QUESTION 1
Entrepreneurship and innovation are closely related concepts that play a crucial role in
driving economic growth, technological advancement, and societal progress. Elaborate on
FOUR (4) types of innovation with a relevant example.
(10 marks)
QUESTION 2
An entrepreneur’s primary objective is to locate a market opportunity and transform it into a
successful and profitable business. Elaborate on FIVE (5) potential sources of capital
accessible to entrepreneurs when embarking on new business.
(10 marks)
QUESTION 3
Starting a new entrepreneurial venture is an exciting but challenging endeavour. Describe
FIVE (5) factors to consider when starting a new entrepreneurial venture.
(10 marks)
QUESTION 4
The concept of marketing has evolved significantly over time, adapting to changes in
technology, consumer behavior, and business practices. Explain FOUR (4) evolutions of the
marketing concept with a relevant example.
(10 marks)
QUESTION 5
Each type of franchising has its own benefits, challenges, and considerations. Explain
THREE (3) types of franchising with a relevant example.
(10 marks)
Course: MPU3233 Entrepreneurship
SECTION B (TOTAL MARKS = 50)
This section contains TWO questions. Answer ALL questions.
QUESTION 1
A successful organization strives to balance both effectiveness and efficiency. This means
not only achieving the right goals but also achieving them in a way that maximizes resource
utilization and minimizes unnecessary costs and efforts. By applying the management
functions effectively and efficiently, organizations can enhance their decision-making
processes, improve performance, and ultimately contribute to their long-term success.
Elaborate on the FOUR (4) functions of management processes that are designed to help
organizations achieve their goals effectively and efficiently.
(25 marks)
QUESTION 2
Alice, a young entrepreneur, has developed a revolutionary renewable energy technology
that promises to enhance solar panel efficiency, affordability, and eco-friendliness. Excited
about its potential to combat climate change and provide sustainable energy solutions, she
faces ethical dilemma. In order to bring her technology to market quickly and secure funding,
she is considering partnering with a large energy corporation that has a history of
environmental violations. This corporation offers substantial financial support and resources
to scale up her technology for wider accessibility. However, forming this partnership might
weaken the ethical integrity of her creation and its fundamental objectives.
Discuss the long-term implications of Alice’s decision on the company’s reputation,
especially in terms of ethics and social responsibility.
Expert Answer
This solution was written by a subject matter expert. It’s designed to help students like you learn core concepts.
Step 1: Understand the Concept of Innovation and Identify Types
Start by gaining a clear understanding of the concept of innovation. Recognize that innovation is the process of introducing something new or making significant improvements to existing products, services, or processes. Once you have a grasp of this concept, identify four types of innovation (incremental, disruptive, radical, architectural) by understanding their characteristics and examples.
Step 2: Explore Sources of Capital for Entrepreneurs
Research and explore various sources of capital accessible to entrepreneurs when starting a new business. Begin with personal savings, venture capitalists, angel investors, bank loans, and crowdfunding. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of each source, as well as the criteria that may influence an entrepreneur’s choice.
Step 3: Consider Factors for Starting an Entrepreneurial Venture
Delve into the factors that entrepreneurs should consider when starting a new venture. These factors include market research, capital requirements, legal implications, location selection, and the necessary talent and skill sets. Explain why each of these factors is crucial for a successful startup.
Step 4: Trace the Evolution of Marketing Concepts
Study the historical evolution of marketing concepts. Begin with the production concept, followed by the product concept, selling concept, and finally, the marketing concept. Provide relevant examples for each concept and explain how changes in technology, consumer behavior, and business practices influenced the evolution.
Step 5: Examine Types of Franchising Models
Explore different types of franchising models. Start with product distribution franchising, business format franchising, and conversion franchising. For each type, provide an explanation of how it works, its benefits, challenges, and include relevant examples to illustrate how these models are applied in real-world scenarios.
SECTION A
Solution 1 Types of Innovation:
Incremental Innovation: Small, iterative changes made to a company’s existing products, services, or processes to maintain or increase its value. Example: Apple’s annual iPhone updates with enhanced features.
Disruptive Innovation: Introduces a new market by targeting non-consumers or creating a new market altogether, often displacing established market-leading firms. Example: Netflix’s streaming services disrupting the traditional DVD rental market.
Radical Innovation: Major shifts that transform or replace existing products, services, or processes. Example: The invention of the airplane, changed long-distance travel.
Architectural Innovation: Changes the way core components of a product are linked, but doesn’t change the core components themselves. Example: The transition from desktop computers to laptops.
Solution 2 Potential sources of capital:
Personal Savings: Entrepreneurs often start by investing their savings into their ventures.
Venture Capitalists: Professional groups that manage pooled funds from various sources to invest in startups.
Angel Investors: Wealthy individuals who provide capital for a business startup, typically in exchange for equity.
Bank Loans: Traditional method, involves taking a loan from a bank to start or expand a business.
Crowdfunding: Online platforms such as Kickstarter allow businesses to raise small amounts of money from a large number of people.
Solution 3 Factors to consider:
Market Research: Understand the demand for your product or service.
Capital Requirements: Knowing how much money you will need to start and maintain operations.
Legal Implications: Including business structure, taxes, and necessary permits or licenses.
Location: Picking a place that’s accessible to customers, suppliers, and employees.
Talent and Skill Set: Ensuring you and your team have the necessary skills.
Solution 4 Evolutions of the Marketing Concept:
Production Concept: Companies believed consumers would favour products that are available and affordable. Example: Ford’s Model T production.
Product Concept: Companies focused on making superior products. Example: High-end cameras emphasizing image quality.
Selling Concept: Pushing products to customers through aggressive advertising. Example: Infomercials for products.
Marketing Concept: Focusing on customer needs and delivering value. Example: Amazon’s customer-centric approach.
Solution 5 Types of Franchising:
Product Distribution Franchise: Franchisee sells the franchisor’s product from a wholesaler. Example: Car dealerships.
Business Format Franchise: Franchisee uses the franchisor’s trademark and also the entire system of conducting the business. Example: McDonald’s.
Conversion Franchise: Independent businesses become part of a franchise chain. Example: Independent hotels joining a major chain like Holiday Inn.
SECTION B
Solution 1: Four Functions of Management Processes:
Planning: Setting objectives and determining the best way to achieve them.
Organizing: Arranging and structuring work to accomplish organizational goals.
Leading: Directing and motivating all involved parties and resolving conflicts.
Controlling: Monitoring activities to ensure they are accomplished as planned.
Solution 2 : Long-term implications of Alice’s decision:
Reputation Impact: Partnering with a company with environmental violations can tarnish Alice’s clean and ethical image.
Stakeholder Trust: Current and potential stakeholders might doubt Alice’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
Potential for Positive Change: Alice could influence the larger company’s practices for the better, using her technology as leverage.
Market Perception: The value proposition of her product as eco-friendly might be overshadowed by the partnership.
Ethical Dilution: Over time, the lines of ethical standards might blur, especially if the corporation’s influence grows in decision-making.