Small Business Management G (11509.2)

Small business plays a vital role in the Australian economy, accounting for more than 30% of production and almost 50% of employment in the non-financial private sector. The aim of this unit is to provide students with the theoretical and practical aspects of small business management. Specifically, this unit examines the management of small businesses including how to develop a business idea, financing and launching a small business, surviving the early years, managing an established small business, and the planning process including strategies for growth and/or expansion.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Apply concepts, theories, skills and experience to complex real-life challenges involved in establishing and managing a small business, demonstrating initiative, responsibility, accountability, creativity and reflective practice;
2. Compare different forms of entrepreneurial theory and practice and their role for idea and small business development;
3. Formulate and evaluate a business plan for a small business;
4. Evaluate and communicate the different forms of financing and funding for small business in Australia;
5. Prepare and critically evaluate a marketing plan for a small business; and
6. Identify, analyse and apply ethical and social responsibility issues and concerns in a small business management and professional context.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings

Skills development

This unit examines how students could develop and launch their own business and how to manage an established small business for expansion. The unit begins by reviewing the history of small businesses and identifying a successful entrepreneur's characteristics. The unit will then coach students in some basic business skills including writing a business plan, launching a new venture, identifying market opportunities, creating a marketing plan, and financing a business.

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.