BUS599- DEMBA Capstone Course
© 2020 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
BUS 599 STUDENT GUIDE Page 1 of 12
NOTE: This course will use Teaching Assistants (TAs) to assist your Professor and Jon
Steinberg with the teaching experience.
COURSE GUIDE: BUS599: DEMBA Capstone Course
Learn how to think like a startup CEO. You’ll discover how to create a strategy that gets your business of
the ground by building competitive advantage and leading your team to deliver it. This course will bring
together everything you’ve learned previously in order to put a business launch in motion plus introduce
some new information too. Topics covered include planning, funding, business systems, websites and
technology, branding, marketing, sales and service, social media, profitability and more. We’ll also get
into business valuation and what you need to know when buying or selling a business or pitching to
investors.
COURSE DELIVERY
This course will be delivered primarily on Facebook. Upon enrollment, your professor will invite you to join
the Facebook Course Group associated with this course. You will need to use the Facebook app to
access this course on your mobile device. If you don’t already have it, find the steps to download the
Facebook Mobile App here: https://www.facebook.com/mobile.
There will also be a corresponding Black Board course shell which you will utilize to check your Grades,
Submit Assignments 1, 2 and 3 and complete your weekly High Growth Thinking exercises via the
Blackboard Student App on your phone or the Blackboard course shell on your computer. Find the steps
to download the Blackboard Student App here: https://help.blackboard.com/Bb_Student/Quick_Start Your
professor will also post links in Facebook to take you directly to these items in the Blackboard Course via
the BB Student App (be sure that you’re signed into Blackboard before clicking on them or you will get an
error message).
YOUR DIGITAL MBA BOOKS (Required Reading):
1. Business Valuation: The Ultimate Guide to Business Valuation for Beginners including how to
value a business through financial valuation methods by Greg Shields
2. Start Your Own Business- Seventh Edition by Entrepreneur Media
WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE
The standard requirement for a 4.5 credit hour course is for students to spend 13.5 hours in weekly work.
This includes preparation and activities regardless of delivery mode.
BUS599- DEMBA Capstone Course
© 2020 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
BUS 599 STUDENT GUIDE Page 2 of 12
Week
Preparation and Activities
1
Business Launch: Getting Started
Preparation
• Watch Jon’s Opening Bell/Course Introduction Video (not graded)
• Watch the Week One Live Lesson
• Reading(s)
o Start Your Own Business: Chapters 1-5
Activities
• Complete the Cheddar Chat Week One (18 points)
• Complete the Week One **High Growth Thinking Exercise (18 points)
**must be completed by Sunday midnight to receive weekly attendance
• Complete the Bonus for Extra Credit
2
Business Launch: Planning
Preparation
• Watch the Week Two Live Lesson
• Reading(s)
o Start Your Own Business Chapters 6-11
Activities
• Complete the Cheddar Chat Week Two (18 points)
• Complete the Week Two **High Growth Thinking Exercise (18 points)
**must be completed by Sunday midnight to receive weekly attendance
• Complete the Bonus for Extra Credit
3
Business Launch: Funding
Preparation
• Watch the Week Three Live Lesson
• Reading(s)
o Start Your Own Business: Chapters 12-15
Activities
• Complete the Cheddar Chat Week Three (18 points)
• Complete the Week Three **High Growth Thinking Exercise (18 points)
**must be completed by Sunday midnight to receive weekly attendance
• Complete the Bonus for Extra Credit
4
Business Launch: Preparation
Preparation
• Watch the Week Four Live Lesson
• Reading(s)
o Start Your Own Business: Chapters 16-18
BUS599- DEMBA Capstone Course
© 2020 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
BUS 599 STUDENT GUIDE Page 3 of 12
Activities
• Complete the Cheddar Chat Week Four (18 points)
• Complete the Week Four **High Growth Thinking Exercise (18 points)
**must be completed by Sunday midnight to receive weekly attendance
• Review Assignment 1 (due Week 5)
• Complete the Bonus for Extra Credit
5
Business Launch: Credit, Inventory, Mailing & More
Preparation
• Watch the Week Five Live Lesson
• Reading(s)
o Start Your Own Business: Chapters 19-22
