Description:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to assess the current economic, social and political climate for small businesses. In addition, the student should be able to explain how demographic, technological and social changes create opportunities for small business ventures. This course is required for the associate of applied science degree in business entrepreneurship. 2 hrs./wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Identify opportunities for small business start-up and/or growth.
2. Identify and discuss significant changes which impact small business.
3. Analyze the current environment and make recommendations as to how small business can best maximize beneficial and minimize negative changes.
4. Conduct an environmental analysis and develop a strategic plan for a specific small business (idea).
5. Discuss how developments in the local community impact the small business climate.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Opportunities for Small Business Start-up and/or Growth
   A. Keep a written log of opportunities presented within the current
environment.
   B. Accurately evaluate and justify which business opportunities
identified have the greatest possibility of economic success.

II. Significant Changes Which Impact Small Business
   A. Identify and list the types of external information available to
assist small businesses in conducting an environmental analysis.
   B. Identify significant consumer trends affecting business today and in
the near future.

III. Analysis of Current Business Environment and Recommendations for
Small Business
   A. Differentiate between the environmental factors which should be
monitored carefully and those which may be only casually assessed.
   B. Project how positive environmental factors may be capitalized upon
by small businesses.
   C. Identify the unique qualities of small businesses which may enable
them to respond rapidly to business opportunities.
   D. Explain how factors having a negative impact on business may, given
the right environment, be minimized or turned into a business
opportunity.

IV. Environmental Analysis and Strategic Plan for a Specific Small
Business (Idea)
   A. List the four major categories of macro environmental variables.
   B. Conduct an analysis of the macro environment for small business.
   C. Identify which factors in the macro environment have the greatest
impact on small business.
   D. Evaluate how well the proposed business (idea) is supported by
consumer trends.
   E. Conduct a strategic analysis of environmental threats and
opportunities for the proposed business (idea).

V. Developments in the Local Community and Their Impact on Small Business
   A. Conduct an environmental analysis for small business in the local
community.
   B. Evaluate the  climate” for small business within the local
economy.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Case Studies                                      20%
Opportunity Evaluation                            20%
Macro Environmental Analysis                      20%
Micro Environmental Analysis                      20%
Strategic Plan (SWOT Analysis) and Presentation   20%
                                                 100%
   Grading Scale:   
   A = 90 -100%   
   B = 80 - 89%
   C = 70 - 79%
   D = 60 - 69%

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.