transforming you and your enterprise · transforming you and your enterprise ... personal skills...

TRANSFORMING YOU AND YOUR ENTERPRISE

Cambridge Judge Business School Entrepreneurship Centre

Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship

“The aim of this programme is to provide individuals with a significant pool of knowledge and real confidence in their entrepreneurial skills so they can take business ventures forward in the commercial arena.”

Dr Joanna Mills MBAProgramme Director of the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship

The Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship is a unique qualification awarded by the University of Cambridge which transforms the entrepreneurial aspirations of ambitious individuals into real action and new enterprises.

Introduction

It is a part time programme offered by Cambridge Judge Business School which enables entrepreneurial individuals to benefit from the world-renowned teaching and research offered by the University of Cambridge. It harnesses all the resources, knowledge and networks built up by the School over ten years of producing increasingly successful programmes in entrepreneurship and helping aspiring entrepreneurs develop their skills, ideas and innovations. Students benefit from the small group teaching that is the hallmark of the University of Cambridge: practical and challenging learning with experienced faculty and entrepreneurs that underpins the teaching philosophy.

At the same time, students are actively supported in the pursuit of a business venture whether this is a technology, creative or social enterprise and wherever they are in the world. The programme provides an entrepreneurial toolkit that builds business knowledge and a practical set of skills to increase confidence and the potential for success whilst seeking to avoid common mistakes. Throughout the programme, students are energised by interaction with peers from around the globe, supported by business mentors and inspired by faculty and the Cambridge Entrepreneurial Ecosystem.

01Contents

Introduction 01

Who is it for? 02

What are the benefits? 04

Transforming you and your enterprise: The Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship journey 06

The catalysts for transformation 08

Programme facts 12

03

“Starting a business and growing one requires continuous learning. The Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship helps to focus your learning, and provide robust foundations from which to build from. Most importantly, the unique design of the programme, which encompasses mentoring and reflexive learning, supports the development of a mind-set orientated around growth and endless improvement.”

Alexander Nicholson Co-founder of AutoTripPostgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship 2013-2014

02 Who is it for?

The Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship has been designed for individuals who are considering embarking on or developing an entrepreneurial career. Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and to bring their own business ideas with them to the programme, along with a clear ambition and desire to take them forward. We believe that, by working on their own ideas, students will have the most effective learning experience with a clear and meaningful focus for project work and assessments.

“One of the major direct benefits for my business venture is the growth I have seen. Before the course I had a portfolio worth around £300k and now it is worth just over £1m a year and a half later.”

Ryan Windsor Founder of Windsor Properties Alumnus of the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship 2012-2013

Contact us:

Email: [email protected]: +44(0)1223 761076www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/pgde

The Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship is for:

• Individuals who are intending upon a career starting and/ or developing their own business enterprises

• University graduates from any academic discipline who want a more specialised learning experience

• Entrepreneurs who want to underpin their experiences with learning to develop new businesses or strategies, re-energise themselves and boost their networks

• Employees of established organisations within both the private and public sectors looking to be more innovative or to develop new opportunities

• Mid to senior level managers in a wide range of sectors and executives and professionals wishing to develop a deep understanding of entrepreneurship skills

• Individuals from within universities and other higher education institutions wanting to deepen their knowledge of teaching entrepreneurship and commercialising new research

Participants may join the programme as individuals or they may be sponsored by their employer or other organisation.

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Learning from entrepreneurs

The growth and development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Cambridge has not been driven or managed by an overarching organisation, specific structures or systems. Rather, it has evolved as a result of people pulling in the resources needed to make a business happen through personal connections made at informal levels. This has been described as a self-organising, constructive chaos where who you know is as important as what you know.

The Entrepreneurship Centre’s philosophy is that the best people to teach entrepreneurs are often entrepreneurs. Given the culture and importance of personal relationships in the development of the ‘Cambridge Cluster’, the Entrepreneurship Centre has purposefully established a network of over 300 experienced entrepreneurs, innovators and other practitioners to embed itself in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and enable the delivery of practical, relevant and credible training.

Through the experiences of entrepreneurial role models, students gain an understanding of the real challenges and benefit from their tacit knowledge. The Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship is carefully designed to involve experienced entrepreneurs in a way that enables students to have a specific and individual learning experience that enhances their business idea at the same time as enriching their knowledge.

