing mix and know-how in segmentation-targeting–positioning. This module will provide confidence with a well-thought-out approach to prospecting customers and closing sales.

Module 6: Strategic HR Management

This module approaches strategic HR management in a realistic, practical, interesting, and stimulating manner. This module provides delivery in creating a learning organization with emphasis on Result Oriented Management.

Module 7: Innovation and Technology Management

This module equips participants with the appraisal of alternative strategies to exploit innovation through technological development. This module assesses the impact of technological change on the new venture’s sustainability and the implications on competencies.

Module 8: Financial Management

This module equips participants with the knowledge and understanding of the role that managing finance plays and how it contributes to a new venture’s success. This module introduces the various financial options open to new ventures in order to raise capital.

Module 9: Writing a Business Plan

This module equips participants with the competence to develop an effective business plan that offers realistic evaluation of a new venture’s chances for success in the market. This module provides a strategy for success that guides a business beyond the startup.

• Lecture
• Tutorial
• Group Discussion
• Peer Group Presentation
• Group Work
• Video
• Role Play
• Seminar
• Practicum Experience (Facilitated, Field and Advanced)

Module 10:Practicum Experience

Practicum 1: Ideation Workshop (2 days/16 hours) This facilitated practicum enables participants to identify and select a specific challenge – to do research – to find out and screen relevant information/technologies – to generate ideas and conceptualize a brilliant solution – to use visual communication to pitch the idea to a professional jury.

Practicum 2: Zero to One (2 days/16 hours) This field practicum enables participants to learn to think innovatively and to develop practical skills to effectively and ethically start a new business from zero dollars to the first earned dollars. This field practicum develops perseverance, resourcefulness, open mindedness, accept risk and failure, and all useful facets of a strong drive.

Practicum 3: The Lean Startup (3 days/24 hours) This advanced practicum immerses participants in the whole entrepreneurial process applying their knowledge, skills and competences in doing a real own business: to brainstorm business idea – to write business plan – to raise capital from venture capitalists – to prepare and launch their new venture – to sales and marketing – to operation and financial reporting to venture capitalists

Course Availability

Intakes for the Specialist Diploma in Entrepreneurship Design Thinking commences at an interval of 3 months. All applications should be submitted to ERCI no later than 2 months before the commencement.

Assessment Framework

Courses are assessed by 100% course work-based without examinations – a combination of practical assignments and assessments that includes individual written assessment, presentation and practicum experience.

Written assessment

• Presentation
• Practicum Experience