Course Description
This course will focus on the dynamic world of small business management. The focus is on practical information that would be useful in the real-world for students considering small business management. Students will learn about the rewards and challenges of operating a small business, including how to get a sustainable competitive advantage. The latest developments impacting small business such as new technology and global opportunities will be discussed. The course will also include information about the strategies used by successful small business owners. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
- MGT 101: Principles of Management
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Create a comprehensive business plan for a small business that can operate in the global marketplace.
- Select the appropriate legal organizational structure for a form of ownership to address local taxation concerns, global environment concerns and owner risk assessment.
- Demonstrate basic analysis and interpretation of financial statements to track present activities and predict future performance.
- Integrate available tools, methods, and technology to effectively manage the operating activities of the business.
- Assess promotional methods and select the best options to meet the objectives of the business and the marketplace
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 20% |
Written Assignments (Weeks 1, 2, 4 & 6) | 40% |
Business Plan (Weeks 3, 5 & 7) | 30% |
Business Plan Presentation (Week 8) | 10% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Hodgetts, Richard M. (2008). Wiley Pathways Small Business Management. 1st ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN-10: 0470111267 or ISBN-13: 9780470111260
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 4,5 | Topics: What is a Small Business? Opportunities within Small Businesses
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2 | 1,4,5 | Topics: Family Owned Small Businesses & The Business Plan
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3 | 1,2,3 | Topics: Financing your Small Business & Forms of Ownership
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4 | 2,3,4 | Topics: Running your Small Business & Keeping it Legal and Ethical
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5 | 1,4 | Topic: Understanding your Business Market
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6 | 4,5 | Topics: Promoting your Small Business & E-commerce for a Small Business
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7 | 1,3 | Topic: International Business |
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8 | 1 | Topics: Course Reflection & Business Plan Presentation |
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.