COURSE SYLLABUS
BUSINESS CREATION
Fall, 2017
Dr. Larry Stapleton; Associate Professor –Operations Management
Tabor School of Business
GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION
Course Title: Business Creation
Course #-Section:BU100-03
CRN: 10123
Term: Spring
Days/Time: MW 2-3:15 PM
Location: ADM/Scovill 212
Credit Hours:3
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Instructor:Larry Stapleton, PhD
Office:ADM/Scovill 310D
Phone:(217) 424-6361 office
Email:
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE
MU Bulletin Course Description:
Designed to provide students with a basic understanding of business, this course stresses personal and professional development and is built around the introduction and integration of the various business functions. Concepts such as teams, leadership, ethics, professionalism, and communications are explored through a team-designed written business plan and professional presentation. This course is co-horted with BU 111, Team Dynamics.
Course Learning Goals, Outcomes & Objectives:
Students will learn the following :
Tabor School of Business Learning Goals:
1. Students will become career-ready by demonstrating written communications appropriate for business professionals. (Written Communications Goal)
2. Students will become career-ready by demonstrating oral communications appropriate for business professionals. (Oral Communications Goal)
For Tabor School of Business students, this course may fulfill a business core requirement. For non-Tabor School students, it fulfills a requirement for a minor and enhances appreciation of business.
Department Learning Goals:
Business & Management Learning Goals
1. Learn how to develop and document business processes.
2. Learn how to apply managerial skills and principles.
3. Learn managerial skills of how to acquire, motivate and retain talent.
Entrepreneurship Learning Goals
1. Students will learn to analyze environmental, political, economic, legal, and ethical risks and rewards of ownership.
2. Students will learn to identify the financial, human, and physical resources they need, where to obtain them, and how to best utilize them.
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
This course isnot a distance delivery course.
Each student is expected to access course information using Moodle. Visit the Class Moodle often to see class updates and information.
Required Books from the bookstore:
(1) Business Plan Essentials, A. Liberatore and J. Mark Munoz ; ISBN: 13: 978-1-259-72031-4
Course Materials from the department:
Not applicable
COURSE SCHEDULE & PLANS
Landmark Events & Due Dates
See website for specific events and due dates: learningwithlarry.com
See Course Schedule on pages7-9of the syllabus for details.
The Course Schedule is merely a guide. The professor reserves the right to alter course content, class assignments, activities, and/or dates as deemed necessary.
HOW LEARNING WILL BE ASSESSED
Grading Policy & Procedure
Grades will be determined by the accumulation of points (approximately) as shown below:
SWOT & Canvas + 50 points
Class Participation100 points
Project Segments+400 points
Business Plan+400 points
TOTAL POSSIBLE950 POINTS (approximate*)
* The potential points for homework, required postings, and the business plan may be changed as
the course progresses.
+ Team evaluations will be taken into consideration in the individual scoring of the project segments
and the final Business Plan
Course grades are determined by the percentage of total possible points earned. The grading scale is shown below. However, this scale may be adjusted to reflect an approximate normal distribution as well as a subjective judgment of the level of difficulty of the various exams. A similar scale will be used in computing the final grade, based on the total potential score of 900 points. The grading scale is usually fairly close to the following:
A = 100 - 93%C = 73 - 76%
A-=92 - 90%C-=70 - 72%
B+ = 89 - 87%D+ = 67 - 69%
B = 83 - 86%D = 63 - 66%
B-=80 - 82%D-=60 - 62%
C+ = 77 - 79%F = Below 60%
Aside from the examinations, assignments, and projects students will be graded on their writing and presentation skills.
Attendance Policy
Regular class attendance is expected. Students are advised to be punctual in class and to read assigned readings in advance. Active class participation along with demonstrated knowledge on the assigned topics shall have a significant impact on your grade.
Although it is expected that each student will be present in each scheduled meeting, absences due to illness and other high priority events are excusable. A student may be allowed to miss two classes, for any reason, without incurring a penalty. However, if more than two classes are missed, then a student will be penalized ten (10) points for each unexcused absence in excess of the first two absences. For example, if you miss one unexcused class, say in the first week, and then you are ill for two additional days, you will be penalized for the first absence. Each student is expected to be punctual in class. Two consecutive tardiness shall equate to one absence. Should you expect class attendance to be a problem, be sure to let your instructor know in advance.
Grading Scale & Methods
Shown above.
Missed Assessments
Missed exams may be excused only for illness or serious emergency. A formal written explanation along with a relevant proof shall be required. Missed exams must be made up. Missed exams may weigh less than the normal value.
Final exams may not be made up. If a final exam is missed for any reason, a separate project will be assigned in lieu of the exam.
Millikin University Syllabus Student Guidelinesfor All Courses
TECHNICAL, CLASSROOM, AND COLLEGE POLICY INFORMATION
Disability Accommodation Policy
Please address any special needs or special accommodations with me at the beginning of the semester or as soon as you become aware of your needs. If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you should submit your documentation to the Office of Student Success at Millikin University, currently located in University Commons 312.
Distance Delivery Components
Millikin University is committed to providing support for students using technology resources in pursuit of academic success. The Department of Information Technology resides in Shilling Hall and offers walk-in support.
Please visit link, resources, and additional information that aid in the use of technology in distance/hybrid delivery and technology policies.
University Commitment to Student Success
Millikin University is committed to the success of all students. As such, the University provides a variety of services devoted to academic support of both undergraduate and graduate students, although some service provision may vary by degree level. The Office of Student Success serves as the hub for these services. Services include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Tutoring
• Supplemental Instruction
• Study Skill Assistance
• One on One Advising
• Major Change Assistance
• Development of Personalized Academic Growth and Success Plans
• Support of Exploratory Studies majors
• Support for students on Academic Probation or Progress Warning
• Accommodations for Students with special learning needs
• Online Resource Library
In addition to the Office of Student Success, the University Writing and Math Centers offer students intensive support in these subject areas.
Undergraduate students who are in need of additional academic assistance are also assigned a Student Development Advisor. These advisors work with academic advisors to ensure students receive the attention they need in all aspects of their University experience.
Academic Integrity Standards
The intellectual and moral integrity of an academic community depends upon an uncompromising commitment to honesty which guides the actions of all its members. Any disregard for this threatens the unrestricted and honest exchange of knowledge. The Faculty has the right and the responsibility to hold students to high ethical standards in conduct and in works performed, as befits a scholar at the university. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to:
- Cheating
- Collusion
- Electronic Dishonesty
- Grade Falsification
- Plagiarism
Faculty members have the responsibility to investigate all suspected breaches of academic integrity that arise in their courses and shall have the authority to decide whether the student(s) has violated the Academic Integrity Policy. If it is determined that the violation occurred, the faculty member will decide the consequences, taking into account the severity and circumstances surrounding the violation, and will inform the student in writing, forwarding a copy of the letter to the Registrar and to the Dean of Student Development.
Consequences to an academic integrity violation include, but are not limited to:
- A letter in the student’s academic file
- Failure on assignment(s)
- Failure in the course
- Issuance of an XF for the course
- Conduct hearing with Student Development
If a student received an XF, this remains as a permanent grade and cannot be removed from the official transcript. Some programs and majors have more explicit ethical standards, which supersede this Policy, and violation of which may result in dismissal from some programs or majors within the University.
The complete policy may be found at <
Disruptive Behavior Policy
Students who exhibit behaviors that are considered to obstruct or disrupt the course goals or learning environment are subject to student conduct action per the University Standards of Conduct. Behaviors that are considered disruptive include, but are not limited to: tardiness, sleeping, inappropriate use of mobile or electronic devices, use of language that is offensive or discriminatory, excessive interruption, and/or repeated violation of faculty or classroom expectations which are stated in the course syllabus. Students who exhibit such behavior may be dismissed from the class and referred to Student Development.
Dropping a Course and the University Withdrawal Policy
There is an add/drop deadline for each academic term. During the allowed period, students may elect to add or drop courses by completing the proper form and requesting signature from the instructor or department chair as required. (Forms are available in Registrar's Office). Faculty members reserve the right to permit dropping or adding courses after the set deadline. Courses dropped during the appropriate period result in a W on the student transcript. Courses dropped after this period will result in the earned grade at the time of drop.
