CA.SFU.FAS.UCC/Papers:2003-7C

New Course Proposal - BUS 131-3 Business in the Networked Economy II

Dianne Cyr, Program in Information Technology and Interactive Arts

Revision C - February 4, 2003

Document Status

This is a new course proposal to consolidate the three 1-credit courses TECH 131, 132 and 133 into a single 3-credit course. Although the course is based on existing TECH courses presently administered through the Faculty of Applied Sciences, the proposal is to transfer the consolidated course to the Faculty of Business Administration.

Calendar Information

Course Number: BUS 131

Course Title: Business in the Networked Economy II

Credit Hours: 3 Vector: 2-0-2

Course Description

Introductory knowledge and skills for developing business goals, vision, direction, and ultimately a successful business plan are emphasized. Marketing and financial planning in the context of development of a business plan is addressed, including elements of the marketing mix (product planning, market selection, proximity pricing and distribution), and key concepts associated with analyzing financial resources.

Prerequisite: BUS 130.

Recommended: None.

Corequisite: None.

Special Instructions: None.

Course(s) to be dropped if this course is approved:

TECH 131-1 Entrepreneurship and Business Planning
TECH 132-1 Marketing and Financial Planning
TECH 133-1 Executing a Business Plan

Rationale for Introduction of this Course

This course consolidates three 1-credit module-based (5 week) courses into a single 3-credit semester-based course.

Will this be a required or elective course in the curriculum; probable enrolment when offered?

Elective; enrolment estimated at 200 per year.

Scheduling and Registration Information

Indicate Semester and Year this course would be first offered and planned frequency of offering thereafter.

2004-1 and annually thereafter.

Which of your present CFL faculty have the expertise to offer this course? Will the course be taught by sessional or limited term faculty?

In the spring of 2004, faculty already at SFU Surrey who have been teaching TECH 131, 132, and 133 will teach BUS 131. In the subsequent years, faculty within the Faculty of Business will be responsible for this course.

Are there any proposed student fees associated with this course other than tuition fees?

No.

Is this course considered a `duplicate' of any current or prior course under the University's duplicate course policy? Specify, as appropriate.

Students with credit for TECH 131, 132 and 133 may not take this course for further credit.

Resource Implications

Note: Senate has approved (S.93-11) that no new course should be approved by Senate until funding has been committed for necessary library materials. Each new course proposal must be accompanied by a library report and, if appropriate, confirmation that funding arrangements have been addressed.

Provide details on how existing instructional resources will be redistributed to accommodate this new course. For instance, will another course be eliminated or will the frequency of offering of other courses be reduced; are there changes in pedagogical style or class sizes that allow for this additional course offering.

This course will use the resources already in place for the three 1-credit modules it replaces.

Does the course require specialized space or equipment not readily available in the department or university, and if so, how will these resources be provided?

No.

Does this course require computing resources (e.g. hardware, software, network wiring, use of computer laboratory space) and if so, describe how they will be provided.

No new resources are required by virtue of this course consolidation.

Course Outline

OBJECTIVES/DESCRIPTION:

The course is designed to provide students with introductory knowledge and skills for developing business goals, vision, direction, and ultimately a successful business plan. Students gain an understanding of issues considered before starting a business, and are guided through the basics of entrepreneurship and business planning. In addition, students learn about marketing and financial planning in the context of development of a business plan. This includes elements of the marketing mix (product planning, market selection, proximity pricing and distribution), and key concepts associated with analyzing financial resources. The course culminates with the written and oral presentation of a sound business plan to a panel of faculty and business leaders.

TOPICS:

GRADING:

Assignments: 60% individual assignments; 40% (20% x 2) team assignments.

TEXTBOOKS:

Knowles, R. & Bylyea, C. (1999). Small Business, An Entrepreneur's Plan (3rd ed.). Dryden.

REFERENCES:

A number of online resources (including websites and online readings) about business planning are also utilized.