Assignment
Discussion 1
Learning Activity/Discussion #1: "Types of Business Ownership"
Compare and contrast the types of business ownership as described in the Week 2 readings, with particular emphasis on types of incorporation ("C" corp, "S" corp, and LLCs) regarding legal liability and tax consequences. In preparing your Business Plan, consider the type of ownership structure most advantageous for your new or acquired venture.
Learning Activity/Discussion #2: "Small Business and Regulatory Issues"
A recent report sponsored by the SBA's Office of Advocacy ("Small Business Research Summary"), published in 2010, noted that the average annual regulatory cost per small business employee (2008) was $10,585. This is considerably higher than the average cost per employee for larger businesses, and has considerable impact on hiring or retaining workers. Please refer to this study (you need only read the Executive Summary and Key Findings), and post comments as to compliance and its impact on small business and new venture development regarding your Business Plan. This report is also available in eReserves--("The Impact of Regulatory Costs on Small Firms--2010").
Discussion 2
Learning Activity/Discussion #1 "Marketing--Competitive Advantage"
Describe the three factors driving marketing strategy and competitive advantage: pricing, service/location, and quality/features, and how they pertain to the market plan (a critical element of the Business Plan) and how they will factor into your business venture. (Note: be advised that successful businesses are superior in two, or at least one, but rarely all three of these key marketing factors). Post your comments here.
Learning Activity/Discussion #2: "Tax Consequences for Small Business"
Re: "The New York Times", 10/22/09
In conjunction with LA #1, above, when building and sustaining a new venture, small businesses must consider tax burdens, particularly on the state and local level, in managing its bottom line. Discuss policies and strategies for managing potential rising taxation in the ongoing recovering economy, and post your comments here.
Discussion 3
Learning Activity #1
"Why You May Want to Be Your Own Boss"
In reference to your Business Plan strategy and vision, discuss the potential benefits and risks in establishing yourself as an independent contractor, particularly with reference to taxation, benefits, Social Security, and job security, in reference to the subject 02/19/2017 "The New York Times" business article referenced herein.
Learning Activity/Discussion #2: "Healthcare Coverage and Entrepreneurship"
Critical to the Business Plan and ultimate employee attainment and sustained morale, it is necessary to understand and, if required, institute health care options. US Census Bureau data recently indicated that a considerable portion of the population, is uninsured. This does not include "underinsured" workers and dependents. Much of this increase resulted from loss of millions of jobs, and falling household income. Recent data also indicated that costs of insured plans will continue to rise, much of which will have to be borne by employees. In light of the Supreme Court affirmed Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act health care legislation ("Obamacare"), as well as the new Trump Administration policy present situation of failure for ending or revising it, discuss how healthcare related programs and issues will impact, both generally and for your proposed or ongoing small business and new venture development. Post your comments here.
You may wish to refer to the following healthcare information site.
Note, this site has apparently recently been closed down.
Please bear in mind that this is a business "objective", and not a "political", Learning Activity topic.
Discussion 4
Learning Activity/Discussion #1: Financial Planning:
Regarding capital formation, discuss the three basic types of capital acquisition, working capital, fixed capital and growth capital, describe the advantages/disadvantages of attaining such funds via equity or debt sources, and how best to apply the capital mix to your potential or ongoing business venture.
Learning Activity/Discussion 2: "Housing Market and New Venture Development"
A traditional source of capital acquisition for a new small business venture has been borrowing against home equity, either as collateral or for liquid assets. Consider the current economic state of the overall US and your own local residential housing market, the tightening of credit and "subprime" credit (for borrowers with less than optimal credit histories) and the challenges and limitations of home equity, and how these can impact new venture development and access to capital.
Discussion 5
Learning Activity/Discussion #1 "Critical Factors in Franchising"
Discuss the critical questions a franchisee should consider when entering into a potential franchise contractual agreement, as well as the information to be provided through the key required franchisor documents: the Offering Agreement and the Uniformed Franchising Offering Circular (or FTC Disclosure)
Also. consider the dynamics, opportunities for acquiring a franchise, or franchising your business model, as well as the due diligence required. While some might not regard franchise acquisition as entrepreneurship in its purest form, it nonetheless is a viable option for those seeking quasi-independent opportunities.
Learning Activity #2: Crowdsourcing
Using the subject NY Times article (May 11, 2016), "Crowdsourcing to Get Ideas, and Perhaps Save Money", please discuss crowd dynamics in terms of research, market testing, and potential financing for a small business venture.
Discussion 6
Learning Activity/Discussion #1: "Contract Dynamics"
As per Module 7, Section 3, discuss the three main types of government and private sector contracts: time and materials, fixed price, and cost reimbursable, when they are applicable, and what are the advantages/disadvantages for each. As per your Business Plan, consider whether there is potential for obtaining such contracts, either on a primary or sub-contractual basis, and incorporate such information into your proposal.
Learning Activity #2
As per Module 6, Section 3, please refer to the following NY Times article, "Selling a Business Involves More Than Money" (July 15,2016) and comment as to sale/succession and exit strategy dynamics. You may provide personal experience as examples, as well.
Discussion 7
Learning Activity/Discussion #1: "Entrepreneurs Find Ways to Give Back"
Community involvement and social responsibility, resulting in a positive reputation and "goodwill" as discussed in the beginning of the curriculum, are often critical to the success and long-term sustainability of a business enterprise.
The following article, "Despite Obstacles, Entrepreneurs Find Ways to Give Back", appeared in the September 15, 2010 "The New York Times".
In conjunction with ethics and social responsibility discussed earlier in the curriculum, incorporate into your Business Plan potential capabilities and strategies which your venture can foster goodwill through providing products or services to your community.
Discussion 8
Learning Activity/Discussion #1: Ethics and Social Responsibility:
In reference to this week's Module and scheduled readings, please describe and explain a business' ethical and social responsibilities regarding employees, clients, investors, and the community at large, and consider how these factors would be incorporated to the Executive Summary of your Business Plan term projects. Post your responses in Week 1 "Learning Activities" herein.
Learning Activity/Discussion #2: "Immigration and Entrepreneurship"
Please refer to the two reference articles, "A Small Business Barometer in Queens" and "Big Thoughts Early On",
Bearing in mind the themes of ethics and social responsibility cited above, and post responses in Week 1 "Learning Activities" herein. Feel free to site additional researched material or personal experiences, if any.