Saturday, April 5, 2008
Evaluation:
Total possible points for the quarter there are 1000 points. Following is a brief discussion of the various types of activities assigned and the total possible points for each activity. Further details and due dates are listed as a document in the Assignment section. Note: Students are responsible for meeting the assignment due dates. Assignments will not be accepted late. Please don’t procrastinate. Names must be on all attachments and on all emails submitted.
Points will be awarded for each of the assignments with final course grades computed as follows: 90% x 1000 points = 900+ =A 80% x 1000 points = 800+=B 70% x 1000 points = 700+=C 60% x 1000 points = 600+=D Less than 599 = F
Individual Project – 300 total possible points
Business Proposal/Analysis and Investor feedback/paper and PowerPoint presentation.
Due Dates:
Business start up plan due May 1st
Investor Feedback due May 15th
Presentations May 20th
Business Plan: (Group Project) 250 total possible points
students may use a word processing (e.g. Microsoft Word) and a spreadsheet (e.g., Microsoft Excel) program for this assignment. This plan represents an initial attempt/draft by the student of a business plan. The Business Plan should cover all three sections: Management, Marketing, Financial and include an Executive Summary. Because most students do not have an accounting background, there are no expectations of accurate financial pro forma statements; however, students should attempt to do the Financial Plan section of their Business Plan. The instructor is interested in the “thinking” behind the projections rather than the accuracy of the figures.
(Note: Final project should be no more than 20 pages in length and double-spaced. This is a college level writing assignment, points will be deducted for grammar, spelling and appearance.
Due Dates:
Final Project due May 22nd
Presentations May 22nd
Individual Cases – 200 total possible points
In addition, there are 5 assigned cases. Answer the questions at the end of each case and send via the Assignments area by the due date. Remember: It is not how much you say but how well you say it that matters; therefore, answers should be concisely written but indicative of a thoughtful response. Points will be assigned based upon the logic demonstrated in each answer. Each case is worth 50 possible points.
Virtual Field Trips – 150 total possible points – Extra Credit Opportunity
Students are to “visit” the Internet Websites provided by the instructor in the assignment section. Each site has been selected because of its relevance to small business management. Students are to post a thread to the class blog commenting on the relevancy of each site. Questions, concerns or issues related to these sites should also be posted under this thread. All students should read threads posted by classmates and answer or add to the discussions as initially listed. Students are encouraged to ask and answer questions of other students.
www.sba.gov (5 points)
http://www.entrepreneur.com (5 points)
http://www.uschamber.com/default (5 points)
Internet Hunt (20 total possible points)
Students can locate other websites (other than those listed by instructor in External Links) relevant to small business management. Identified websites along with a brief summary (1 to 4 sentences) should be posted to the class blog under the forum identified as “Internet Hunt”. Students will earn an additional 5 points for each website identified (which has not been previously identified and listed by another classmate) up to a maximum of 25 points; however, the information must be posted to the Discussion Board prior to the due date in order to receive the points.
Participation – 100 total possible points
Students are expected to participate.
Total possible points for the quarter there are 1000 points. Following is a brief discussion of the various types of activities assigned and the total possible points for each activity. Further details and due dates are listed as a document in the Assignment section. Note: Students are responsible for meeting the assignment due dates. Assignments will not be accepted late. Please don’t procrastinate. Names must be on all attachments and on all emails submitted.
Points will be awarded for each of the assignments with final course grades computed as follows: 90% x 1000 points = 900+ =A 80% x 1000 points = 800+=B 70% x 1000 points = 700+=C 60% x 1000 points = 600+=D Less than 599 = F
Individual Project – 300 total possible points
Business Proposal/Analysis and Investor feedback/paper and PowerPoint presentation.
Due Dates:
Business start up plan due May 1st
Investor Feedback due May 15th
Presentations May 20th
Business Plan: (Group Project) 250 total possible points
students may use a word processing (e.g. Microsoft Word) and a spreadsheet (e.g., Microsoft Excel) program for this assignment. This plan represents an initial attempt/draft by the student of a business plan. The Business Plan should cover all three sections: Management, Marketing, Financial and include an Executive Summary. Because most students do not have an accounting background, there are no expectations of accurate financial pro forma statements; however, students should attempt to do the Financial Plan section of their Business Plan. The instructor is interested in the “thinking” behind the projections rather than the accuracy of the figures.
(Note: Final project should be no more than 20 pages in length and double-spaced. This is a college level writing assignment, points will be deducted for grammar, spelling and appearance.
Due Dates:
Final Project due May 22nd
Presentations May 22nd
Individual Cases – 200 total possible points
In addition, there are 5 assigned cases. Answer the questions at the end of each case and send via the Assignments area by the due date. Remember: It is not how much you say but how well you say it that matters; therefore, answers should be concisely written but indicative of a thoughtful response. Points will be assigned based upon the logic demonstrated in each answer. Each case is worth 50 possible points.