Activities
• Complete the Cheddar Chat Week Five (18 points)
• Complete the Week Five **High Growth Thinking Exercise (18 points)
**must be completed by Sunday midnight to receive weekly attendance
• Assignment 1: Business Launch Plan: Part 1 (185 points)
• Complete the Bonus for Extra Credit
6
Business Launch: Websites & Technology
Preparation
• Watch the Week Six Live Lesson
• Reading(s)
o Start Your Own Business: Chapters 25-28
Activities
• Complete the Cheddar Chat Week Six (18 points)
• Complete the Week Six **High Growth Thinking Exercise (18 points)
**must be completed by Sunday midnight to receive weekly attendance
• Review Assignment 2 (due Week 7)
• Complete the Bonus for Extra Credit
7
Business Launch: Branding & Marketing
Preparation
• Watch the Week Seven Live Lesson
• Reading(s)
o Start Your Own Business: Chapters 29-31
Activities
• Complete the Cheddar Chat Week Seven (18 points)
• Complete the Week Seven **High Growth Thinking Exercise (18 points)
**must be completed by Sunday midnight to receive weekly attendance
• Assignment 2: Business Launch Plan: Part II (185 points)
• Complete the Bonus for Extra Credit
BUS599- DEMBA Capstone Course
© 2020 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
BUS 599 STUDENT GUIDE Page 4 of 12
8
Business Launch: Sales & Service
Preparation
• Watch the Week Eight Live Lesson
• Reading(s)
o Start Your Own Business: Chapters 32-33
Activities
• Complete the Cheddar Chat Week Eight (18 points)
• Complete the Week Eight **High Growth Thinking Exercise (18 points)
**must be completed by Sunday midnight to receive weekly attendance
• Review Assignment 3 (due Week 10)
• Complete the Bonus for Extra Credit
9
Business Launch: Social Media & Promotion
Preparation
• Watch the Week Nine Live Lesson
• Reading(s)
o Start Your Own Business: Chapters 34-36
Activities
• Complete the Cheddar Chat Week Nine (18 points)
• Complete the Week Nine **High Growth Thinking Exercise (18 points)
**must be completed by Sunday midnight to receive weekly attendance
• Review Assignment 3 (due Week 10)
• Complete the Bonus for Extra Credit
10
Business Launch: Profitability & Valuation
Preparation
• Watch the Week Ten Live Lesson
• Reading(s)
o Start Your Own Business: Chapter 37
o Business Valuation: Chapters 1-10
Activities
• Complete the Cheddar Chat Week Ten (18 points)
• Complete the Week Ten **High Growth Thinking Exercise (18 points)
**must be completed by Sunday midnight to receive weekly attendance
• Assignment 3: Business Launch Plan Part III and Pitch Video (234 points)
• Complete the Bonus for Extra Credit
11
Course Wrap-Up
Preparation
• Reading(s): None
Activities
• Complete the Cheddar Chat Week Eleven (18 points)
BUS599- DEMBA Capstone Course
© 2020 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
BUS 599 STUDENT GUIDE Page 5 of 12
• Complete the Week Eleven **High Growth Thinking Exercise (18 points)
**must be completed by Sunday midnight to receive weekly attendance
• Complete the Bonus for Extra Credit
GRADING SCALE –GRADUATE
Assignment
Total Points
% of
Grade
11 High Growth Thinking Exercises (18 points)
**must be completed to receive weekly attendance
198
20%
Assignment 1: Business Launch Plan: Part 1
185
18.5%
Assignment 2: Business Launch Plan: Part 2
185
18.5%
Assignment 3: Business Launch Plan: Part 3 & Pitch Video
234
23%
Participation
(11 Cheddar Chat Discussions worth 18 points apiece; 198 points)
198
20%
Totals
1000
100%
Points
Percentage
Grade
900 – 1,000
90% – 100%
A
800 – 899
80% – 89%
B
700 – 799
70% – 79%
C
Below 700
0% – 69%
F
BUS 599: DEMBA Capstone Course
© 2020 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
BUS 599 STUDENT GUIDE Page 6 of 12
Cheddar Chats (located/completed in the Facebook Course Group)
Week 1
Watch the Cheddar Chat Video and then respond to the following:
For your initial Week 1 Cheddar Chat post, say hello to your fellow digital entrepreneurs. Tell them about
you and what you’re up to. Explain what you plan to do when your graduate soon from the Digital
Entrepreneurship MBA program. Add a picture too. To complete the Week 1 Cheddar Chat, comment
beneath this post on Facebook.
Your initial post should be at least 2 paragraphs in length or one to three minutes if you choose to
respond by video and must be posted by Wednesday midnight. Be sure to comment on the posts of at
least two of your peers before Sunday midnight as well. It’s going to be an awesome quarter. Can’t wait.
