UNIT 1 ENTREPRENEURSHIP

SBA GUIDELINES

The length of the report should not exceed 1,500 words, excluding bibliography, charts, graphs,
tables, pictures, references, and appendices. APA citations and referencing. Times new roman font
size 12 double spaced.
AREA SUGGESTIONS MARKS
Aim and Aim of the interview report clearly stated and relevant to the topic 2
objectives chosen. Examples of possible aims include:

To gain comprehensive insights into the entrepreneurial journey,

strategies, and innovative practices of a successful entrepreneur.

To explore the role of creativity and innovation in the inception,

development, and management of the entrepreneur's venture.

To analyze the present state of the venture, identify major

challenges faced by the entrepreneur, and discover emerging
opportunities for growth and harvesting.

Two objectives of the interview report clearly stated and relevant 4

to the topic. Examples of possible objectives include:

To understand the characteristics that define the entrepreneur and

their approach to business. (Module 1)

Determine the key factors that contributed to the entrepreneur's

success. (Module 1)

Explore the processes and practices related to idea generation,

opportunity identification, and market assessment. (Module 2)

Understand the role of creativity and innovation in the inception

and management of the venture. (Module 3)

Discover emerging opportunities for growth and harvesting.

(Module 2)

Data collection The method(s) of investigation clearly stated.

method  Includes:
 when, where and with whom was the interview
conducted. 1
 research methods used (primary, secondary, qualitative,
quantitative). (Please note a combination is always best) 2
 number and type of questions (open-ended, closed-
ended). (Please note a combination is always best. 1

• Justification for the method(s) used (at least 2). Examples are: 2
 An interview allows for direct, personal interaction
 between the interviewer and the entrepreneur. This
creates a conducive environment for open and candid
discussions, enabling the entrepreneur to share their
experiences, insights, and perspectives in a more nuanced
and meaningful way.
 During an interview, students have the opportunity to ask
follow-up questions and seek clarifications in real-time.
This allows them to delve deeper into specific aspects of
the entrepreneur's journey, strategies, and practices,
ensuring a comprehensive understanding.

 Interviews provide a platform for the entrepreneur to

provide rich contextual information about their venture.
This includes the historical events, challenges faced, and
unique circumstances that shaped the evolution of their
business.

• A statement or explanation of limitations and/or challenges (at

least 2). Examples are: 2
 Interviews can be subjective, as they rely on the
perceptions and interpretations of both the interviewer
and interviewee. This can introduce potential biases that
may affect the accuracy and objectivity of the information
gathered.
 The accuracy of the information obtained in an interview
depends on the interviewee's memory, willingness to
share, and ability to articulate their experiences. There
may be instances of recall bias or the interviewee
providing socially desirable responses.
 Some entrepreneurs may feel uncomfortable discussing
certain aspects of their business or personal journey. This
can lead to them being less open or withholding
information, potentially limiting the depth of insights
gained.
Presentation of Mindset:
interview report  name and description of the venture 2
 business name and type of venture 1
 nature of the business
 venture location 1
 characteristics of the entrepreneur
 background of the entrepreneur prior to starting the
venture 1
 the key factors that contributed to the success of the
entrepreneur 1
Processes, Practices and Challenges:
 the idea generation process used by the entrepreneur 1
 the opportunity identification source used by the
entrepreneur 1
 review of market and industry and description (Research 3
Required)
  key historical events in the start and existence of the 1
venture 2
 present state of the venture (strengths and weaknesses) 1
 major present and future challenges 1
 emerging opportunities (growth and/or harvesting)

Creativity and Innovation:

- origin and background of the venture: 1
 why was the venture started 1
 what was the source of innovation for the venture
 the role of creativity and innovation in starting and
managing 1
 the venture 1
 current conditions for nurturing innovation in the venture 1
 any existing intellectual property rights
Impact on self  Candidate adequately reflects on how findings impact
his/her own attitudes and behaviour. 3

 Candidate adequately reflects on how findings impact

his/her inspiration towards venture creation. 3
In-class oral  Level of Preparedness. 1
presentation of  Knowledge of content. 2
the impact on self  Inspiration towards venture creation. 2
(reflection)  Presentation (delivery, audience engagement, integration
of support resources). 3
 Response to questions. 2
Conclusion  Conclusion based on findings. 2
 Conclusion effectively linked to the purposes of the
project. 2
Note: The conclusion should reflect lessons learnt from the
experience of interviewing the entrepreneur and researching and
writing the interview report.
Presentation of  Information communicated using correct grammar. 2
report  Use of media other than text to present information
(graph, tables, charts, diagrams). 1
 Bibliography presented in an acceptable manner (APA
style). 1
 Information in Project report presented logically and
coherently. 2

Possible questions to ask the entrepreneur:

Entrepreneurial Journey and Venture Details:

"Could you please provide us with detailed information about your venture, including its name, type,
location, and the nature of the business?"

"What are the characteristics that you believe define you as an entrepreneur and contribute to the
success of your venture?"
Pre-Venture Background:

"Could you share some insights into your background and experiences before you started this
venture?"

"Are there any specific experiences or skills from your past that you believe were instrumental in
shaping your entrepreneurial journey?"

Success Factors and Innovation Aspects:

"What do you consider as the key factors that have led to the success of your venture?"

"Can you walk us through the processes and practices you employed for idea generation,
opportunity identification, and market assessment?"

Present State, Challenges, and Opportunities:

"Could you give us an assessment of the current strengths and weaknesses of your venture?"

"What are the major challenges you are currently facing, and how do you plan to address them?"

"Are there any emerging opportunities that you foresee for the growth or potential harvesting of
your venture?"