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Course Planning by Program

2025-26

Essential Objectives

Course Syllabus


Revision Date: 02-Sep-25
 

Fall 2025 | BUS-2210-VO02F - Small Business Management


Flex Class

FLEX courses are online courses with flexible assignment submission, allowing students to manage their completion pace during the semester. FLEX courses remain open for enrollment throughout the first half of the semester. Flex course enrollment for Fall 2025 ends on 2025-10-27.


Location: Online
Credits: 3 (45 hours)
Day/Times: Meets online
Semester Dates: 09-02-2025 to 12-15-2025
Last day to drop without a grade: 09-15-2025 - Refund Policy
Last day to withdraw (W grade): 11-03-2025 - Refund Policy
This course has started, please contact the offering academic center about registration

Faculty

Robert Braathe
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Nick Molander

    Note
  1. Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.
  2. Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

This course explores the practical aspects of organizing and managing a small business. It is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to make informed business decisions. Topics include the basic concepts of accounting, finance, cash management, taxes, business law, government regulations, staffing, and marketing.


Essential Objectives

1. Develop a business plan that accounts for market analysis, appraisal of products and services, marketing strategies including key performance indicators (KPIs), organizing and staffing, and financial analysis. 
2. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of buying an existing business, starting a new business, or acquiring a franchised business. 
3. Describe and apply techniques of asset management including fixed assets, inventory, accounts receivable, and cash flow. 
4. Apply marketing practices to product pricing, advertising, and sales promotion for small business. 
5. Discuss federal and state laws and regulations and taxes affecting small businesses. 
6. Discuss the ethical considerations inherent in decision-making in small business management. 
7. Describe the opportunities and challenges small businesses face in competing in a global marketplace. 
8. Illustrate the controlling function of management through the use of financial statement analysis and KPIs. 
9. Demonstrate effective business writing and communication skills. 


Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV computer recommendations Support page.

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.


Required Textbooks and Resources

This course uses one or more textbooks/books/simulations.

Fall 2025 textbook details will be available on 2025-05-19. On that date a link will be available below that will take you to eCampus, CCV's bookstore. The information provided there will be specific to this class. Please see this page for more information regarding the purchase of textbooks/books.

BUS-2210-VO02F Link to Textbooks for this course in eCampus.

The last day to use a Financial Aid Advance to purchase textbooks/books is the 3rd Tuesday of the semester. See your financial aid counselor at your academic center if you have any questions.


Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Integrated: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges the use of AI is an essential skill in today's world. By using genAI for specific purposes, students become equipped with relevant skills and tools necessary to thrive in a technology-driven society. Emphasizing the mastery of generative AI should empower you to harness its potential, enhancing your problem-solving abilities and preparing you for future challenges and opportunities. Be aware, however, that any time generative AI is used at any point in the assignment without attribution it may be considered a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.


Methods

All material will be done in an asynchronous format. There will be no formal class meetings, but you can setup calls with me athttp://meetme.so/RobertBraathe

Evaluation Criteria

Discussions - 30%

Assignments - 30%

Quizzes - 10%

Final Project and Papers - 30%


Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

 HighLow
A+10098
A Less than 9893
A-Less than 9390
B+Less than 9088
B Less than 8883
B-Less than 8380
C+Less than 8078
C Less than 7873
C-Less than 7370
D+Less than 7068
D Less than 6863
D-Less than 6360
FLess than 60 
P10060
NPLess than 600


Weekly Schedule


Week/ModuleTopic  Readings  Assignments
 

1

MODULE 1 TOPIC: NAVIGATING THE ONLINE CLASSROOM

  

•@ccv.edu Email Coming Your Way: Instructions on how to use your CCV email. We will

use this throughout our course.

•Hartness Library Citation Guide: Examples on how to cite your sources and create

references for the reference list you will add to some of your assignments.

•Citation Machine: This will help you develop citations for your assignments and papers

in proper APA format.

•Purdue OWL: The Purdue OWL Online Writing Lab to assist in properly formatting and

creating citations for sources in APA format.•Read the article, “Growth Happens When You Put Yourself Outside Your Comfort Zone”:

You are beginning a new experience with this class. This article deals with growth and

change.

•Please read the preparation materials in Module 0: Guidelines for Online

Communication and Guidelines for Successful Course Completion.

