|
This course introduces participants to the necessary tools required to successfully operate a business. Using Peer Mentoring, research, and presentation skills, ideas are presented and tested for viability as potential business opportunities. This course aims to raise awareness of the complexities involved in running a business, and develop creative thinking and analysis in relation to the functioning of successful entrepreneurial ventures. |
|
360 hours course |
|||||
|
Week |
Topics & Objectives |
Learning Outcome |
Teaching Method |
Assessment Methods |
Materials & Resources |
|
1 |
Project Planning |
Understand the elements of a project Plan and its usefulness in executing programs within a business. |
Lecture, demonstration, group exercise, discussion |
Preparation of an outline project plan based on a case study |
Project plan template. Handouts of reading material |
|
Create a Business Plan |
Business Planning defined as the road map for business. All elements of a business plan identified and their relationship to each one explained. Copyright and Patents |
Lecture, discussion, assigned peer groups for continuous work on business plan in groups of 5. Agree on a business Idea and complete all the elements of a Business Plan weeks 1-11 |
Ongoing development of the business plan throughout the course. Completed plan at the end of course. Presentation of the Business |
Business Plan template, Reading materials, examples of completed business plans. Podcasts, Videos, web research |
|
|
2 |
Legal Structures for Business |
Partnerships; Limited Companies Sole Traders; Social Enterprise NGO |
Lecture, independent research, Small group activities |
Which structure suits particular types of Business Ventures and Why |
Flip chart paper, Pens, reporting back to main group on group activity |
|
Define Business Communications |
An understanding of how to write minutes, why minutes are important. Critique chairing meetings and evaluate the process. Awareness of listening skills, and practice of making contributions in meetings, |
Workshop / Simulated meeting, minute taker, agenda, timing and minutes of the previous meeting |
Peer to peer observations, assessments and feedback |
Case study flip chart checklist |
|
|
Organise end of course Business networking event |
Planning skills, Marketing, Promotion, Use of Social Media design flyers. |
Practice use of project planning tools from week 1 & 2 |
Scheduling of event. Allocation of resources & responsibilities. |
Peer to peer support. tutor support Project template Gantt Chart |
|
|
Week |
Topics & Objectives |
Learning Outcome |
Teaching Method |
Assessment Methods |
Materials & Resources |
|
Financial Management |
Use of computerised & manual systems to manage the flow of financial information |
Excel worksheet /online computer accounting packages / |
Practical application / production of financial information |
Computers wipe board pens, templates |
|
|
3 |
Marketing Research |
Know how to conduct market research using questionnaires, focus groups, interviews. Difference between qualitative and quantitative data and its uses. |
Lecture, discussions, case studies. |
Design questionnaire and conduct research with peers |
Research templates. Handouts, flip chart pens |
|
Marketing Communications. |
Building & Maintaining your Brand Identity Unique Selling Proposition Finding your customers |
Lecture, Video, Discussion Group activities |
Elevator pitch by students, participation feedback |
Handouts |
|
|
4 |
Establishing & Maintaining Customer Relationships |
Finding that customer Building Good Customer Facing Policies Is the Customer Always Right? Dealing with difficult Customers Creating a Customer Charter Procurement |
Role play, case studies, lecture, discussion video |
Feedback, participation, |
|
|
Social Media for Business |
Understand the range of social Media Tools available and evaluate those which are best suited to particular types of businesses. |
Independent research |
500 word report |
Webinar, online videos |
|
|
5 |
Environmental Issues |
Investigate waste processing, and the use of natural energy, recycling |
Lecture, discussion, |
Completed 800 word report assessed |
Hand out and a reading list, of information resources |
|
International Trade |
|
Case Study working remotely in assigned peer groups |
Presentation to class |
Hand out and a reading list of information resources |
|
