Module Details

Module Code: MGMT9077
Title: Cyber Startup Journey&Planning
Long Title: Cyber Startup Journey & Planning
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2024/25 ( September 2024 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
Field of Study: 3450 - Business & Management
Module Delivered in: no programmes
Module Description: This module allows students to explore the cyber security business start-up opportunity and challenges. Students will incorporate previous market research and financial analysis to assess the business ideas viability for further commercial funding and development. This module also requires students to develop a business plan for the new venture and to pitch their idea to a panel of enterprise experts and Venture Capitalists (VCs). The students will work in teams throughout this module.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Assess and evaluate the challenges and opportunities of developing a startup contributing to the growing number of indigenous cyber security companies operating in Ireland.
LO2 Construct a comprehensive full scale business plan that addresses sustainability and development goals.
LO3 Critique and apply effective Intellectual Property rights solutions for cyber security business propositions.
LO4 Critique and select sources of private and public assistance and finance available to pre start-up, start-ups and expanding small firms.
LO5 Communicate using pitch techniques to secure investment and develop new partnerships.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Sectoral Overview & Cyber Startup Journeys
Invited guest speakers from Cyber Ireland providing an overview of the cybersecurity sector in Ireland and conversation/speakers from leading indigenous cyber security start-ups at various stages of maturity that are contributing to this ecosystem. For example, VigiTrust, Vaultree, PrivacyEngine, Decatur, Binarii Labs, Getvisibility, Nova Leah, Stryve etc. Challenges and opportunities for cyber startup. Over the semester there will be at least 6 startup journeys covered.
Entrepreneurship and the Cyber Start-Up
Definition of an Entrepreneur. EntreComp Framework. Different types of entrepreneurs; commercial, social. The UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Business Planning
Definition, scope and value of the business plan, writing and implementing the business plan. Business plan templates and samples.
Legislative Implications
Legal formation options of new enterprises. Intellectual Property Rights; patents, trademarks, copyright protection, trade secrets, database rights, licensing and shareholders agreements.
Sources of Support
Enterprise Support Agencies at local and National level. R&D opportunities in third level sector. Finding and using the appropriate supports.
Financing & Financial Planning
Private and public funding options for early stage start-ups: debt equity, business angels, venture capital, crowd funding, boot strapping, government funding & supports. Financial planning - Costing. Pricing. Sales forecasting. Profit & Loss. Balance Sheet. Cash Flow. Use of financial planning and analysis software.
Pitching for Investment
Purpose of pitching. Core elements of a good business pitch. Creating and structuring a winning pitch presentation and communicating this pitch to a panel of industry experts and potential investors.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Submitted every 4 weeks, the reflective journal is expected to relate the local lived context of real cybersecurity entrepreneurs, reflecting on lessons learnt and how learners intend to integrate these lived experiences into their startup journeys.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
In this project learners will be expected to develop a business plan that includes sustainability goals, sources of funding and plan for financing the development of an invention.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Pitch an original idea for a new cyber security company to a panel of experts.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Seminar and guest speakers from cyber security experts and startups and content to support delivery of learning outcomes. Every Week 3.00 3
Tutorial Contact Lab and mentoring to support delivery of learning outcomes. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent & Directed Learning. Every Week 10.00 10
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Seminar and guest speakers from cyber security experts and startups and content to support delivery of learning outcomes. Every Week 3.00 3
Tutorial Contact Lab and mentoring to support delivery of learning outcomes. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent & Directed Learning. Every Week 10.00 10
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Janet Crum,Samantha Schmehl Hines. (2019), Supporting Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Emerald Group Publishing, p.232, [ISBN: 9781789732054].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Ron Immink,Brian O'Kane. (2009), Starting Your Own Business, Gwasg y Bwthyn, p.175, [ISBN: 9781904887355].
  • Kathleen R. Allen. (2018), Launching New Ventures: An Entrepreneurial Approach, 8th. Cengage Learning, p.0, [ISBN: 978-0357039175].
  • David A. Gibson. (2010), The Streetwise Guide to Being Enterprising, [ISBN: 9781904887324].
  • John Bessant,Joe Tidd. (2016), Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 3rd. Wiley Global Education, p.544, [ISBN: 9781119089438].
  • Eric Ries. (2011), The Lean Startup, 1st. [ISBN: 9780670921607].
  • Peggy A. Lambing,Charles R. Kuehl. (2013), Entrepreneurship: Pearson New International Edition, 4th. Pearson, UK, p.300, [ISBN: 9781292040004].
  • Thomas M. Cooney. (2010), Entrepreneurship Cases, Lambert Academic Publishing, p.140, [ISBN: 9783838355641].
  • Alan Sangster,Lewis Gordon (Financial accounter),Frank Wood. (2018), Frank Wood's Business Accounting 1, 14th. Pearson, UK, [ISBN: 9781292208626].
  • Daniel Kahneman. (2011), Thinking, Fast and Slow, Penguin UK, p.609, [ISBN: 9780141033570].
  • Walter Isaacson. (2011), Steve Jobs, Little Brown GBR, p.0, [ISBN: 978-1408703748].
  • Robert X. Cringely. Accidental Empires, [ISBN: 978-0140258264].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources