Undertaking an Enterprise Project — Open College Network Yorkshire and Humber Region trading as Certa QCF Employability & Work Skills Revision
This element introduces learners to the fundamentals of planning and executing a small-scale enterprise project. They learn to identify a viable product or
Topic Synopsis
This element introduces learners to the fundamentals of planning and executing a small-scale enterprise project. They learn to identify a viable product or service, research a target market, calculate basic costs and setting a price, and consider how simple marketing strategies can influence success. Practical activities include creating a project plan, monitoring its implementation, and reviewing outcomes to develop essential employability skills.
Key Concepts & Core Principles
- Self-assessment: Identifying personal strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values to inform career choices and job applications.
- Job search strategies: Using various methods such as online job boards, networking, and recruitment agencies to find suitable vacancies.
- Application skills: Completing application forms, writing CVs and cover letters that highlight relevant skills and experiences.
- Interview techniques: Preparing for interviews by researching the employer, practicing common questions, and presenting oneself professionally.
- Workplace expectations: Understanding rights and responsibilities, health and safety, and the importance of punctuality, attendance, and teamwork.
Exam Tips & Revision Strategies
- Clearly state who your target customer is and explain why they would buy your product or service—this shows understanding of market need.
- Show all working when calculating unit cost and selling price; even if the numbers are simple, method matters.
- For marketing, choose practical, low-cost methods and explain why they would reach your target market effectively.
- Break your project into small, manageable steps with deadlines and check-in points to demonstrate monitoring skills.
- When reviewing, use a simple ‘What went well? What could be better? What did I learn?’ structure to ensure reflective depth.
Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing the selling price with profit, without considering all costs involved.
- Omitting indirect costs such as packaging, transport, or promotional materials when calculating unit cost.
- Selecting an overly ambitious project that cannot be completed within the available time or resource constraints.
- Marketing efforts that are generic and not tailored to the specific target market’s preferences or habits.
- Reviewing the project only superficially, without linking back to the original plan or objectives.
Examiner Marking Points
- Award credit for a clear justification of how the project idea meets the needs or wants of the identified target market.
- Expect accurate listing of materials, time, and any overheads to arrive at a realistic unit cost.
- Look for mention of at least two suitable marketing methods (e.g., posters, word-of-mouth, social media posts) appropriate to the target market.
- Credit a basic but coherent action plan showing what needs to be done, by when, and what resources are required.
- In the review, award credit for comparing planned versus actual outcomes and offering one specific, reasoned suggestion for future improvement.