  

Discussion Board

Module 1 Assignment: Business Email

 

2

MODULE 2 TOPIC: ENTREPRENEURIAL SMALL BUSINESS START-UP

  

Start here: Module 2 Lecture: Small Business Administration - A Brief History & Module

2 Lecture: SWOT Analysis

•Entrepreneurship: The Art, Science, and Process for Success: Chapter 1

•US Small Business Association

  

Discussion Board

Module 2 Assignment: Small Business Administration Worksheet

Module 2 Assignment: SWOT Analysis for Launch

 

3

MODULE 3 TOPIC: RISK TOLERANCE, PERSONALITY & ETHICS

  

Start here: Module 3 Lecture: The Three Elements of an Entrepreneurial Outlook &

Module 3 Lecture: Chapter 2 Key Terms

•Entrepreneurship: The Art, Science, and Process for Success: Chapter 2

•TedTalk with Maya Penn, a young entrepreneur

•Article: Why Should Small Business Owners Think About Ethics?

•Three Personality Assessments:

•Myers-Briggs

•Big Five

•Enneagram

  

Discussion Board

Module 3 Assignment: One-Page Pitch

Module 3 Assignment: Prepare for the Interview in Module 4

 

4

MODULE 4 TOPIC: ASSESSING AND EVALUATING IDEAS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR A BUSINESS

  

Start here: Module 4 Lecture: Gap Analysis & Module 4 Lecture: Chapter 3 Key Terms

•Entrepreneurship: The Art, Science, and Process for Success: Chapter 3

•Video: RedBox

•Video: TedTalk - Uber Plans to Get More People into Fewer Cars

•Video: TedTalk - Elon Musk - The Mind Behind TESLA, Space X, and Solar City

  

Discussion Board

Module 4 Assignment: Interview a Business Owner

 

5

MODULE 5 TOPIC: COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

  

Start here: Module 5 Lecture: How to Gather Information About Your Competitors,

Module 5 Lecture: The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), and

Module 5 Lecture: Chapter 4 Key Terms

•Entrepreneurship: The Art, Science, and Process for Success: Chapter 4

•North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Website

•Video: Redbox - Taking Risks and Making Profits within the Dynamic Business

Environment

  

Discussion Board

Module 5 Assignment: Competitive Analysis & Advantage Worksheet

Module 5 Quiz: Business Terms from Modules 1 - 5

 

6

MODULE 6 TOPIC: BUSINESS MISSION AND STRATEGY

  

Start here: Module 6 Lecture: The Mission Statement & Module 6 Lecture: Chapter 5

Key Terms

•Entrepreneurship: The Art, Science, and Process for Success: Chapter 5 & “Building a

Business Plan" on pages 311-314 in the text. This section includes a sample business

plan for the company Fraudian Slip. Your final project is to write a business plan for your

company.

•Review sample business plans from the Small Business Administration and/or reach out

to the embedded Librarian for industry-specific example business plans

  

Discussion Board

Module 6 Assignment: The Mission Statement

 

7

MODULE 7 TOPIC: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Start here: Module 7 Lecture: Chapter 6 Key Terms

•Please review the Publisher PowerPoint for Chapter 6. You'll see that there are notes for

each slide that will help provide more context for the key points!

•Entrepreneurship: The Art, Science, and Process for Success: Chapter 6

•Review this Excel Cash Flow Template

•Cash Flow Statement Explanation from the Accounting Coach

•Video: Management Your Business - Prices, Financing and Staffing

  

Discussion Board

Module 7 Assignment - Cash Flow for Your Business

 

8

MODULE 8 TOPIC: FINANCING, ACCOUNTING, AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

  

Start here - Module 8 Lectures: Module 8 Lecture: Grants & Module 8 Lecture: Chapter

7 & 8 Key Terms

•Please review the Publisher PowerPoint for Chapter 7. You'll see that there are notes for

each slide that will help provide more context for the key points!

•Entrepreneurship: The Art, Science, and Process for Success: Chapters 7 & 8

  

Discussion Board

Module 8 Assignment: Grant Opportunity for Your Business

 

9

MODULE 9 TOPIC: THE LEGAL FORMS OF BUSINESS & THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  

Start here: Module 9 Lecture: Chapter 9 Key Terms

•Entrepreneurship: The Art, Science, and Process for Success: Chapter 9

•Please read the article, The Top Three Considerations When Choosing Your Startup’s

Business Structure

  

Discussion Board

Module 9 Assignment: Executive Summary

 

10

MODULE 10 TOPIC: THE HUMAN RESOURCES SIDE OF OPERATING YOUR BUSINESS

  

