Course Syllabus

A Course Syllabus Based On:

Reading Material

You have been with readers available electronically.  It is divided into the different sections.

You can also consult additional course material that is relevant.  Sources can be older as well as new.

Articles: Articles will be placed on Blackboard.  You will receive communication regarding the articles during the course

Background and course objectives:

Course layout:

Topic 1: Introduction to the Business Plan\

Topic 2: SWOT Analysis

Topic 3: Product

Topic 4: Agricultural Channel

Topic 5: Environment

Topic 6: Markets

Topic 7: Marketing Strategy

Topic 8: Operational Plan

Topic 9: Risk Analysis

Topic 10: Financial Plan

Topic 11: Executive Summary

Topics details covered:

The following topics will be covered:

• Introduction to the Business Plan
• What is a Business Plan?
• Summary of a Business Plan
• What Questions must a Business Plan Answer?
• Sections of a Business Plan
• Conclusion of Introduction to the Business Plan

• Introduction to SWOT Analysis
• What does SWOT mean?
• Examples of a SWOT Analysis
• Conclusion of SWOT Analysis

• Introduction to Product
• Raw Materials or Finished Goods?
• Product Considerations
• Conclusion of Product

• Introduction to Agricultural Channel
• Players in an Agricultural Channel
• Stages of the Agricultural Channel
• Preparation Stage
• Development Stage
• Output Stage
• Conclusion of Agricultural Channel

• Introduction to Environment
• Environmental Conditions
• Cultural Environment
• Economical Environment
• Political Environment
• Legal Environment
• Technological Environment
• Natural Environment
• Conclusion of Environment

• Introduction to Markets
• Customer Group
• Direct or Indirect Selling?
• Identifying your Market
• Conclusion of Markets

• Introduction to Marketing Strategy
• Communication
• Types of Communication
• Product Details
• Methods of Communication
• Conclusion of Marketing Strategy

• Introduction to Operational Plan
• Production Process
• Elements of a Production Plan
• Capacity, Productivity & Labour
• Machinery, Maintenance, Facilities, Quality Control & Inventory
• Time Schedules, Location, Distribution, Service & Improvements
• Conclusion of Operation Plan

• Introduction to Risk Analysis
• Types of Risks
• Opportunity-based Risks
• Uncertainty-based Risks
• Hazard-based Risks
• Identifying Risks
• Business Environment Risks
• Conclusion of Risk Analysis

• Introduction to Financial Plan
• Start-up Expenses
• Operating Expenses
• Revenue
• Income Statement
• Cash Flow Statement
• Balance Sheet
• Conclusion of Financial Plan

• Introduction to Executive Summary
• Summary of Sections of a Business Plan
• Writing the Executive Summary
• Conclusion of Executive Summary

Requirements for Completing the Course are:

The table below states everything you will need to complete in full in order to complete this course.

The table below is a list of your course quizzes, assignments and discussions. If any dates are placed on these items, they will display below. You can also visit your calendar to see those dates listed their for easy access.

Keep an eye on your homepage notifications for any changes to dates or content.

We hope you enjoy your course.