Week 2
Watch the Cheddar Chat Video and then respond to the following:
Who will buy your product or service? Why will they buy it? Where will they buy it? What do you need to
charge to make a good profit? Are you positioning your product correctly? AND What government
regulations will impact your business if any?
Your initial post should be at least 2 paragraphs in length or one to three minutes if you choose to
respond by video and must be posted by Wednesday midnight. Be sure to comment on the posts of at
least two of your peers before Sunday midnight as well. Good luck this week!
Week 3
Watch the Cheddar Chat Video and then respond to the following:
How might you pitch your business to potential investors? What are some best practices related to
pitching? Why is having a business plan important and what might it include?
Your initial post should be at least 2 paragraphs in length or one to three minutes if you choose to
respond by video and must be posted by Wednesday midnight. Be sure to comment on the posts of at
least two of your peers before Sunday midnight as well. Get in there early and kick us off.
Week 4
Watch the Cheddar Chat Video and then respond to the following:
How might you prepare before a negotiation? What are some of the key points that you would consider in
your negotiation? What is something that you will need to soon negotiate for your business?
Your initial post should be at least 2 paragraphs in length or one to three minutes if you choose to
respond by video and must be posted by Wednesday midnight. Be sure to comment on the posts of at
least two of your peers before Sunday midnight as well. Hope you have a wonderful week!
BUS 599: DEMBA Capstone Course
© 2020 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
BUS 599 STUDENT GUIDE Page 7 of 12
Week 5
Watch the Cheddar Chat Video and then respond to the following:
What are some considerations related to managing your business’ inventory? How can inventory affect
your cash flow? What type of suppliers will you utilize? Are there any special considerations related to
your product in terms of materials?
Your initial post should be at least 2 paragraphs in length or one to three minutes if you choose to
respond by video and must be posted by Wednesday midnight. Be sure to comment on the posts of at
least two of your peers before Sunday midnight as well. Let’s get Cheddar Chatting!
Week 6
Watch the Cheddar Chat Video and then respond to the following:
Have you already created a website for your business? What type of content does it or will it have? What
are the structure and design like, or will they be like? How can, or will, a client or potential client navigate
the site? What content is, or will be, on the site to demonstrate credibility?
Your initial post should be at least 2 paragraphs in length or one to three minutes if you choose to
respond by video and must be posted by Wednesday midnight. Be sure to comment on the posts of at
least two of your peers before Sunday midnight as well. Get in there early and kick us off.
Week 7
Watch the Cheddar Chat Video and then respond to the following:
How do you plan to, or do you currently, set your brand apart from others? What makes your business
unique? How do you keep your communications and messaging on brand? Have you created a brochure
or other print items? How do they, or will they, showcase your brand?
Your initial post should be at least 2 paragraphs in length or one to three minutes if you choose to
respond by video and must be posted by Wednesday midnight. Be sure to comment on the posts of at
least two of your peers before Sunday midnight as well. Get in there quick! We can’t hear what you have
to say!
Week 8
Watch the Cheddar Chat Video and then respond to the following:
Do you have any apprehension related to sales? Are you currently making cold calls to prospective
clients? If not, how do you plan to start? What is your system, or will be, your system for doing so? What
will you say to start the conversation? How can you keep yourself positive in the face of the rejection that
we’ll all face as entrepreneurs making sales presentations? Do you have any sales advice to offer to your
peers?
Your initial post should be at least 2 paragraphs in length or one to three minutes if you choose to
respond by video and must be posted by Wednesday midnight. Be sure to comment on the posts of at
least two of your peers before Sunday midnight as well. Have fun out there!
Week 9
BUS 599: DEMBA Capstone Course
© 2020 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
BUS 599 STUDENT GUIDE Page 8 of 12
Watch the Cheddar Chat Video and then respond to the following:
What have you done, or will you do to grow your following on social media? What are you doing to keep
visitors engaged on your website? Have you started a blog, and if so, how has the process been for you?
If not, do you plan to do so? What three topics do you or will you talk about in your content? What are
some tips you can share about these topics with your peers?
Your initial post should be at least 2 paragraphs in length or one to three minutes if you choose to
respond by video and must be posted by Wednesday midnight. Be sure to comment on the posts of at
least two of your peers before Sunday midnight as well. Keep showing that grit out there in those chats.
Good luck.
