follow the outline, and complete the 4-6 outline

The class will be divided into teams consisting of students from different disciplines. Each team will

develop a product or service business plan. This plan will be developed with the goal of presenting the

plan to a venture capitalist group to secure investment. If the team decides to create a public service or

non-profit, the presentation should be structured to seek approval from public policy makers or secure

a grant from a foundation.

Business Plan Project

A good business plan guides you through each stage of starting and managing your business. You will

use your business plan as a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. It is a way

to think through the key elements of your business.

Business plans can help you get funding or bring on new business partners. Investors want to feel

confident they will see a return on their investment. Your business plan is the tool you will use to

convince people that working with you — or investing in your company — is a smart choice. (SBA

https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan).

Most successful businesses have a plan. Some are more formal than others but typically the more

detailed the better. Many lenders and all investors require a formal business plan before loaning

capital or making an investment. This is also true for public and nonprofit organizations, as public

policy makers or donors request a formal plan before launching any public service project (e.g., a

highway, an animal shelter, a service to homeless, etc.). Going through the process of developing a

business plan will provide you with an insight into how a successful business should be operated.

You will be assigned into a group to write a business plan following the provided outline (see

attached). The outline is to provide guidance and awareness of all business departments in decision

making.

Class Expectations

You should treat all team meetings as business meetings and conduct yourself accordingly. In

business, you are required to come prepared to every meeting. My expectation is that you will attend

each meeting, having read the material prior and prepared to discuss the key points with questions to

deepen your understanding of the subject. One of the goals of this class is to develop an understanding

of how each discipline is utilized in a business.

Teams should utilize an email thread, or discussion board to delegate assignments, make contributions,

and discuss progress. Work should be equally distributed amongst team members. All team members

are evaluated both as a group, individually, and by your peers.

BA Program Learning Objectives (PLOs)

I. Specific Knowledge and Skills - Each student should obtain required specialized management knowledge and skills for the creation of value through integrated operations and distribution of

goods, services, and information.

II. Communication - Each student can effectively communicate, either written or oral. III. Ethical Reasoning and Global Context - Each student can identify and evaluate ethical issues

within a global context and articulate a realistic recommendation to inform decision making.

IV. Problem Solving Using Information Technology - Each student can work through the problem- solving process using information technology to identify a problem, evaluate solutions, and

devise an innovative strategy to achieve a desired goal.

Course Learning Objectives (CLOs)

1. Integration: Students have integrated and/or applied what they have learned in the BA program, especially their concentration area, coursework (and co-curricular activities, as appropriate).

2. Reflection: Students can communicate how the Capstone project contributes to a sense of closure, accomplishment, purpose, and agency.

3. Preparation: Students are prepared for life-long learning, future professional pursuits, and their roles as responsible members of business, government, and non-profit communities.

Grading

Education is a service industry, but you cannot simply purchase a unit of education the way you would

buy other commodities. Instead, you must devote time and energy to learning. I respect those students

who must make work, family, or other commitments their top priority. Nevertheless, to benefit from

the class and to be rewarded with a high grade, you must find time to do the work. Any missed

assignments will receive -100% for that assignment.

95% + = A 77 - 79% = C+ 60 - 63 % = D-

90 - 94% = A- 74 - 76% = C 59% and below = F

87 - 89% = B+ 70 - 73% = C-

84 - 86% = B 67 - 69% = D+

80 - 83% = B- 64 - 66 % = D

Assignments PLOs CLOs Points Weight

Individual Assignments I, II, III, IV 1, 2, 3 150 15%

Planned weekly Assignments Parts 1-8 I, II, III, IV 1, 2, 3 400 40%

Final Group Marketing Plan I, II, III, IV 1, 2, 3 450 45%

Total 1000 100%

Project Preparation and Presentation

All projects assigned are based on actual business issues. The real time approach allows students the

opportunity to assume the role of a manager faced with the challenges and opportunities in a

competitive marketplace. The ability to identify marketplace-related problems, to understand the forces

that influence these problems, and how to propose and implement viable solutions for these problems

is a valuable skill needed to be successful in today’s highly, competitive, global marketplace. Each

group will be provided a problem to solve, not discuss how it could be solved, you are expected to

provide/implement a successful solution.

COURSE SCHEDULE

Everything is subject to change at the discretion of the professor.

All changes will be announced in class, you are responsible for all changes.

Wk Due Topic

1 8/30 Group assignment and Introductions

Introduction

2 9/6 Research product or service description

Resume

3 9/13 Part 1: Product Service Characteristics

4

5 9/27 Part 2: Organization Plan

6

7 10/11 Part 3: Technology and Primary Research

8

9 10/25 Part 4: Marketing and Demographics

10 11/1 Part 5: Ethics and Community Engagement

11 11/8 Part 6: Financial risks and expectations

12

13 11/22 Part 7: Objectives and Goals

14 11/29 Part 8: Final Presentation

Class Calendar [subject to change]

All students must take the Administrative Assessment Test by December 1st

Students with Disabilities

If you need an accommodation for a disability to participate in this class, please contact Services to

Students with Disabilities at UH – 183, (909) 537-5238.

