School of Business

Syllabus

School of Business

MGT/401 Version 1

The Small Business: Structure, Planning, Funding

Copyright © 2009, 2008 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the Small Business from concept through funding. Emphasis on designing a competitive business model, crafting the business plan, forms of ownership and exploring funding options.

Policies

Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents:

* University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document.

* Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum.

University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality.

Course Materials

Price, R. W. (2005). Annual Editions. Entrepreneurship (5th ed.). Dubuque, IA: Dushkin/McGraw-Hill.

Katz, J. A., & Green, R. P. (2009). Entrepreneurial small business (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Les50ns.

Zimmerer, T. W., Scarborough, N. M., & Wilson, D. (2008). Essentials of entrepreneurship and small business management (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

All electronic materials are available on the student website.

Week One: The Business Model

Details Due Points

Objectives 1.1 Describe the benefits associated with building a sustainable competitive advantage for a small business.

1.2 Explain the steps of the strategic management process.

1.3 Evaluate business models developed for a business opportunity.

1.4 Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of business ownership.

Readings Read Ch. 3 & 5 of Essentials of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management.

Read this week's Electronic Reserve Readings.

Participation Participate in class discussion. All Week 2

Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. All Week 3

Learning Team Instructions Resources: Electronic Reserve Readings

Create the Learning Team Charter.

Begin collaboration on the Business Model Comparison.

Individual

Strategic Management Process Paper Resource: Ch. 3 of Essentials of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management

Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper explaining steps of the strategic management process as it applies to your business or one you would like to start.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday 15

Week Two: The Business Plan

Details Due Points

Objectives 2.1 Conduct a feasibility analysis for a small business venture.

2.2 Define the competencies of a successful entrepreneur.

2.3 Explain the function and components of a business plan.

2.4 Assess key points of a business plan.

Readings Read Article 16 of Annual Editions: Entrepreneurship.

Read Ch. 3 & 8 of Entrepreneurial Small Business.

Read Ch. 4 of Essentials of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management.

Read this week's Electronic Reserve Readings.

Participation Participate in class discussion. All Week 2

Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. All Week 3

Learning Team

Business Model Comparison Resources: Electronic Reserve Readings

Identify an industry with which you are familiar, then choose two businesses in that industry.

Identify the business model and forms of ownership for each business, then complete the Comparison of Businesses Matrix.

Write a 700- to 1050-word paper in which the team evaluates and compares different components of each business's model after completing each matrix.

Describe benefits associated with each business by evaluating how they built a sustainable competitive advantage.

Explain advantages and disadvantages of each business's ownership.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Submit your Business Model Comparison to the facilitator. Monday 15

Week Three: Marketing in the Small Company

Details Due Points

Objectives 3.1 Explain the process of building a strategic marketing plan.

3.2 Identify ways small business owners can use e-commerce.

3.3 Assess pricing strategies used by a small business.

Readings Read Ch. 8-10 of Essentials of Entrepreneurship and Small Business.

Read this week's Electronic Reserve Readings.

Participation Participate in class discussion. All Week 2

Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. All Week 3

Learning