Week 10
Watch the Cheddar Chat Video and then respond to the following:
Do you currently have a bookkeeping system in place? If so, how has it helped you? If not, which one will
you utilize? Why is it important to get outside help from a CPA? When it comes to markup, are you
familiar with your costs of goods sold and what it will take to make a profit on the products or services you
sell? What are some tips you can share with your peers about these topics?
Your initial post should be at least 2 paragraphs in length or one to three minutes if you choose to
respond by video and must be posted by Wednesday midnight. Be sure to comment on the posts of at
least two of your peers before Sunday midnight as well. See you in the Chat and on Cheddar!
Week 11
Wrap-up Cheddar Chat. 11.
Amazing! Week 11 already. You have learned so much in BUS599 and throughout the program. We
realize that many of you are ready to take it to the next level. As such, we want to provide additional
information that will be helpful as you further your entrepreneurial journey. Please review one or more of
the resources listed below and then answer the following questions:
How might you utilize these resources to enhance your business or business knowledge? What did you
notice upon review of your resource(s) that you found most valuable? What is your next step in adding to
your expertise in this area?
SBA Launch Your Business - https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/pick-your-
business-location
SBA Buy an Existing Business or Franchise- https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-
business/buy-existing-business-or-franchise
SBA Small Business Development Centers: https://www.sba.gov/local-
assistance/find/?type=Small%20Business%20Development%20Center&pageNumber=1
SCORE Business Mentors (SBA): https://www.sba.gov/local-
assistance/find/?type=SCORE%20Business%20Mentor&pageNumber=1
Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch: https://form.jotform.us/81305261441143
Tech & Startup Jobs: https://angel.co/jobs
Startup Jobs: https://startup.jobs/
Startup jobs at indeed: https://www.indeed.com/q-Startup-jobs.html
Venture Capital Loop- Startup Jobs: https://www.ventureloop.com/ventureloop/home.php
BUS 599: DEMBA Capstone Course
© 2020 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
BUS 599 STUDENT GUIDE Page 9 of 12
To complete the Week 11 Cheddar Chat, comment beneath this post on Facebook.
Your initial post should be at least 2 paragraphs in length or one to three minutes if you choose to
respond by video and must be posted by Wednesday midnight. In addition, be sure to comment on the
posts of at least two of your peers before Sunday midnight as well for a total of three or more substantive
posts. Good luck.
Cheddar Chat Rubric (18 pts)
Unsatisfactory
0%
Partially
Satisfactory
70%
Satisfactory
80%
Proficient
95%
Exceeds
Requirements
100%
Discussion
Post Quality
40%
Did not participate
in the Cheddar
Chat Discussion
Post or video
posting is too
brief/not
substantive
One
satisfactory
post or video
posting
addressing the
discussion
topics
One proficient
post or video
posting
meeting
discussion
requirements
One substantive
initial post or
video posting
exceeding
discussion
requirements
Reply to
Peers/Professor
Post Quality
20%
No participation
Response
posts are too
brief/not
substantive
One
substantive
response post
to a
peer/professor
in addition to
the initial post.
Two
substantive
response
posts to a
peer/professor
in addition to
the initial post
for a total of
three posts
Three or more
substantive
response posts to
a peer/professor
in addition to the
initial post for a
total of four or
more posts.
Syntax
20%
Did not participate
in the Cheddar
Chat Discussion
Multiple errors
Some
errors/difficult to
read
A few errors
No errors/good
flow
Initial Post
Completed by
Deadline
20%
No participation
Initial Post
Saturday or
later
Initial Post
Friday
Initial Post
Thursday
Initial Post by
Weds. Midnight
High Growth Thinking Exercises (to access these exercises, click on a link in the Facebook Course
Group which will take you directly to the Blackboard Student App. where you can complete them (be sure
that you are signed into Blackboard first or you will receive an error message). The High Growth Thinking
Exercises can also be accessed directly through the Blackboard course shell via the Blackboard Student
app or a laptop/desktop.
BUS 599: DEMBA Capstone Course
© 2020 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
BUS 599 STUDENT GUIDE Page 10 of 12
*** Note: The High Growth Thinking Exercises must be completed each week (by Sunday midnight) in
order to receive attendance for the week.
Week One
Based upon this week’s Live Lesson, answer the following questions in a 1-2 paragraph response:
• Would you like to launch a business? Why or why not? What are some of your business
goals? Have you considered franchising?
*The High Growth Thinking Exercise must be completed by Sunday midnight to earn attendance
for the week
Week Two
Based upon this week’s Live Lesson, answer the following questions in a 1-2 paragraph response:
• What are some questions that you would like to ask customers or potential customers on
a market research questionnaire? What do you hope to uncover?