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits

discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities. Under Title IX, discrimination based

on sex can include sexual harassment or sexual violence, such as rape, sexual assault, sexual battery

and sexual coercion. Title IX protects all people regardless of their gender or gender identity from

sexual harassment and violence.

If you would like to submit your concern, please use the following link:

Title IX Incident Report Form

Alternatively, you may send an email to [email protected], call (909) 537-5669, or visit the Title IX

office in the San Manuel Student Union, room 103.

Other CSUSB Resources:

CSUSB Student Health Center (909) 537-5241

Student Assistance in Learning (SAIL) (909) 537-3930

Student Mentoring Program (909) 537-7765

Coyote PLUS Programs – Tutoring Office (909) 537-4499

Veterans Success Center (VSC) (909) 537-5213

Writing Center (909) 537-5232

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (909) 537-5040

Ombuds Services (909) 537-5635

Obershaw Den – food pantry (909) 537-FOOD

CSUSB University Police (909) 537-7777 (non-emergency)

CSUSB University Police Campus App APP

University Diversity Statement

In our commitment to the furthering of knowledge and fulfilling our educational mission, California

State University, San Bernardino seeks a campus climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes

respect for the entire variety of human experience. In our commitment to diversity, we welcome people

from all backgrounds, and we seek to include knowledge and values from many cultures in the

curriculum and extra-curricular life of the campus community. Our commitment to work toward an

environment that values diversity requires that we create, promote, and maintain activities and

programs which further our understanding of individual and group diversity. We will also develop and

communicate policies and promote values which discourage intolerance and discrimination.

The concept and dimensions of diversity are to be advanced and incorporated into every aspect of

university activity, including student life, the curriculum, teaching, programs, staffing, personnel

training practices, research, community services, events, and all other areas of university endeavor.

Dimensions of diversity shall include, but are not limited to, the following: race, ethnicity, religious

belief, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, gender expression, ability, socioeconomic status,

cultural orientation, national origin, and age.

The implementation of the Commitment to Diversity will rest with the university. The president, in

addition to a personal commitment and involvement, may use the University Diversity Committee,

campus administrators, faculty, staff, and students as well as other members of the campus community

to implement effectively the philosophy and intent of this statement.

Academic Honesty

Students are responsible for performing academic tasks in such a way that honesty is not in question.

The following is from CSUSB’s policy and procedures concerning academic dishonesty policy:

Plagiarism and cheating are violations of the Student Conduct Code (see Appendix of the CSUSB

Bulletin of Courses) and may be dealt with by both the instructor and the Judicial Affairs Officer.

Definition and procedures for addressing cheating and plagiarism are found below. Questions about

academic dishonesty and the policy should be addressed to the Office of the Vice President for Student

Affairs.

Definition of plagiarism/cheating:

Plagiarism is the act of presenting the ideas and writings of another as one’s own

Cheating is the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work using any dishonest,

deceptive, or fraudulent means.

Cheating includes but is not limited to:

1. Copying, in part or in whole, from another’s test, software, or other evaluation instrument. 2. Submitting work previously graded in another course unless this has been approved by the course

instructor or by departmental/school policy.

3. Submitting work simultaneously presented in two courses, unless this has been approved by both course instructors or by the department/school policies of both departments/schools.

4. Using or consulting during an examination sources or materials not authorized by the instructor. 5. Altering or interfering with grading or grading instructions. 6. Sitting for an examination by a surrogate, or as a surrogate. 7. Any other act committed by a student during his or her academic work, which defrauds or

misrepresents, including aiding or abetting in any of the actions defined above.

Plagiarism is academically dishonest and makes the offending student liable to penalties up to and

including expulsion. Students must make appropriate acknowledgements of the original source where

material written or compiled by another is used.

.

1

ADMIN 4900 Business Plan Final Paper

Basic Outline

Part 1

Organization (i.e., business, government, or nonprofit) name

(Following could be not available or recommended)

Street address

City, state, ZIP

Business phone

Website URL

Email address

Current Product/Service problem to solve

• Problem Characteristics

• Problem effects on stakeholders

• Why is it important Product Characteristics

• Uniqueness, niche

• High/low cost

• Distribution channel of product/service

Part 2 (Management)

• Industry History o Market and Industry Definition o Major Competitors and Descriptions

▪ Who are the top 3 competitors? ▪ Strengths and weaknesses of each ▪ Competitor Strategies and niche

• Product History o Product features o What problem does product solve o Product Category Sales o Previous Performance Versus Competition History o Estimated Market Shares

• Company History o Start o Size o Major changes o Mission & Vision statement

• Organization Plan o Who is in charge? o Departments/division leaders o Org Chart

• Leadership style

• Hiring Practices

Part 3 (Information Systems & Supply Chain)

Technology Available

• Purchased or proprietary

Primary Research Collection

• Personal interviews

• Focus groups

• Survey data collection and analysis

• Customer purchase data Technology Advancements

• Operational

• Media driven

• Data collection

Part 4 (Marketing)

