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Schedule

The schedule below outlines the topics we will be covering in the course, along with the associated time frames and assignments.

Note that all dates reflect North American eastern time (ET). This ensures that all students have the same deadlines regardless of where they live. All lesson assignments must be submitted by 11:59PM (ET) on the last day of the timeframe indicated below for the lesson unless otherwise stated. Initial Discussion Forum posts are due Thursday of the lesson week assigned, unless otherwise stated.

Lesson 1: So You Want to be in Business?
Readings:
  • Read Small Business Management in the 21st Century, Chapter 1, Foundations for Small Business
  • Read online commentary in Lesson 1.
Assignments:
  1. Lesson 1 Discussion: Introduction Forum

    • Create one orginial post, and then reply to at least two other students posts

      • Original post must be submitted Thursday by 11:59pm (ET)
      • Your reply to classmates is due Sunday by 11:59pm (ET)
  2. Lesson 1 Discussion: SBA

    • Create one orginial post, and then reply to at least two other students posts

      • Original post must be submitted Thursday by 11:59pm (ET)
      • Your reply to classmates is due Sunday by 11:59pm (ET)
Lesson 2: Choosing a Form of Ownership and Understanding Franchising
Time frame:

January 15 to January 21, 2024
Readings:
  • Read Small Business Management in the 21st Century, Chapter 12, People and Organization (pages 635-643)
  • Read online commentary in Lesson 2.
Assignments:
  1. Lesson 2 Discussion: Franchises.

    • Create one orginial post, and then reply to at least two other students posts

      • Original post must be submitted Thursday by 11:59pm (ET)
      • Your reply to classmates is due Sunday by 11:59pm (ET)
  2. Team Selection: Under people>groups>project groups, you will have the ability to place yourself in a group for the semester project.  You have until 11:59pm (ET) Saturday to sign up to a group.
Lesson 3: Finding Support to Start or Grow a Small Business
Readings:
  • Read Small Business Management in the 21st Century, Chapter 10, Financial Management
  • Read online commentary in Lesson 3.
Assignments:
  1. Complete Lesson 03: Team Plans
  2. New Business Generation Team Project
    • The assignment is due Sunday by 11:59pm (ET) at the end of Week 4. Your group is given two weeks to complete the assignment. This should allow sufficient time for members to begin working as a cohesive team.
Lesson 4: Buying vs. Starting a Small Business and Business Plan
Readings:
  • Read Small Business Management in the 21st Century, Chapter 2, Your Business Idea: The Quest for Value
  • Read online commentary in Lesson 4.
Assignments:
  1. Exam 1 - content from Lessons 1-4
  2. Complete Lesson 04: New Business Generation Team Project Due Sunday by 11:59pm (ET)
Lesson 5: The Business Plan
Readings:
  • Read Small Business Management in the 21st Century, Chapter 5, The Business Plan
  • Read online commentary in Lesson 5
Assignments:
  1. Complete Lesson 05: Mission, Vision, and Values 
Lesson 6: Financial Planning and Managing Cash Flow
Readings:
  • Read Small Business Management in the 21st Century, Chapter 9, Accounting and Cash Flow
  • Read online commentary in Lesson 6
Assignments:
  1. Complete Lesson 06: Company Structure 
Lesson 7: Marketing Part I
Readings:
  • Read Small Business Management in the 21st Century, Chapter 8, Marketing Plan
  • Read online commentary in Lesson 7.
Assignments:
  1. Complete Lesson 07: Industry Analysis
Lesson 8: Marketing Part II
Readings:
  • Read Small Business Management in the 21st Century, Chapter 6, Marketing Basics
  • Read Small Business Management in the 21st Century, Chapter 7, Marketing Strategy
  • Read online commentary in Lesson 8.
Assignments:
  1. Exam 2 - content from Lessons 5-8
Lesson 9: Sources of Debt and Equity Financing
Readings:
  • Read online commentary in Lesson 9.
Assignments:
  1. Complete Lesson 09:SWOT Analysis
Lesson 10: E-Commerce, Location, and Layout
Readings:
  • Read Small Business Management in the 21st Century, Chapter 4, E-Business and E-Commerce
  • Read online article, Bridging the Retail Gap: What Old and New Commerce Can Learn from Each Other
  • Read online commentary in Lesson 10.
Assignments:
  1. Complete Lesson 10: Competitor Analysis
Lesson 11: Supply Chain Management and Inventory Control
Readings:
  • Read Small Business Management in the 21st Century, Chapter 11, Supply Chain Management
  • Read online commentary in Lesson 11.
Assignments:
  1. Complete Lesson 11: Customer and Marketing
Lesson 12: Staffing and Leadership/Strategies for a Family Business
Readings:
  • Read Small Business Management in the 21st Century, Chapter 12, People and Organization (pages 598-610; 645-662)
  • Read online commentary in Lesson 12.
Assignments:
  1. Complete Lesson 12: Pricing Strategies 
Lesson 13: Long-Term Viability
Readings:
  • Read Small Business Management in the 21st Century, Chapter 14, Icebergs and Escapes
  • Read online commentary in Lesson 12.
Assignments:
  1. Exam 3 - content from Lessons 9-11
Lesson 14: Ethics and the Legal Environment
Readings:
  • Read online commentary in Lesson 14.
Assignments:
  1. Complete final assignment Lesson 14: New Business Generation Project
Final Exam Week
Readings:
  • No Readings
Assignments:
  1. Exam 4 - content from Lessons 12-14

Note: All due dates reflect North American eastern time (ET).


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