This course provides an introduction to entrepreneurship and the dynamics of starting/owning a business. This course is designed to assist students with the knowledge and skills entrepreneurs need to start and/or manage a small business. It will help you understand the steps involved in the process of the creation/development of business ideas and turning those ideas into a successful business model. The course will focus on the feasibility, planning, and implementation of a new business venture.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Explain the important role that entrepreneurship has in the present and future global economy.
2. Describe different types of entrepreneurial ventures that are possible in today’s market, what it takes to become an entrepreneur, and how to evaluate the potential for success.
3. Develop a mission statement and business plan outline.
4. Explain how to develop marketing strategies and financing options for entrepreneurial ventures.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).
Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Week 2: Unit 2 – Entrepreneurial Opportunity

Week 3: Unit 3 – Are you an Entrepreneur?

Week 4: Unit 4 – Doing Business in the Global Village

Week 5: Unit 5 – Market Research for Entrepreneurs

Week 6: Unit 6 – Teams in Entrepreneurship

Week 7: Unit 7 – Developing Business Plans

Week 8: Unit 8 – Financing Entrepreneurial Ventures

Week 9: Unit 9 – Final Reflections and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurship

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 2: Entrepreneurial Opportunity

● Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete the Written Assignment

Unit 3: Are you an Entrepreneur?

● Peer assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 4: Doing Business in the Global Village

● Peer assess Unit 3 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete the Written Assignment
● Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 5: Market Research for Entrepreneurs

● Peer assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Make entries to the Learning Journal

Unit 6: Teams in Entrepreneurship

● Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
● Complete the Written Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment(post, comment, and rate in the Disscussion Forum)
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 7: Developing Business Plans

● Peer assess Unit 6 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 8: Financing Entrepreneurial Ventures

● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz
● Read the Unit 9 Learning Guide carefully for instructions on the Final Exam
● Take the Review Quiz

Unit 9: Course Review and Final Exam

● Read the Learning Guide and take the Review Quiz, if you haven’t already done so
● Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
● The Final Exam will take place during the Thursday and Sunday of Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time); exact dates, times, and other details will be provided accordingly by your instructor