Students who leave the University during or at the end of the semester must report to the Registrar’s Office to complete the necessary procedures and forms. Students who withdraw from the University may be eligible to receive a refund of charges assessed by the University in accordance with the refund schedules (undergraduate traditional, PACE, or graduate) posted in the Academic Bulletin. Students may also be involuntarily withdrawn if they engage or threaten to engage in behavior which poses a danger of causing physical harm to self or others. The Involuntary Withdrawal Policy may be found in the Student Handbook.
Course Evaluations
Millikin University utilizes online course evaluations which are available beginning in the last week of each course term. Students may log into their MyMillikin portal to complete course evaluations. Evaluations are considered an important part of the teaching environment and students should feel comfortable giving thoughtful, honest feedback.
Sexual Misconduct
Millikin University is committed to creating a campus culture of respect that is free from discrimination, sex discrimination, and sexual misconduct of all forms. Sexual misconduct is unlawful and will not be tolerated. Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender are subject to the same rights and support as other protected categories. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual misconduct, or you know of an alleged incident of sexual misconduct, you can speak to someone CONFIDENTIALLY by contacting Millikin University Counselling Services @ 217.424.6360, and can file a report directly to any one of the following:
•Diane Lane, Director, Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator at r 217.362.6416
•Tammy Maxwell, Assistant Director, Human Resources/Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees at or 217.362.6416
•Raphaella Prange, Dean of Student Development/Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students at or 217.424.6395
•Campus Conduct Hotline, an anonymous reporting line, at 866.943.5787
The following provides an outline of topics and corresponding reading assignments. Specific assignments are found on the website: learningwithlarry.com. There are likely to be schedule changes as we progress. Some changes will be noted in class or on the website. You are responsible for noting changes announced in class or on the website.
August
DATEDAYSESSION ASSIGNMENT
21Mon1Introduction, discussion of syllabus, and the business plan.
Assessing your strengths and weaknesses.
Class Exercise : A Personal SWOT Analysis
23Weds2 The entrepreneurial landscape. Why start a business ? What are ways
to generate business ideas ?
Class Exercise : Brainstorming for your business plan idea.
28Mon3Presenting Business Ideas
30Weds4Creating a Business Model Canvas
September
DATEDAYSESSION ASSIGNMENT
06Weds4Presentation of Business Models in Class
11Mon 5Thinking through the start-up. Business plan outline and purpose.
13Weds6Presentation of assigned business plan
18Mon7Presentation of Draft Venture Description and Organizational Plan Description section of the Business Plan.
20Weds8Presentation of Revised Venture Description and Org plan
Team Evaluation
25Mon9Knowing your business and industry. Essentials of research and industry analysis.
27Weds10Defining and refining your research strategy.
Class Exercise: Creating your Research Plan
October
DATEDAYSESSION ASSIGNMENT
02Mon11Presentation of revised industry analysis.
04Weds12Present revised Industry Analysis for a grade.
Submit Team Evaluation
09Mon13Who are your competitors and what are they not offering?
11Weds14Present a draft of your Competitor analysis
(Discuss in class)
Fall Break October 12-15
16Mon15Present Revised Competitor Analysis
(Submit for a grade)
Submit Team Evaluation
18Weds16Who are your potential customers, where are they and how many of them are there?
23Mon17Present Draft Customer and Sales analysis
25Weds18Present Revised Customer and Sales analysis (For a grade)
Submit Team Evaluation
30Mon19Discuss Business Opportunity and Market fit
November
DATEDAYSESSION
01Weds20Presentation of Business opportunity and Market fit
Submit revised Business Opportunity and Market fit by 11/08 for a grade.
Submit Team eval
06Mon21Discussion on understanding Financial Statements (Chapter 10)
08Weds22Creating Financial Statements (Chapter 11)
13Mon23Continue discussion of financial statements and ratios
15 Weds24Presentation of Financial Statement
Submit revised Financial Statement by 11/20 (For a grade)
Submit team eval
20Mon 25 Discussion on Marketing plan (Chapter 12)
27Mon 26 Presentation of Marketing plan
Submit Revised Marketing plan by 11/29 for a grade
29Weds27Discussion on Management and Legal topics (Chapter 13
December
DATEDAYSESSION
04Mon 28Presentation of Management and Legal Section
Submit revised Management and Legal section by 12/4, for a grade
Submit Team eval
06Weds29Presentation Review
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