BUS130: Small Business Management

What does this course cover?

This course covers startup and operations of small businesses– meaning it is assumed that course participants have little knowledge or experience in business and are interested in starting or operating a small or medium-sized business. You will learn all aspects of small business startup and management: business idea generation, strategy, basic accounting, marketing, management, and operations.

How will I learn?

For each topic, I post a weekly lecture in the form of a narrated PowerPoint slideshow. The purpose of the lecture is to introduce you to the material and provide some background for the assigned readings and videos. In addition to assigned readings, I post supplemental materials to help enhance your understanding of the subject matter. The assigned material also serves as the starting point for our discussions. These typically involve putting theory to practice in the form of discussing hypothetical scenarios, reviewing actual cases, and discussing personal experiences.

Is the class easy?

No. As required by law, the class is taught at the freshman/sophomore university level. We go beyond “how should I respond?” or “what should I do?” to interpretation and analysis.

What types of assignments will I be completing?

There are weekly discussion boards that will require you to post and reply to your classmates. There are also between 4 and 5 papers and presentations assigned over the course of the semester. Also, there is a significant capstone project: a business plan which you will complete for a proposed business.

How much time do I have to complete assignments?

The “Class Week” for this online class will go from Friday 11am through THURSDAY 11:59pm. Holidays have no effect on the scheduling of assignments due for this online class. You can work on your assignments at any time but you should realize the final due day/time for the weekly assignments is THURSDAY 11:59pm.

How long will weekly work take?

You should plan for about 9 hours per week (standard for a 3-unit university transfer class) -- about 1.5 hours a day. If you have basic computer skills, read well, and work well independently, the time may be less. However, if you have weak computer skills, poor study habits, and require more guidance, the time may be more – and you will likely not be successful in this online format.

Is the class self-paced?

Although the course is entirely online, it is not self-paced. You complete the assignments for each week generally on your own time schedule within that week. You may read ahead, but you will only be able to respond to the discussion board and submit assignments during the current week. Your first priority is to be sure all assignments for each week are completed on time. If time and scheduling permit, we may have some opportunities for optional in-person or online group meetings to discuss content and issues.

What else should I know about taking an online class?

You must be proactive to succeed in an online course. Postings in the Assignments and Announcements sections will keep you updated as much as possible; however, do not rely on me to remind you of upcoming events and due dates. You are responsible for all activities and deadlines listed in this syllabus. Read it thoroughly and make note of important dates and deadlines. Make sure you have a backup plan if your computer or Internet has problems. Do not wait until the last minute to submit assignments. Remember Murphy’s Law: Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Take responsibility and plan accordingly.

Remember also, that, although you have likely chosen an online class format for the time and location advantages, there are disadvantages and limitations in online classes. They aren't for everyone and some aspects of a live in-person class cannot be duplicated.

Specifically, for an online class:

· You need regular access to an efficient computer with substantially fast online access and reliability.

· There will be no extended class discussions on topics.

· There will be less opportunity to clarify instructions; you are expected to timely and carefully read the syllabus, class documents, and all Announcements.

· If you need further assistance or clarification from me, you need to promptly email, call, or visit and be very clear with your questions and comments.

· I do not participate regularly in discussion boards; you will discuss and learn from one another. I will add summary comments at the end of the week.

· You will not have the student-student camaraderie that can develop in an on-campus class.

· You need to be technologically proficient and need to take full responsibility for completing online submissions timely.

· There will not be in-class “oral” reminders; you need to know all rules and deadlines, develop a clear and consistent schedule for completing and submitting assignments, and be skilled at time management.