Syllabus...

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FAQs

Lectures are delivered via the Bus 88 Instructor website

All CourseWork is completed through the Blackboard online instructional system.

Coursework, Due dates, schedules, and grades are viewable via either system. The Blackboard Learning Modules show all assignments including readings, plus due dates and late dates for each week. Click Here for a Printable Version

Attendance/Participation - Attendance/Participation is required. There are 16 meetings including the Final Exam meeting. You may be dropped as a no show the first week of classes. If you miss more than 2 weeks of class sessions (2 meetings) you may be dropped. However, it is the student's responsibility to drop a class. You receive points for attendance. You cannot pass the course with less than 70% attendance! (at least 11 of 15 class days, not counting the final.)

Attendance/Participation: (See pages 30-31) This course requires active participation each day of class so it is important for you to attend every class session, arrive on time, and come prepared. Your participation not only enhances your own learning, it benefits other students in the class, especially when the class is doing group work. Your level of participation is reflected in your grade and since you can’t participate if you are not in class, absences will also be reflected in your grade.

Note: There are no "make-ups" for missed days. Extra Credit may be available.

Business Idea - You will need to choose a specific business idea to use in completing the assignments. For full credit, your assignments should generally be at least 100 to 300 words. All must be thorough, logical and posted on time.

Assignments - You are required to do 15 written assignments that simulate a rough draft of a business plan, one each week. Assignments require you to think and offer your opinions and decisions and have no right or wrong answers. All assignments are linked as Word or Excel files. Answers should be thorough; 100-250 words or more.

Assignments are turned in using Blackboard: either typed into the turn-in window, cut and pasted from the Word document into the turnin window, or attached as a file (only allowed if an Excel file is used).

Note: Late assignments will be 10 points off. Extra Credit may be available.

MYBs - You are required to do 15 written MYBs (Minding Your Business) that ask you to explore questions typical of new business owners, one each week. MYBs require you to think and offer your opinions and decisions and have no right or wrong answers. Answers should be thorough; 100-250 words or more.

MYB Assignments are turned in using Blackboard: either typed into the turnin window, cut and pasted from the Word document into the turnin window, or attached as a file (only allowed if an Excel file is used).

Note: Late assignments will be 10 points off. Extra Credit may be available.

Discussion - Online postings and responses via Blackboard. Post your choice of one of the "Discussion Topic choices from the Discussion Column for each Discussion on the Assignments link at my website. Post your Answer on Blackboard and respond to two postings from your classmates. Don't attach the file, cut and paste the answer or type your answer directly into the Discussion inbox at Blackboard.

For full credit, your original posts should be at least 250 words and responses 150 words. All must be thorough, logical and posted on time.

Note: Late Discussions will be 10 points off. Extra Credit may be available.

Late CourseWork - is marked as "Late" after the Due Date on the Assignments page. A 10 point penalty is assessed after one week late (a 1 week "grace" period) They are expected to be accurate and thoroughly completed.

Note: All CourseWork must be submitted by by the end of your Final Exam meeting.

Xtra Credit - You will have some opportunities to get xtra credit points. They are noted on the Assignments page as MYBx (not MYB) and can be used in any order. Others may be added. Most are 10 points each.

Withdrawal policy - You may withdraw from the course with a W grade until 75% of the semester has elapsed. You can drop using WebAdvisor. Contact the admissions and records office for details. Failure to follow the withdrawal procedure will result in an F grade being assigned at the end of the semester. No Shows will be dropped by the instructor at the end of the first class meeting and your spot will be given to a student on Wait List.

You will use the class website as your textbook. Enrollment in this class gives you access to computers on campus. The class website is published on the Internet and is not password protected, thus you have access to the class website from any Internet connected computer on or off campus. However, to use a campus computer you need your class login and password. Click here for printable instructions. You may use the Library computers without having to log in. Students will use the same login for both Blackboard and classroom computers. (See FAQs for more info)

Printing on campus requires you to go to the CTC (Computer Technology Center) in Aptos or Watsonville and open a printing account with $5.00. You are charged $ .10 a page for black and white, $.50 a page for color.

DSPS Statement for Syllabi: Students needing accommodations should contact the instructor ASAP. As required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accommodations are provided to insure equal opportunity for students with verified disabilities. If you need assistance with an accommodation, please contact Disabled Student services, Room 810, 479-6379, or Learning Skills Program Room 1073, 479-6220.
Disabled Students Programs and Services

Each student should click and read the standard Code of Conduct for Cabrillo College courses: Student Rights & Responsibilities

Session 2. Business Plans - Sample Outlines
                Buy Existing Business vs. Startup Decision
                Franchise

Session 5. Paperwork, Regulations, Permits and Licenses

Session 9. Financial Feasibility of Your Business Plan

Session 10. Identify & Estimate Startup Costs

Session 13. Compensation, Payroll and Deductions & Risk & Insurance

Session 15. Merchandise Sales Rights, Obligations and Deceptive Sales Practices
                  Employer/Employee & Personnel Issues
                  Customer Relations

Assignments - See Syllabus page for topic descriptions or click on the link below the assignment link to read the related lecture material.

MYB's (Minding Your Business)

Discussion Topics
Discussions are typed or copy/pasted into the Discussion inbox link on Blackboard. Post one answer and respond to two other people's postings for full credit

Introduction Discussion
Due 2/12, cut off 2/19

Syllabus Review - xtra credit
Due2/12, cut off 2/19

Assignment #2  Due2/26, penalty after 3/4
Essential Business Plan Questions
Business Plans

MYB2  Due2/26, penalty after 3/4
How do you find a Business to buy locally?

Assignment #5 Due 3/18, penalty after 3/25
Personal Audit

Assignment #7 Due 4/1, penalty after 4/15
Business name and Logo
Business Names/Trademarks

Assignment #8 Due 4/15, penalty after 4/22
Target Markets & Buyer Behavior and Identify Competitors
Define Your Market
Competition

Assignment # 10 Due 4/29, penalty after 5/6
Excel 10 or Excel10Sample
Identify & Estimate Start-up Capital
Identify & Estimate Startup Costs

Assignment #11 Due 5/6, penalty after 5/13
Sources of Capital
Sources of Capital

Assignment #12 Due5/13, penalty after 5/20
Excel 12 Version
Initial Balance Sheet
Balance Sheet

Assignment 13 Due 5/20, penalty after 5/27
Risk & Insurance

Assignment #15 Due 5/31 midnite
Executive Summary

Deadlines for Spring 2012 Semester Classes:

• Semester Begins February 6
• Lincoln Holiday Observed Friday, February 10, Campus Closed
• Deadline for parkeing permit reversal February 17
• Add Deadline for full-term classes: Saturday, February 18
• Drop Deadline for full-term courses with refunds: Saturday, February 18
  (This date is the deadline to drop a full-term course and receive a full refund or reversal of charges.)
• President's Day Holiday is Monday, February 20, Campus Closed
• Drop Deadline for full-term courses without a permanent record “W”: March 3
• Pass/No Pass (aka Cr/No Cr) Grade Option Deadline for full-term classes: March 9
• Deadline to apply for an AS/AA degree or certificate: Saturday, April 7
• Spring/Easter Break April 9 - 14, Campus Open
• Deadline to Withdraw from a full-term courses with “W”: May 5
• Memorial Day May 28, Campus Closed
• Final Exams May 29 - June 2

• Lincoln Holiday Observed Friday, February 10, Campus Closed
• President's Day Holiday is Monday, February 20, Campus Closed
• Spring/Easter Break April 9 - 14, Campus Open
• Memorial Day May 28, Campus Closed