•Start here: Module 10 Lecture: Chapter 10 Key Terms

•Entrepreneurship: The Art, Science, and Process for Success: Chapter 10

•Please select and read an article from Nolo Press Employee Law

  

Discussion Board

Module 10 Assignment: Employment Law Paper

Module 10 Quiz: Business Terms from Modules 6 - 10

 

11

MODULE 11 TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING YOUR MARKET

  

•Start here: Module 11 Lecture: The Marketing Plan and Module 11 Lecture: Chapter 11

Key Terms

•Entrepreneurship: The Art, Science, and Process for Success: Chapter 11

•Watch this video about Poe Weavers. The young mother in the video is a former

student, Amber. She made a joint promo with her friend from Poe Weavers. Notice the

necklace on Amber. Amber's company is Love at First Bite. She sells wearable teething

jewelry. She noticed her kids sucking and chewing on everything including her jewelry.

The beautiful family in this video is not made up of actors, but Amber, her husband, and

their kids. Awe!!

•Please watch this TedTalk: How to Get Your Ideas to Spread

•SCORE's Explanation of the Marketing Plan

  

Discussion Board

Module 11 Assignment: The Marketing Plan

 

12

MODULE 12 TOPIC: ORGANIZING OPERATIONS FOR THE BUSINESS & MANAGING YOUR

TIME

  

•Start here: Module 12 Lecture: The Critical Path Chart & Planning and Operations Charts

and Module 12 Lecture: Chapter 12 Key Terms

•Entrepreneurship: The Art, Science, and Process for Success: Chapter 12 (Here is the

Publisher PowerPoint to review as well!)

•Read 24 Time Management Strategies to Be More Efficient from Entrepreneur

  

Discussion Board

Module 12 Assignment: Critical Path Chart

 

13

MODULE 13 TOPIC: THE EXIT, HARVEST, AND TURNAROUND IN A BUSINESS

  

Start here: Module 13 Lecture: Chapter 13 Key Terms

•Entrepreneurship: The Art, Science, and Process for Success: Chapter 13

•Video: Zappos.com CEO Tony Hsieh is evangelical about keeping employees happy

•Video: Tony Hsieh explains why he sold Zappos and what he thinks of Amazon

  

Discussion Board

Module 13 Assignment: Your Business Plan - Rewrite or Write one section of your choice

 

14

MODULE 14 TOPIC: FRANCHISING OR PURCHASING AN EXISTING BUSINESS

  

•Start here: Module 14 Lecture: The Small Business Franchise Act (SBFA) & Buying and

Existing Business and Module 14 Lecture: Chapter 14 Key Terms

•Entrepreneurship: The Art, Science, and Process for Success: Chapter 14

•Explore the International Franchising Association

  

Discussion Board

Module 14 Assignment: Get Working on Your Business Plan!

Module 14 Quiz: Business Terms from Modules 11 - 14

 

15

MODULE 15 TOPIC: YOUR FINAL PROJECT: THE BUSINESS PLAN

  

Read the directions and all support information for the Final Project: The Business Plan

Visit these websites to help with your small business launch:

•SBA Montpelier District Office

•Vermont Small Business Development Center

•Visit this website for information about Business Careers

•CCV Career Services

  

Discussion Board

Module 15 Assignment: Final Project - The Business Plan

 

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

  • In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
  • Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
  • Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.


Participation Expectations

Login at least 3 times a week and put in 6-9 segments of 15-25 minutes of work each week to stay on top of your commitments.



Missing & Late Work Policy

There is a 3 day grace period on all assignments through November 15th. Any work 4 to 7 days late will be penalized 10%. Work 8-14 days late will be penalized 25%. No work accepted after 14 days late, and no late assignments will be accepted after November 15th for any assignments due November 15th or later.


Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:


CCV strives to mitigate barriers to course access for students with documented disabilities. To request accommodations, please
  1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
  2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
  3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.


Academic Integrity


CCV has a commitment to honesty and excellence in academic work and expects the same from all students. Academic dishonesty, or cheating, can occur whenever you present -as your own work- something that you did not do. You can also be guilty of cheating if you help someone else cheat. Being unaware of what constitutes academic dishonesty (such as knowing what plagiarism is) does not absolve a student of the responsibility to be honest in his/her academic work. Academic dishonesty is taken very seriously and may lead to dismissal from the College.

Apply Now for this semester.

Register for this semester: March 31 - August 29, 2024