SWOT Analysis

• Internal Factors o Strengths o Weaknesses

• External Factors o Opportunities o Threats

Customer Analysis

• Total Market Size

• Target Market trends growth/shrinkage

• Market Potential and realistic future forecast

• Barriers to entry such as technology, qualified employees, high startup costs Demographic Market Segments:

• Age - History

• Gender

• Marital Status – Family Life Cycle

• Income – Social Status

• Education – Social Status

• Purchase behavior

• Communication Style

• Geographic

• Other Psychographic Consumer Behavior:

• Personal activities

• Group activities

• How time is spent

• How they think (decision process)

• Other Media and Communications used

• Traditional

• Nontraditional

• Social

• Search engines

Part 5 (Public Administration)

• Identify local, state, national or international laws or policies that will impact organizational

operations including any:

o Environmental regulatory issues

o Planning and Zoning issues

o Employee compensation requirements and labor laws

o Licensing or permit requirements

o Impact of any international laws or protocols

• Community Engagement Plan

o Identify community organizations that may impact the organization.

o Identify government entities that will impact organizational activities.

o Identify local demographics and how they may impact the organization.

o Identify local, state and national organizations recommended to be joined or supported.

• Identify issues of Ethics or Corporate Social Responsibility that could impact organizational

operations.

o Impact of product or service or employment plan

o Diversity Management Plan

o Social Equity issues, particularly those related to race or gender

Part 6 (Accounting and Finance)

Purpose of Financial Documents

• Demonstration to possible investors

• Provide a measure to actual results

• Risk evaluation

Types of Financial Documents

• Personal Financial Statement

• Sources and Uses of Funds

• Proforma Cash Flow Statement

• Income Statement

• Balance Sheet

• Common Size Financial Statement

• Three-year Income Projection

• Break-Even Analysis

• Financial Statement Analysis

• Liquidity Analysis

• Profitability Analysis

• Debt Measures

• Investment Measures (ROA and ROI)

Part 7

Objectives and Goals

• Expected results o Within course time frame o Future

Strategic and Tactical Recommendations

• Strategy to accomplish goals o The tactics to meet the strategic goals

Message

• Explanation and justification of message

• Consistent layout design and mandatory inclusions

• Examples of message and graphics Promotions

• Explanation and justification of promotions

• Examples of promotional tools Media

• Media Chart of all running Marketing Communications advertising and promotions Measurement

• How will we measure the success? o Benchmark and success measurement

******

Start Business Plan over from the beginning.

• Single voice

• Pictures & Graphs

• Real samples ready to use

• Visually pleasing color and layout Add to beginning:

• Cover

• Table of Contents

• Executive Summary Add to end:

• Elevator Speech o 30 second elevator speech of the problem, goal, and success.

• Conclusion o Less than 1 page

• References o APA format o All Secondary Research - published databases, journal articles, trade magazines,

newspapers

• Appendices o Not included in page count

Part 8

Final Presentation:

• Graphic and text based

• Can use voice and/or video

• Maximum length 3 minutes

DISCLAIMER [INSTRUCTOR CAN CHOOSE TO DISREGARD THE DISCLAIMER, BUT

INFOMR STUDENTS THE CONTEXT SETTING INSTEAD]:

A business plan is an important document, and often the process of planning – specifically what you

learn – can be more valuable than the actual document. However, there are some drawbacks to

planning, and in the field that primarily teaches business planning (Entrepreneurship), we focus on the

“lean startup” model as a precursor to developing a business plan. Coupled together, individuals or

teams that execute the lean startup process and ultimately develop an action-oriented business plan

have increased odds of success. Below is an excerpt from the article, “Why the Lean Start-Up

Changes Everything,” which illustrates the reasons why planning disconnected from customer

discovery and validation can be very dangerous…

The Fallacy of the Perfect Business Plan

According to conventional wisdom, the first thing every founder must do is create a business plan—a

static document that describes the size of an opportunity, the problem to be solved, and the solution

that the new venture will provide. Typically, it includes a five-year forecast for income, profits, and

cash flow. A business plan is essentially a research exercise written in isolation at a desk before an

entrepreneur has even begun to build a product. The assumption is that it is possible to figure out most

of the unknowns of a business in advance, before you raise money and actually execute the idea.

Once an entrepreneur with a convincing business plan obtains money from investors, he or she begins

developing the product in a similarly insular fashion. Developers invest thousands of man-hours to get

it ready for launch, with little if any customer input. Only after building and launching the product

does the venture get substantial feedback from customers—when the sales force attempts to sell it. And

too often, after months or even years of development, entrepreneurs learn the hard way that customers

do not need or want most of the product’s features.

After decades of watching thousands of start-ups follow this standard regimen, we have now learned at

least three things:

1. Business plans rarely survive first contact with customers. As the boxer Mike Tyson once said about his opponents’ prefight strategies: “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the

mouth.”

2. No one besides venture capitalists and the late Soviet Union requires five-year plans to forecast complete unknowns. These plans are generally fiction and dreaming them up is almost always a

waste of time.

3. Start-ups are not smaller versions of large companies. They do not unfold in accordance with master plans. The ones that ultimately succeed go quickly from failure to failure, all the while

adapting, iterating on, and improving their initial ideas as they continually learn from

customers.