CommLIT.online was created to provide an online teaching resource for people wishing to learn about the practical realities and language of the commercial world in an efficient manner.
James and Pete met when they were part of the Royal Society’s Entrepreneur in Residence programme, which embedded experienced business entrepreneurs in a range of UK universities. This highlighted the need to form a bridge between the academic and commercial worlds and help train individuals in commercial literacy, in a straightforward practical manner.
What is the CommLIT material ?
Short videos of presentations and voiceovers explaining key areas of business, based on practical experience.
TOPICS
TOPICS contain a group of typically three LESSONS, explaining various aspects of the TOPIC.
Details of each of the TOPICS are given in the TEACHING MATERIAL section.
LESSONS
LESSONS are the core of the CommLIT material.
Each LESSON is a short video, typically lasting 10 – 20 minutes, explaining a particular business issue in easy-to-understand, practical terms.
Each LESSON is followed by a QUIZ, to check on progress. Explanations are provided for both correct and incorrect answers.
MINI-CASES
MINI-CASES are short videos giving examples of key business scenarios from real life.
Each MINI-CASE actually happened and is normally presented by someone who was actually involved.
MINI-CASES may help bring to life the key issues arising from a number of LESSONS.
Links to relevant MINI-CASES are provided for each TOPIC.
Meet the creators
James Otter and Pete Hotten were Royal Society Entrepreneurs in Residence at the Universities of Southampton and Swansea respectively. They both have wide ranging business backgrounds and have both led and founded companies.
Both James and Pete are passionate about helping bridge the gap between academia and business, by better equipping people to understand the commercial world.
The first step to achieve this aim is to give people initial confidence to understand key commercial concepts and terms. These may appear daunting at first, but are in fact straightforward and quickly understood.
Much of traditional business teaching is based on dry texts and business theory. CommLIT.online takes a more practical and pragmatic approach, basing content on the realities of the commercial world, giving participants the confidence to engage with their colleagues and mentors, learning more in the process.
Pete Hotten
Wide range of experience with science-based companies as well as commercialisation at the University of Oxford and Dstl Porton Down. Specialises in IP issues.
Former Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence at Swansea University
PhD in Microbiology
James Otter
Experienced international manager and Director with a wide range of experience in bioscience companies, ranging from large corporations to start ups: as well as Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs).
Former Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Southampton
Natural Sciences degree from Cambridge and MBA from INSEAD
Become part of our creative team
In order to keep current and up to date with the fast moving business world CommLIT is always seeking new material. If you would like to contribute material please get in touch.