World-class faculty

Students benefit from the world-renowned teaching and research offered at the University of Cambridge. Founded in 1990, Cambridge Judge Business School is part of the Faculty of Business and Management at the University of Cambridge. The reputation of the School has grown rapidly and today it is internationally recognised as a provider of stimulating management education, with a particular emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation management. With a world-class faculty of over 50 members and a philosophy of collaboration, the School is a place where people from many disciplines meet and share ideas – policy makers, entrepreneurs, leaders of industry, regulators, not-for-profit organisations and academics.

Alumni community

Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship participants are part of the CJBS alumni community from day one, and have access to the Cambridge Judge Business School global network of graduates and business-focussed Cambridge University alumni, faculty and staff. Currently, this comprises of over 8000 members in more than 100 countries worldwide; a truly international and dynamic network.

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Transforming you and your enterprise

Transforming you by...

• Exploring and driving forward personal motivations and ambitions

• Unlocking entrepreneurial potential

• Enabling self-reflection – a vital tool for entrepreneurs

• Develop core skills via highly participative residential sessions

• Building a relevant personal entrepreneurial network in Cambridge and globally

Transforming your enterprise by...

• Applying your learning directly to your enterprise project

• Evaluating the potential of ideas and opportunities

• Confidently utilising key business concepts

• Developing and present rigorous business cases

• Gaining valuable insights through networking with Cambridge entrepreneurs

• Starting and running new entrepreneurial ventures or growing existing ones

Through a unique global and entrepreneurial approach which...

• Develops your enterprise while studying

• Is energised by open and flexible collaborative online study with peers from around the globe

• Utilises a diversity of entrepreneurial role models directly as teachers

• Provides active support and mentoring

The Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship offers students a unique opportunity to gain the high quality educational experience offered by the University of Cambridge, develop life-long entrepreneurial skills, invest in their business and drive it forward.

What are the benefits?04

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Course 3 Preparing the business case

An intensive two-week residential programme provides a focus for developing a robust business case. Keynote lectures on business themes, such as strategy, finance and marketing, are combined with more specific workshops and tailored mentoring sessions to help students develop their business case and strategy for implementation. Students have the opportunity to meet and gain input from a range of contributors from the Cambridge entrepreneurial network. In addition, students further develop their personal skills with the climax of the course being a formal presentation of the individual enterprise to a panel for valuable recommendations and feedback.

Course 4 Managing the early stage enterprise

Entrepreneurial success depends on excellent execution and this course enables you to implement your idea with confidence. Students develop a deeper understanding of the interrelationship of the numerous factors that contribute to the success of an entrepreneurial venture. They consider the foundations they need to put in place to operate the business effectively and with due regard for the social and environmental issues. Students also look forward to plan strategic developments for the venture and consider their personal entrepreneurial growth.

Enterprise project – Strategic and

operational plan

Key content: • Practical issues for start-up and operation • Directors, governance, stakeholders and

partners• Customers and sales

• Effective operational management• Planning for growth

Key content: • Market entry

• Strategy, implementation and risk• Entrepreneurial finance

• Planning resources• Advanced entrepreneurial skills

Enterprise project – Business case

Personal entrepreneurial development –

Communicating with impact

Managing the early stage enterprise

Six weeks online (approximately 12 hours per week)


Leadership and team building

Preparing and implementing the

business case

Two weeks of residential study in Cambridge


06

Course 1 Entrepreneurial awareness and skills

Explore the breadth of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial motivations and fundamental personal skills for entrepreneurs. During the residential session, students explore how some of the theory of entrepreneurship translates into practice, consider personal development and lay the foundations of key entrepreneurial skills. The discussions and group work continue through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), helping students to gain deeper understanding and frame the vision for their enterprise.

Course 2 Opportunity recognition and idea evaluation

When does a business idea become a real business opportunity? This course provides tools and frameworks to help students explore their idea further in terms of potential markets, applications and products. Working through structured content on the VLE, students are guided through undertaking rigorous and meaningful investigations of their business and industry environments and the needs of their potential customers before applying creative approaches to business models and potential routes to commercialisation.


