Course Syllabus

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Business Start-Up: Turn your Entrepreneurship Dreams into Reality

 

Professor: Dr. Vicky Roy

Institution:  School of Business, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Website: www.sait.ca

 

Course Description

This four-week course focuses on digital storytelling and real entrepreneurial case studies with seven entrepreneurs, which effectively combines your learning in each of the four modules and your actions to apply this new knowledge to building your integrated business plan.

This self-paced course is free and doesn't require previous business knowledge. It is structured in four consecutive modules, each addressing the key components of a business plan:

Week 1 - Business Opportunity & Market Assessment Strategy

Week 2 - Marketing Strategy

Week 3 - Operational Strategy

Week 4 - Financial Strategy

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Apply business strategy concepts to businesses.
  • Demonstrate effective knowledge that is required to execute a strategic start-up business plan.
  • Formulate an approach to deal with changes in internal and external environments while supporting organizational interests.
  • Develop a marketing plan and customer service philosophy strategy.
  • Develop an operational strategy that supports the start-up strategy.
  • Assess the financial outlook of your new business venture.

In order to be successful in this course, you should plan to spend approximately 5 hours each week working on the course and toward your business plan. You will be able to track your own progress at anytime, anywhere through an internet connection.

Bagdes, Quizzes and Assignments

To receive a badge for each of the four modules, you will need to view the video(s) course content, perform the quizzes, participate in the online discussions and submit your Start-Up Business Video Pitch that will be review by two of your peers (peer review assignment).  You will get a mark only for the four quizzes and for submitting your business pitch video that will be reviewed by two of your peers (peer review assignment). 

Please note that your business plan self-assignments (Steps 1-2-3-4) will not be reviewed by the instructor. They are there for you to help you build your business plan and you don't get a mark for them.

 

Course Weekly Modules

Week 1: Module 1 - Business Opportunity & Market Assessment Strategy

Introduction

This first module focuses on providing you with specific information on what it takes to pursue an entrepreneurial career and how to assess and understand your market. You will learn great tips and strategies through story telling by seven successful entrepreneurs and through interactive video presentations.

Learning Outcome

Develop your business idea by applying business strategy concepts that are required to start your business plan.

Learning Topics

  • Entrepreneurship Readiness
  • Entrepreneurial Characteristics
  • Rewards & Drawbacks
  • Entrepreneurial Ventures & Cause of Business Failure
  • Niche Strategy & Competitive Advantage
  • Macro-Environment Assessment
  • Market Segmentation

Video Transcriptions

Discussion Forum, Quiz & Assignments

 

Week 2: Module 2 - Marketing Strategy

Introduction

This second module will prepare you for a detailed marketing analysis that will help you define your products or your services as well as help you establish pricing, distribution, and your promotional strategies. This strategic information will allow your new venture to be successful vis-à-vis your competition, both in the short and long term. You will learn great tips and strategies through story telling by seven successful entrepreneurs and through interactive video presentations.

Learning Outcome

Develop a marketing plan, customer service strategy for you new venture.

Learning topics

  • Marketing Research
  • Competition & Market Description
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Internal & External Analysis (SWOT)
  • Marketing Strategy

Video Transcriptions

Discussion Forum, Quiz & Assignments

 

Week 3 : Module 3 - Operational Strategy

Introduction

This third module will provide you with an overview of the operations and the management components of your business plan and will describe how the business functions on a continuing basis. This will highlight the logistics of the organization, the tasks assigned to each division within the company, and capital and expense requirements related to the operations of the business. You will learn great tips and strategies through story telling by seven successful entrepreneurs and through interactive presentations.

Learning Outcomes

Develop an operations plan that supports your new venture strategy.

Learning Topics

  • Managing New Ventures
  • Operations of New Ventures
  • Space & Equipment
  • Methods & Procedures
  • Logistics & Systems

Video Transcriptions

Discussion Forum, Quiz & Assignments

 

Week 4: Module 4 - Financial Strategy

Introduction

The fourth module will turn your attention to the financial statements that form the backbone of your business plan: the income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet and also other financial information that will greatly increase the chances that your business venture will get started and succeed! You will learn great tips and strategies through story telling by seven successful entrepreneurs and through interactive presentations.

Learning Outcomes

Assess the financial outlook of the company and comply with business and taxation requirements.

Learning Topics

  • Payments Terms with Customers & Suppliers
  • Pro-forma Financial Statements
  • Sources of Financing
  • Growth & Exit Strategies
  • Implementation Chart

Video Transcriptions

Discussion Forum, Quiz & Assignments

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Course Summary:

Course Summary
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