Active learning ideas
The Nature of Enterprise introduces students to the proactive mindset required to turn ideas into action. In the Irish context, this involves looking at how individuals identify needs and take risks to provide services or products, whether for profit or social benefit. This topic is foundational for the NCCA Leaving Certificate Business syllabus as it establishes the distinction between being an entrepreneur and being enterprising in daily life.
Activity 01
In small groups, students research a local Irish business or community initiative to identify three specific enterprising acts the founders took. They present their findings to the class, categorizing each act as financial, social, or personal enterprise.
What defines an enterprising person?
Activity 02
Students are given a scenario of a struggling traditional Irish retail shop. They individually brainstorm one 'intrapreneurial' idea to save the business, discuss it with a partner to refine the risk-reward ratio, and share the best idea with the class.
How does enterprise benefit the local community?
Activity 03
The class is divided into two sides to debate the motion: 'The personal risks of enterprise in the current Irish economy outweigh the potential rewards.' Students must use specific examples of Irish startups and supports like Local Enterprise Offices to back their points.
What are the risks and rewards of starting a new venture?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Enterprise only happens in a business context.
Enterprise is a way of life. Teachers should use examples of social enterprise (like Tidy Towns) or personal enterprise (organizing a charity hike) to show that the skills are universal. Active brainstorming of non-business examples helps students broaden their definition.
Enterprising people never fail.
Failure is a key part of the enterprising process. Using case studies of famous Irish entrepreneurs who faced setbacks allows students to see resilience as the core trait. Peer discussion about 'famous failures' helps normalize risk.
Methods used in this brief
People in Business
This topic investigates the various stakeholders involved in a business, including investors, employers, employees, and consumers. Students analyze the dynamic relationships and potential conflicts among these groups.
8 methodologies
The Role of the Entrepreneur
Students analyze the characteristics and skills of successful entrepreneurs. The topic highlights the economic importance of entrepreneurship in job creation and wealth generation.
8 methodologies