Planning and networking skills


Creativity and market feasibility

Enterprise project – Market and business

concept feasibility

Key content: • Personal development and key

entrepreneurial skills• Entrepreneurship theory and practice

• Building and managing relationships for business

• From opportunity to vision and action• Sustainability and impact of

entrepreneurship• Capturing value in a competitive

landscape

Enterprise project – Detailed proposal

and vision

Entrepreneurial awareness and skills

One week of residential study in Cambridge


Key content: • Recognising opportunities

• From opportunity to venture• Market, industry and

competitor assessment• Business concept and model

Opportunity recognition and idea evaluation

Five weeks online (approximately 12 hours per

week)

Transforming you and your enterprise: The Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship journey

09

Your Enterprise Project

The Entrepreneurship Centre’s philosophy is that learning for entrepreneurship is most effective when students have a focus which is clear, meaningful and directly linked to their own entrepreneurial ambitions. Students of the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship bring with them an idea for an ‘Enterprise Project’. This could be a start-up venture, new innovation or entrepreneurial initiative with a focus in any industry sector and which could be implemented in any country around the world. We advise all students to have a real passion for their ‘Enterprise Project’ and a strong motivation and commitment to progress and realise the idea during the course of the programme.

To uniquely complement our learning approach, the mandatory assessments for the programme largely focus on developing students’ own entrepreneurial ambitions and ideas and have five key elements:

1. Enterprise project This central piece of analytical work enables students to demonstrate critical understanding of their learning to their own business ideas

2. Reflective learning journal and essay Students analyse their development of key entrepreneurial skills through setting development goals, undertaking practical tasks and subsequent reflection

3. Participation Students engage in active and informed discussion throughout the programme both at the residential sessions and within the VLE

4. Presentation Students present their enterprise project to a panel during the second residential session

5. Collaborative group project Based around a case study of a Cambridge-born venture to gain insight into the challenges of setting up and growing an entrepreneurial business.

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08 The catalysts for transformation

The Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship is offered on a part-time basis over 12 months. Teaching takes a blended learning approach, consisting of two intensive residential sessions in Cambridge supported and complemented through an interactive and tutor-led, online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Cambridge Residential Sessions

The programme includes a five-day intensive residential session at the start of the programme and a two week session at the mid point. Both sessions take place in Cambridge enabling delegates to network with colleagues and access the unique entrepreneurial community in Cambridge.

Highly participative and interactive, the

emphasis is on action learning to develop your skills and test your ideas in a safe environment. You will be inspired and gain knowledge through interactions with practitioner entrepreneurs, both within formal sessions and through more informal networking.

More specifically each residential session includes:

• Core learning delivered by Faculty from Cambridge Judge Business School which provides a foundation for entrepreneurial learning and the development of rigorous business knowledge

• Guest contributions from entrepreneurial role models enabling students to understand, the real challenges, benefit from their tacit knowledge and gain value from an enriched learning experience

• Participative skills workshops delivered by experienced practitioners and complemented by opportunities to put new entrepreneurial skills into action to stimulate personal development and confidence

• Individual and group mentoring to directly translate learning from the programme to participants own enterprise ideas and entrepreneurial ambitions

• Networking opportunities with entrepreneurs and experts in the Cambridge Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through company visits and meaningful and vibrant networking events

“The Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship taught me how to turn the intangible into the tangible in exchange for value. It not only develops the technical skills of the entrepreneur but also the critical mind-set needed for entrepreneurial success. This has enabled me to be realistic about gaps in my own knowledge, as well as how to bridge those gaps effectively. I now feel empowered to make my venture a success.”

Heather Salmon Founder of The Positive Change InitiativeAlumnus of the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship 2013-2014

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Mentoring

The Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship has assembled a team of committed mentors with a range of business and entrepreneurial backgrounds. Our mentors have both the skills and experience to support entrepreneurs and their ambitions alongside a strong appreciation of the core academic and learning elements of the programme. At the start of the programme each student is assigned to a mentor who will support the translation of their learning to their Enterprise Projects whilst at the same time nurturing their entrepreneurial talents and ambitions.

Mentoring sessions (both with individual students and in groups) form a key component of the residential sessions and these interactions continue throughout the online periods of the programme. Students are encouraged to connect regularly with their mentors for individual mentoring to test and shape ideas, reflect on their learning and current experiences with their project and to support their personal entrepreneurial development. The role of the mentors is not to provide specific answers or business guidance but as a vital resource to challenge participants thinking and to provide valuable feedback as the Enterprise Project develops.

“The mentoring system provides continuity of individual support and motivation throughout the Diploma which is key and differentiates the Cambridge programme from other offerings on the market. By integrating mentors alongside the academic programme, CfEL has managed to provide both the academic rigour and practical advice that entrepreneurs need as they manage the fluctuations, frustrations, delays and indeed unexpected opportunities that are a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey.”

Lesley Hetherington MBADirector of Lesley Hetherington LtdMentor on the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship

The catalysts for transformation

The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE ) and peer learning

Collaborative learning is reinforced through online study periods. Rigorous academic materials and case studies on entrepreneurs using a variety of media highlight the breadth of entrepreneurship and translate theory into practice. Online learning is structured on a weekly basis around key themes which require approximately 12 hours of study and participation per week. Each week of study culminates in a focussed assignment or task that brings together learning as it relates to the individual’s enterprise project. Throughout the VLE sessions, students are guided by tutors and mentors who provide feedback along with fellow delegates.

At the heart of the online learning experience are thought-provoking and lively Discussion Forums in which all students are actively involved throughout the programme. These forums are carefully designed to enable extensive peer-learning interactions which deepen and consolidate learning through the creation of a unique and enriched learning resource. In addition, they stimulate the sharing of prior and current real entrepreneurial experiences to provide a continuous network of support for individual Enterprise Projects.

“When discussing with my team members, making decisions, guiding my own or another’s venture, or conducting research for the course and my project, I often come across obstacles or topics previously discussed on the VLE. Being able to access relevant discussions that my classmates and faculty had posted, or personally emailing them became an incredible resource and source of strength. Where another entrepreneur may be lost or stuck with no one to turn to, I had the VLE and the knowledge of my classmates at my fingertips.”

Juliette BinmoellerFounder of The Horse Experience Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship 2014 - 2015

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Meet us

There are a number of opportunities throughout the admissions year for potential candidates to learn more about the programme, to meet with the programme team, network with alumni and hear from experienced entrepreneurs.

Visit the web site at www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/pgde/meetus for further information. We can also arrange discussions for prospective candidates with the Programme Director, Dr Joanna Mills. Please email [email protected] to arrange an appointment for a meeting or conference call.

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“Challenging, stimulating and demanding, the programme vastly increased my business knowledge and equipped me with a newer and higher set of business building skills. It is practical in nature, sequential in format and highly relevant in application. This is a must do course for anyone who is serious about investing in themselves and their future business.”

David Thomson Founder of Soundproofing Online Limited Alumnus of the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship 2013-2014

Programme facts

Fees

The tuition fee for the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship is £12,800 per student. The fee includes some refreshments, attendance at dinners and networking events during residential workshops. Course fees do not include travel to Cambridge or accommodation and meals for residential sessions. Please contact us for further information or contact the Cambridge Tourist Information Centre at www.visitcambridge.org for more information about accommodation in Cambridge. How to apply Applications for entry to the September 2016 programme are currently open, with a final application deadline of 30 April 2016.

We are looking to attract high calibre students with significant entrepreneurial ambition and flair. Admission is limited and competitive in order to ensure we lay the foundations for a truly stimulating learning experience and knowledgeable group of people providing as much inspiration and insight as our networks of entrepreneurs and experts.

Further information about the application process can be found on the web site at: www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/pgde/apply

Selection criteria

Students should normally be graduates (with a minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent in their first degree) from a recognised university. They should satisfy the current English Language Proficiency requirements of postgraduate programmes at Cambridge Judge Business School (visit the website for further information). It is also required that students demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking and ambition through submission of a framework for an entrepreneurial project as part of the application process. Full details of entry requirements are available on the Entrepreneurship pages of the Cambridge Judge Business School web site.

CV Review

We would be delighted to review your CV to provide you with an indication of your suitability for the programme or to discuss your ideas for an entrepreneurial project with you. Please contact the Programme and Admissions Manager, Nicky Reynolds, to request a CV review. Email: [email protected]

http://www.visitcambridge.org

Entrepreneurship CentreCambridge Judge Business SchoolUniversity of CambridgeTrumpington StreetCambridgeCB2 1AG

T: +44 (0)1223 [email protected]/pgde

mailto:[email protected]

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