Scotch College

COMMERCE Small Business Operation [Semester Unit] Year 10 — 2010

Rationale

This course is developed around the theme of running a small business. Its aim is to introduce students to some of the basic concepts underlying small business while exposing them to concepts that lead into accounting, economics, legal studies and business management. It takes a practical approach utilising case studies of successful small businesses. Students are required to conduct an investigation of an existing business and will investigate the possibility of a class based business activity.

Students Outcomes

• Develop an understanding of and identify different business structures available for commercial operations in Australia
• Investigate a range of small businesses and evaluate their success or failure
• Develop basic book keeping and accounting skills
• Examine and gain an appreciation of the legal issues relevant to small business operation in Australia
• Develop communication skills through interviews with small business owners/managers
• Establish key financial management skills relevant to a small business
• Plan and run small business activities with a group of 4-5 students

Course Content

• Selecting a business structure – This topic will examine the different business structures applicable to businesses
• The law and small business - This topic will examine the legal requirements necessary to set up and run a small business
• Prices and costing - This unit will examine the role of pricing and costing in the successful operation of small business
• Basic book keeping for small business - This topic will introduce students to the fundamentals of financial recording. Use of basic financial management software will be incorporated into this topic.

ICT Skills

Students will develop IT skills through the use of generic software such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Quicken (an accounting package). They will be exposed and involved in Web quests, Internet searches and online quizzes and games.

Assessment

• Applied exercises (topic tests, mini-assignments and homework)
• Small Business Assignment (an individual investigation and report of a small business)
• Examination