*The High Growth Thinking Exercise must be completed by Sunday midnight to earn attendance
for the week
Week Three
Based upon this week’s Live Lesson, answer the following questions in a 1-2 paragraph response:
• What types of funding have you, or will you consider for your business? What might
potential investors look at when they consider investing in your business?
*The High Growth Thinking Exercise must be completed by Sunday midnight to earn attendance for
the week
Week Four
Based upon this week’s Live Lesson, answer the following questions in a 1-2 paragraph response:
• Does or will your business have a physical location? What might you, or did you consider
when deciding upon a location? Would you prefer to lease or buy a spot?
*The High Growth Thinking Exercise must be completed by Sunday midnight to earn attendance
for the week
Week Five
Based upon this week’s Live Lesson, answer the following questions in a 1-2 paragraph response:
• Why is establishing a credit policy important for your business and what does it
accomplish? Have you already established one? What else will you need to put in place
before collecting payments?
*The High Growth Thinking Exercise must be completed by Sunday midnight to earn attendance
for the week
BUS 599: DEMBA Capstone Course
© 2020 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
BUS 599 STUDENT GUIDE Page 11 of 12
Week Six
Based upon this week’s Live Lesson, answer the following questions in a 1-2 paragraph response:
• What type of equipment will be necessary for your business? Will you buy or lease it?
What other type of technology will be important for you?
*The High Growth Thinking Exercise must be completed by Sunday midnight to earn attendance
for the week
Week Seven
Based upon this week’s Live Lesson, answer the following questions in a 1-2 paragraph response:
• What are some steps that you can take to get your company noticed? Who are your
target media? What are some story angles that you might use to get featured?
*The High Growth Thinking Exercise must be completed by Sunday midnight to earn attendance
for the week
Week Eight
Based upon this week’s Live Lesson, answer the following questions in a 1-2 paragraph response:
• What can you do to ensure that you have excellent customer service in place at your business?
What does exceptional service mean to you? How can you train your employees to embrace your
customer service philosophy?
*The High Growth Thinking Exercise must be completed by Sunday midnight to earn attendance
for the week.
Week Nine
Based upon this week’s Live Lesson, answer the following questions in a 1-2 paragraph response:
• How will you attract visitors to your website? What are some keywords that are associated with
your business? Will you consider, or have you considered, local search engine advertising?
*The High Growth Thinking Exercise must be completed by Sunday midnight to earn attendance
for the week
Week Ten
Based upon this week’s Live Lesson, answer the following questions in a 1-2 paragraph response:
• When do business valuations come in handy? What should you look for when performing a
business valuation?
*The High Growth Thinking Exercise must be completed by Sunday midnight to earn attendance
for the week
BUS 599: DEMBA Capstone Course
© 2020 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
BUS 599 STUDENT GUIDE Page 12 of 12
Week Eleven
There is no Live Lesson this week, but please complete the Week 11 HGTE/Graduate Survey to
receive points for the week.
*The High Growth Thinking Exercise must be completed by Sunday midnight to earn attendance for
the week
Assignments
Instructions for the Assignments 1, 2, and 3 are outlined in a separate document labeled
BUS599_Assignments
Course Outcomes:
1. Assess business launch basics.
2. Explore various methods to target customers and plan for business success.
3. Formulate techniques to gain funding for your business.
4. Explore approaches to prepare for launching a business.
5. Plan for setting up credit, inventory, mailing and more.
6. Explore and plan for development of your website and technology needs.
7. Explore methods to brand and market your business.
8. Assess strategies for establishing sales and service at your business.
9. Evaluate techniques to grow your business through social media and promotion.
10. Reflect upon profitability and business valuation methods.
11. Formulate and present a Business Launch Plan and Pitch Video.
12. Speak and write clearly and concisely using proper speech and writing mechanics.
Microsoft Office Installation
This course requires the use of Microsoft Power Point. Strayer University provides Microsoft Office (for
PC and Mac) to students at no cost for use on their personal computers. Download instructions are
located in the Student Center of your Blackboard course shell.
Blackboard Student App.
This course requires the use of the Blackboard Student App. Find the steps to download it here:
https://help.blackboard.com/Bb_Student/Quick_Start
Facebook App.
This course requires the use of the Facebook mobile app. Find the steps to download it here:
https://www.facebook.com/mobile
