Module Code: H9EIFT
Long Title Entrepreneurships and Innovation in FinTech
Title Entrepreneurships and Innovation in FinTech
Module Level: LEVEL 9
EQF Level: 7
EHEA Level: Second Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: Rohit Verma
Module Author: Andrea Del Campo Dugova
Departments: School of Computing
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff

Lecturer    PhD/Master’s degree in a computing or cognate discipline. May have industry experience also.
Tutor    PhD/Master’s degree in a computing or cognate discipline. May have industry experience also.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Demonstrate the ability to research the FinTech landscape to spot real-world market opportunities by applying an analytical skillset for problem understanding stakeholder segmentation and competitor benchmarking
LO2 Design creative solutions and user experiences to address salient FinTech market needs and specific user requirements
LO3 Demonstrate the ability to set prototype specifications including its underlying technical architecture using relevant and up-to-date tools and technologies in the FinTech landscape
LO4 Design the business model of a start-up, product, process, or service including its pricing and commercialisation strategies aligned with frameworks commonly used by funding agencies and investors in Ireland and the UK
LO5 Contextualise and communicate the entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving skillset needed to plan and manage a successful FinTech enterprise in the context of real-world best practices in FinTech.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements

Programme entry requirements must be satisfied.

 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Defining Innovation Innovator mindset and skillset; introduction to methodologies
User-centric design 4 C’s and 21st Century skills Contrast and comparison of the lean canvas and the business model canvas.
The Lean canvas Spotting opportunity
Lean canvas Strategic sources of problems and opportunities
Customer Segmentation
Ethnographic research User-centric analysis Customer persona Customer/user journey Price sensitivity analysis Ethical considerations of customer segmentation
Problem definition
Root cause analysis Customer/problem fit Urgency of pain points Industry and trend analysis
Creative idea Generation
Idea generation tool Problem/emerging technology matrix VC investment trends and priorities Industry forecast analysis
Solution
Feature design Feature prioritisation Emerging technology landscape Solution benchmarking
Minimum Viable Product
Types of MVPs Key validation goals MVP hypothesis design
Business Model
Business Model Archetypes Assessing financial viability and attractiveness Competitor benchmarking
Revenue streams and pricing Cost structure
Types of revenue streams Transaction vs. recurring sales Value-based pricing approach Flat-rate, usage-based, tiered pricing Fixed vs. variable costs Direct and indirect operating costs
Channels
Product/market fit Commercialisation strategies Channel cost-efficiency
Raising venture capital
Angel investment criteria Venture capital investment expectations
Final Presentations
Dragon Dens type format
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Formative Assessment % of total: Non-Marked
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5
Non-Marked: Yes
Assessment Description:
Formative assessment will be provided on the in-class individual or group activities. Feedback will be provided in written or oral format, or on-line through Moodle. In addition, in class discussions will be undertaken as part of the practical approach to learning.
Assessment Type: Project % of total: 100
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Final FinTech project
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
Reassessment Description
The repeat strategy for this module is by a project that covers all learning outcomes.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Classroom and demonstrations 24 Per Semester 2.00
Tutorial Mentoring and small-group tutoring 12 Per Semester 1.00
Independent Learning Independent learning 89 Per Semester 7.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Blended
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Classroom and demonstrations 12 Per Semester 1.00
Tutorial Mentoring and small-group tutoring 12 Per Semester 1.00
Directed Learning Directed e-learning 12 Per Semester 1.00
Independent Learning Independent learning 89 Per Semester 7.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Classroom and demonstrations 24 Per Semester 2.00
Tutorial Mentoring and small-group tutoring 12 Per Semester 1.00
Independent Learning Time Independent learning 89 Per Semester 7.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Ries, E... (2019), The lean start-up: How constant innovation creates radically successful businesses.,, Penguin Business., London.
  • Pedersen, N... (2021), Financial technology: Case studies in FinTech innovation.,,, 1st Ed. Kogan Page..
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Bland, D. J., & Osterwalder, A... (2020), Testing business ideas: A Field Guide for Rapid Experimentation,, 1st Ed. Wiley.
  • Lewrick, M... (2018), The Design Thinking Playbook: Mindful Digital Transformation of Teams, Products, Services, Businesses and Ecosystems., John Wiley & Sons..
  • Rubini, A... (2020), FinTech founders: Inspiring tales from the entrepreneurs that are changing finance..
  • Savoia, A... (2019), The right it: Why so many ideas fail and how to make sure yours succeed...
  • Olsen, D... (2016), The lean product playbook: How to innovate with minimum viable products and rapid customer feedback...
  • Knapp, J.. (2021), Sprint: How to solve big problems and test new ideas in just five days..
  • Hisrich, R. D., & Kearney, C.. (2014), Managing innovation and entrepreneurship., Calif: SAG, Los Angeles,.
  • Arslanian, H., & Fischer, F... (2019), The future of finance: The impact of FinTech, AI, and crypto on financial services...
  • In Lynn, T., In Mooney, J. G., In Rosati, P., & In Cummins, M.. (2019), Disrupting finance: FinTech and strategy in the 21st century..
  • Del Rosal, V.. (2015), Disruption: Emerging technologies and the future of work...
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: