Course Syllabus

Spring 2026 | BUS-2210-VO03 - Small Business Management

Online Class

Online courses take place 100% online via Canvas, without required in-person or Zoom meetings.

Faculty

George Forstbauer
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Nick Molander

Note

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.

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 is a no cost textbook or resource class. ***

This course only uses free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials. For details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

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

Weights of Grades

Midterm Exam 20%

Final Exam 20%

Midterm Case Project 20%

Final Case Project 20%

Homework 10%

Attendance/Participation 10%

Grading Criteria

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

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

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 April 15th for any assignments due April 15th or later.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

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

Apply Now for this semester.