De Anza logo
Credit- Degree applicable
Effective Quarter: Fall 2020

I. Catalog Information


BUS 55
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
5 Unit(s)
 

Advisory: EWRT 211 and READ 211, or ESL 272 and 273.

Lec Hrs: 60.00
Out of Class Hrs: 120.00
Total Student Learning Hrs: 180.00

A practical study of the operations and essential skills required in small and start-up businesses. Emphasis on the opportunities and problems faced by entrepreneurs in obtaining, managing and financing an independent business. This course will prepare students for developing business plans.


Student Learning Outcome Statements (SLO)

 

Examine the steps required, the support available, and the tactics commonly employed by entrepreneurs starting a business.


 

Critically evaluate business plans in terms of feasibility, investment potential, risk, and completeness.


II. Course Objectives

A.Identify and evaluate personal interests, characteristics and talents, and overall readiness to undertake an entrepreneurial venture.
B.Evaluate the relative advantages and disadvantages of buying an existing business versus starting a new firm.
C.Identify the potential benefits of franchising and home-based businesses.
D.Describe the legal forms of business.
E.Identify the components of a comprehensive business plan
F.Describe sources of start-up capital.
G.Examine the basics of finance, accounting, and record keeping.
H.Explain the legal and ethical concerns of small business in a global economy.
I.Analyze the managerial issues faced by entrepreneurial ventures in a global economy.
J.Demonstrate small business marketing in a global economy.

III. Essential Student Materials

 None

IV. Essential College Facilities

 None

V. Expanded Description: Content and Form

A.Identify and evaluate personal interests, characteristics and talents, and overall readiness to undertake an entrepreneurial venture.
1.Risk tolerance
2.Self-direction and motivation
3.Personal selling
4.Financial requirements
5.Impact on personal life
6.Examine profiles of a diverse set of famous entrepreneurs
B.Evaluate the relative advantages and disadvantages of buying an existing business versus starting a new firm.
1.Start-up costs versus purchase price
2.Goodwill
3.Customer, supplier and industry relationships
4.Risk and survival rates
5.Benefits and risks of franchises
C.Identify the potential benefits of franchising and home-based businesses.
1.Risk and survival rates
2.Start-up and continuing franchise fees
3.Management restrictions
4.Management and operations assistance
5.Goodwill and brand recognition
6.Geographical limitations and exclusivity
D.Describe the legal forms of business.
1.Sole proprietorships
2.General partnerships
3.Limited partnerships
4.C Corporations
5.S Corporations
6.Limited Liability Corporations
E.Identify the components of a comprehensive business plan
1.Executive summary
2.Company overview
3.Management overview
4.Marketing plan
5.Financial analysis and projections
6.Risk Assessment
F.Describe sources of start-up capital.
1.Personal savings
2.Partners
3.Family and friends
4.Credit cards
5.Bank loans
6.Government programs
7.Venture capital
8.Angels/private investors
9.Vendor/supplier financing
10.Crowdfunding
G.Examine the basics of finance, accounting, and record keeping.
1.Cash flow analysis
2.Capital requirements
3.Profitability
4.Budgeting
5.Basic Financial Statements
6.Available financial tools and software
H.Explain the legal and ethical concerns of small business in a global economy.
1.Define law versus ethics
2.Common Legal Issues
a.General liability
b.Workplace injuries
c.Employee rights
d.Government regulation and taxes
e.Intellectual Property Protection
3.Ethical issues
a.Social responsibility
b.Consumerism
c.Employee relations and diversity (in family-owned and non-family owned businesses)
d.Environmental protection and conservation
e.Community relations
f.Personal ethics
I.Analyze the managerial issues faced by entrepreneurial ventures in a global economy.
1.Recruiting, hiring, training, motivating, and retaining a diverse workforce
2.Delegation
3.Management succession and exit strategy
4.Operations management
5.Use of technology and automation
J.Demonstrate small business marketing in a global economy.
1.Business strategy and opportunity analysis
2.Understanding diverse customer needs and identifying an appropriate target market
3."Guerilla" marketing
4.Public relations
5.Personal sales
6.Partnerships
7.E-Marketing and E-Commerce
8.Advertising

VI. Assignments

A.Required reading assignments.
B.Recommended readings of selected articles.
C.Written analysis of case studies to develop critical thinking skills.
D.Analysis and critical evaluation of real world business plans

VII. Methods of Instruction

 Lecture and visual aids
Discussion of assigned reading
In-class essays
In-class exploration of Internet sites
Quiz and examination review performed in class.
Homework and extended projects
Guest speakers
Collaborative learning and small group exercises

VIII. Methods of Evaluating Objectives

A.Class discussions which require students to demonstrate comprehension, analyze case studies, and apply course concepts.
B.Midterm objective exam, composed of concept and scenario-based questions which will require the student to demonstrate knowledge, analyze scenarios, and apply business concepts.
C.Final examination that requires demonstration of a student's abilities to integrate and apply concepts that have been introduced and practiced in the course.
D.Business plan analysis used to evaluate critical thinking and application of course concepts.

IX. Texts and Supporting References

A.Examples of Primary Texts and References
1.Katz, J.A., & Green, R.P. (2013). Entrepreneurial Small Business. 4th ed. NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin.
B.Examples of Supporting Texts and References
1.Recommended Readings: Wall Street Journal, Inc., and Entrepreneur.