Virtual Field Trips – 150 total possible points – Extra Credit Opportunity
Students are to “visit” the Internet Websites provided by the instructor in the assignment section. Each site has been selected because of its relevance to small business management. Students are to post a thread to the class blog commenting on the relevancy of each site. Questions, concerns or issues related to these sites should also be posted under this thread. All students should read threads posted by classmates and answer or add to the discussions as initially listed. Students are encouraged to ask and answer questions of other students.
www.sba.gov (5 points)
http://www.entrepreneur.com (5 points)
http://www.uschamber.com/default (5 points)
Internet Hunt (20 total possible points)
Students can locate other websites (other than those listed by instructor in External Links) relevant to small business management. Identified websites along with a brief summary (1 to 4 sentences) should be posted to the class blog under the forum identified as “Internet Hunt”. Students will earn an additional 5 points for each website identified (which has not been previously identified and listed by another classmate) up to a maximum of 25 points; however, the information must be posted to the Discussion Board prior to the due date in order to receive the points.
Participation – 100 total possible points
Students are expected to participate.
Course Team Requirements
Course Structure
We will work in teams. Teams will have dual roles, both as entrepreneurs and investors. As entrepreneurs they will write a business proposal or analysis (a reduced version of a business plan), and try to obtain “fictional” financing at a good valuation from the investors. As investors, teams will evaluate the business proposals of other teams, provide constructive feedback, form syndication with one other investing team, and negotiate a funding deal with one entrepreneurial team. To resolve conflicts of interest and create a competitive market place, a team cannot both invest in another team and also receive funding from the same team.
All business plan, execution activity, and investment decisions will be done in groups of 2 students. Extensive group work outside of class is an essential part of this course. Your selection is irrevocable, so please choose team members with complementary skills and high level of commitment.
We will work in teams. Teams will have dual roles, both as entrepreneurs and investors. As entrepreneurs they will write a business proposal or analysis (a reduced version of a business plan), and try to obtain “fictional” financing at a good valuation from the investors. As investors, teams will evaluate the business proposals of other teams, provide constructive feedback, form syndication with one other investing team, and negotiate a funding deal with one entrepreneurial team. To resolve conflicts of interest and create a competitive market place, a team cannot both invest in another team and also receive funding from the same team.
All business plan, execution activity, and investment decisions will be done in groups of 2 students. Extensive group work outside of class is an essential part of this course. Your selection is irrevocable, so please choose team members with complementary skills and high level of commitment.
Individual Project
Objectives
The main objective of the course is to experience the challenges of starting and financing a new company. You will go through the process as an entrepreneur or franchise purchaser and as an investor. Course Scope The class is integrative and experiential in nature, drawing from a broad range of business basics. Its main focus will be in-depth exposure to the process of starting and scaling an enterprise from an idea and business plan into a company. In our class discussions we will examine and explore the entrepreneurial process, and analyze business decisions that entrepreneurs face.
The main objective of the course is to experience the challenges of starting and financing a new company. You will go through the process as an entrepreneur or franchise purchaser and as an investor. Course Scope The class is integrative and experiential in nature, drawing from a broad range of business basics. Its main focus will be in-depth exposure to the process of starting and scaling an enterprise from an idea and business plan into a company. In our class discussions we will examine and explore the entrepreneurial process, and analyze business decisions that entrepreneurs face.
As an entrepreneur (Business Proposal) you will:
1. develop a startup idea
2. craft a promising execution strategy and validate the market potential
3. develop a credible business proposal 4. build a team of employees, partners, and other stakeholders 5. effectively communicate your ideas to investors and negotiate funding
Or
Business Analysis: Students are to identify a locally owned business and interview the owner (in-person or via telephone) from a franchise perspective. The Business chosen should be at least one year in existence but no more than five years old. The business chosen must be facing a “crossroad” decision in the very near future e.g., an additional business location, admitting another partner, purchasing a computer system, expanding product line, etc. The analysis should include relevant background information to the business such as: how long the business has been in existence, type of entity (i.e., corporation, etc.), brief overview of the owners and the product or service, and a description of the “crossroad” decision. (Note: if you are unsure whether you have identified an acceptable business problem contact the instructor to discuss.) Students are then to “don a consultative hat” and provide advice to the owner making recommendations as to how to proceed. Recommendations should be supported by well-thought out and substantive facts…..why you would be interested in purchasing this business.
As an investor you will learn to:
Or
Business Analysis: Students are to identify a locally owned business and interview the owner (in-person or via telephone) from a franchise perspective. The Business chosen should be at least one year in existence but no more than five years old. The business chosen must be facing a “crossroad” decision in the very near future e.g., an additional business location, admitting another partner, purchasing a computer system, expanding product line, etc. The analysis should include relevant background information to the business such as: how long the business has been in existence, type of entity (i.e., corporation, etc.), brief overview of the owners and the product or service, and a description of the “crossroad” decision. (Note: if you are unsure whether you have identified an acceptable business problem contact the instructor to discuss.) Students are then to “don a consultative hat” and provide advice to the owner making recommendations as to how to proceed. Recommendations should be supported by well-thought out and substantive facts…..why you would be interested in purchasing this business.
