Module overview
The important contributions that high-growth firms make to the economy through their generation of revenue and jobs have long been recognised. Entrepreneurs often seek growth to maximise their returns, while others embark on a trajectory of ‘accidental growth’ based on high demand for their innovative goods and services. However, high-growth creates considerable challenges for many organisations. It can place them under strain, and can result in firm failure. This unique module examines the theoretical frameworks which explain firm growth and provides practical insight into how the associated challenges can be managed. This module will be of interest to students seeking to develop their own business, or who plan on working in dynamic, high-growth firms.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- communicate effectively, in both oral and written form, using and justifying argument within reports, presentations and debates.
- plan and control effectively for successful completion of a personal workload;
- self-manage the development of learning and study skills;
- use a wide range of information sources requiring the development of bibliographic skills;
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the circumstances and reasons why businesses experience and/or seek high-growth;
- the internal and external barriers that can impair growth;
- the strategies and practices used by businesses to deliver growth;
- interventions which can be successfully used to manage the growth process.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- diagnose national and global opportunities for growth, by evaluating the characteristics of economies and societies;
- communicate effectively, in both oral and written form, using and justifying argument within reports, presentations and debates;
- identify the roles of key internal and external stakeholders in facilitating business growth;
- self-manage the development of learning and study skills;
- understand the limitations of particular growth models in industry sectors;
- use a wide range of information sources requiring the development of bibliographic skills;
- evaluate the appropriateness of particular growth strategies.
- plan and control effectively for successful completion of a personal workload;
Syllabus
The topics covered in this module will include:
- How high-growth is defined, measured and its importance to the business, stakeholders and the wider economy and society
- Key motivations and contexts which facilitate the growth of firms (planned and unplanned), including the influence of different internal and external stakeholders on the business’ strategy
- Characteristics of high growth firms, e.g.: ‘accidental growth’, venture team competencies, structure and link to entrepreneurship
- The recognition, planning and evaluation of appropriate strategies which support business growth
- Implementation of different strategies and models to facilitate growth, including internationalisation, diversification and acquisitions
- Internal barriers and risks to high-firm growth, e.g.: HRM, capital constraints, cash flow, quality control, coherence of strategy and risk to operations
- External barriers and risks to growth, e.g.: capital constraints, labour market, supply and distribution networks and reputational risk
- Strategies and practices to manage the risks associated with high-growth, in addition to external sources of support
- How different characteristics of businesses affect their risk of growth success or failure, e.g.: small, large, experienced venture team
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching Methods include:
Lectures, interactive case studies, problem-solving activities, directed reading, and private/guided study. Visiting speakers/interaction with entrepreneurs, if available.
Learning activities include:
- Introductory lectures
- Individual assignment
- Case study / problem solving activities
- Critical analysis of theories about business growth
- Critical analysis of business magazine articles
- In class debate and discussion
- Private study
- Use of online materials
Class activities, such as problem solving activities, discussions, critical analysis of articles, and use of case studies will provide opportunities for you to gain feedback from your tutor and/or peers about their level of understanding and knowledge prior to any formal summative assessment. Feedback on the essay will normally be provided through a written report for each individual within four week of the submission date.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Revision | 20 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 24 |
Seminar | 10 |
Lecture | 24 |
Completion of assessment task | 50 |
Wider reading or practice | 32 |
Total study time | 160 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Journal of Business Economics. Journal
Entrepreneurship and Regional Development. Journal
International Journal of Entrepreneurship. Journal
The growth of firms: A survey of theories and empirical evidence.. Coad, A., 2009. The growth of firms: A survey of theories and empirical evidence. Edward Elgar Publishing. (Available at Library)
British Journal of Management. Journal
Journal of Economic Geography. Journal
Entrepreneurship and the Growth of Firms. Davidsson, P., Delmar, F. and Wiklund, J. (eds.), (2008). Entrepreneurship and the Growth of Firms, Edward Elgar, Cheltenham (Available at Library)
Journal of Business Venturing. Journal
Family Business Review. Journal
Journal of Small Business Management. Journal
Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice. Journal
Journal of Management Studies. Journal
Textbooks
Merson, R. (2011). Guide to Managing Growth: Strategies for Turning Success Into Even Bigger Success. London: The Economist.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Class discussions
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Verbal feedback on the discussions in the class.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External