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Starting a Business 2

People and Networks

Dr Sally Jones

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is part of the Going to University collection which has been specifically designed for students at schools and colleges. They provide a taster of undergraduate study at the University of Leeds and help students to decide which subject to study at university. Completion of the courses will also enhance students’ university applications. The courses can also be used as a teachers’ classroom enrichment resource. Courses in this collection are also great for people that want an introduction in the specific subjects discussed in each course.

Topics Covered

The importance of people, teams and networks within business
Roles within a team
Methods to develop a team
Formal and informal business networks
How to build and expand a professional network
The business plan: identifying people, teams and networks

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Reviews summary

Introduction to business teams and networks

According to students, Starting a Business 2: People and Networks is a solid introductory course that effectively covers the fundamental concepts of teams and networks within a business context. Learners found the course structure and explanations to be clear and easy to follow, making it particularly suitable for beginners or those looking for a foundational understanding. While it provides a good overview, some feedback suggests it may be less beneficial for more experienced individuals seeking in-depth, practical applications, focusing more on theoretical aspects and identification within a business plan framework. Overall, it is seen as a valuable starting point, especially for its intended audience of students and those new to the topic.

Good foundation for beginners, less for experts.

"The course gives a great overview of people and networks, very helpful as an introduction."

"I felt this course was a bit too basic for me, but I can see how it would be excellent for someone just starting out."

"It's a perfect starting point for understanding these concepts in business."

"If you already have some background, this might feel a little simple."

Learn about team roles and development.

"The section on different team roles was very insightful and easy to grasp."

"I gained a better understanding of how to develop effective teams."

"Useful information provided on managing people within a team."

"Explains the importance and dynamics of teams clearly."

Well-organized and easy to understand content.

"The course is well-structured and the lessons flow logically."

"I found the explanations very clear and easy to follow."

"Content is presented in bite-sized modules making it manageable."

"The materials were easy to digest and the concepts were explained effectively."

Covers formal, informal, and building networks.

"Learned about formal and informal networks and why they are important."

"The practical tips on building and expanding a professional network were very useful."

"The course helped clarify the concept of business networks."

"Good coverage of how networks function in a business."

More theoretical overview than practical application.

"I was hoping for more hands-on practical examples for implementation."

"It felt more like an academic overview rather than practical business advice."

"Could benefit from more real-world case studies on network building."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Starting a Business 2: People and Networks. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Starting a Business 2: People and Networks will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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Creating Effective Teams