As an investor you will learn to:
1. recognize and analyze good business opportunities
2. critique and mentor entrepreneurs
3. make choices about which company to finance
4. negotiate terms with entrepreneurs
The class will expose students to what entrepreneurship takes in a startup context, and how integrative, entrepreneurial execution can be successfully utilized in a variety of career and work contexts. Students will formulate a plan to take an idea into execution, present and articulate elements of this plan in multiple sessions, and defend it against challenge and criticism. There will be a special effort to integrate concrete, operational, and execution-related information, to define key areas an entrepreneur should be aware of, to expose students to a variety of successful entrepreneurs, and to provide a framework of "toolkit" resources relevant to startup execution. The class will be structured to accommodate both students with a pre-existing plan and those wishing to develop an idea.
Entrepreneurial Ventures (BCS – EV)v Professor Powell
Objectives
The main objective of the course is to experience the challenges of starting and financing a new company. You will go through the process as an entrepreneur or franchise purchaser and as an investor. Course Scope The class is integrative and experiential in nature, drawing from a broad range of business basics. Its main focus will be in-depth exposure to the process of starting and scaling an enterprise from an idea and business plan into a company.
In our class discussions we will examine and explore the entrepreneurial process, and analyze business decisions that entrepreneurs face.
As an entrepreneur you will:
1. develop a startup idea
2. craft a promising execution strategy and validate the market potential
3. develop a credible business proposal
4. build a team of employees, partners, and other stakeholders
5. effectively communicate your ideas to investors and negotiate funding
Or
Business Analysis: Students are to identify a locally owned business and interview the owner (in-person or via telephone) from a franchise perspective. The Business chosen should be at least one year in existence but no more than five years old. The business chosen must be facing a “crossroad” decision in the very near future e.g., an additional business location, admitting another partner, purchasing a computer system, expanding product line, etc. The analysis should include relevant background information to the business such as: how long the business has been in existence, type of entity (i.e., corporation, etc.), brief overview of the owners and the product or service, and a description of the “crossroad” decision. (Note: if you are unsure whether you have identified an acceptable business problem contact the instructor to discuss.) Students are then to “don a consultative hat” and provide advice to the owner making recommendations as to how to proceed. Recommendations should be supported by well-thought out and substantive facts…..why you would be interested in purchasing this business.
As an investor you will learn to:
1. recognize and analyze good business opportunities
2. critique and mentor entrepreneurs
3. make choices about which company to finance
4. negotiate terms with entrepreneurs
The class will expose students to what entrepreneurship takes in a startup context, and how integrative, entrepreneurial execution can be successfully utilized in a variety of career and work contexts. Students will formulate a plan to take an idea into execution, present and articulate elements of this plan in multiple sessions, and defend it against challenge and criticism. There will be a special effort to integrate concrete, operational, and execution-related information, to define key areas an entrepreneur should be aware of, to expose students to a variety of successful entrepreneurs, and to provide a framework of "toolkit" resources relevant to startup execution. The class will be structured to accommodate both students with a pre-existing plan and those wishing to develop an idea.
The main objective of the course is to experience the challenges of starting and financing a new company. You will go through the process as an entrepreneur or franchise purchaser and as an investor. Course Scope The class is integrative and experiential in nature, drawing from a broad range of business basics. Its main focus will be in-depth exposure to the process of starting and scaling an enterprise from an idea and business plan into a company.
In our class discussions we will examine and explore the entrepreneurial process, and analyze business decisions that entrepreneurs face.
As an entrepreneur you will:
1. develop a startup idea
2. craft a promising execution strategy and validate the market potential
3. develop a credible business proposal
4. build a team of employees, partners, and other stakeholders
5. effectively communicate your ideas to investors and negotiate funding
Or
Business Analysis: Students are to identify a locally owned business and interview the owner (in-person or via telephone) from a franchise perspective. The Business chosen should be at least one year in existence but no more than five years old. The business chosen must be facing a “crossroad” decision in the very near future e.g., an additional business location, admitting another partner, purchasing a computer system, expanding product line, etc. The analysis should include relevant background information to the business such as: how long the business has been in existence, type of entity (i.e., corporation, etc.), brief overview of the owners and the product or service, and a description of the “crossroad” decision. (Note: if you are unsure whether you have identified an acceptable business problem contact the instructor to discuss.) Students are then to “don a consultative hat” and provide advice to the owner making recommendations as to how to proceed. Recommendations should be supported by well-thought out and substantive facts…..why you would be interested in purchasing this business.
As an investor you will learn to:
1. recognize and analyze good business opportunities
2. critique and mentor entrepreneurs
3. make choices about which company to finance
4. negotiate terms with entrepreneurs
The class will expose students to what entrepreneurship takes in a startup context, and how integrative, entrepreneurial execution can be successfully utilized in a variety of career and work contexts. Students will formulate a plan to take an idea into execution, present and articulate elements of this plan in multiple sessions, and defend it against challenge and criticism. There will be a special effort to integrate concrete, operational, and execution-related information, to define key areas an entrepreneur should be aware of, to expose students to a variety of successful entrepreneurs, and to provide a framework of "toolkit" resources relevant to startup execution. The class will be structured to accommodate both students with a pre-existing plan and those wishing to develop an idea.
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