Certificate in Business Ownership

Introduction to Business Ownership Skills and Strategies

The Certificate in Business Ownership programme is designed for people who have an idea for starting their own business and require further knowledge on aspects of running a business.

This is an on-line learning opportunity with support through forums/chat sessions and tutor-facilitated on-site seminars.

Programme Level: Level 4

Programme Length Part-time: 12 weeks including completion of business plan

Qualification Awarded: Those who complete this programme will be awarded the Certificate in Business Ownership

Programme Fee for 2010: $90.00 (including textbook)

Programme Location: YMCA Tauranga, 428 Devonport Road, Tauranga

Next Programme Start Date: 1st March 2010

Programme End Date: 21st May 2010

Seminar Dates: Thursdays (5.30 - 8.30pm tea provided)

March 4th
April 15th
May 20th

Entry Criteria Must have:

• A computer with Internet access
• The ability to find your way around the internet
• A strong interest in running a small business
• Microsoft Office software or similar such as Open Office
• A good understanding of Word and Excel

Cost: $90 administration fee (includes text book)

Seminars

• The first seminar focuses on administrative and content matters such as:
  • Introductions, philosophy and individual goals
  • Logging on to the website
  • Navigating the site
  • Course overview
  • Seminar topic selection based on student interest
• Subsequent seminars will:
  • Be based on student interest
  • Focuses on specific areas of the course as directed by the tutor
• Great opportunity to meet with other students
• Lunch provided
• Guest speakers based on course content and student interest such as i.e. IRD Small Business Advisors, Lawyers, Accountants, Small Business owners
• While the workshops are not compulsory, they are a very valuable component of the course.

Online Classroom

All course materials are supplied online and there are areas for discussion forums and chat rooms. Each week set tasks for completion will be added to the site and instructions on what parts of the business plan should be completed.

Mentoring and Support

You will have e-mail contact for the tutor to discuss individual issues as you go through the course. There will also be opportunities for one-to-one feedback and discussion with the tutor around the times of the seminars.

Assessment Plan

The Certificate in Business Ownership is made up of seven modules as indicated below. To successfully complete each module within the programme you will be required to show evidence that you have met each of the learning outcomes for that module.

You will need to successfully complete all seven modules to receive the Certificate in Business Ownership.

Evidence for assessment may be given at the end of each module, or, in the form of a draft business plan at the end of the teaching component of the programme. Your tutor will guide you through this process. She will assess you using the attached Assessment Checklist.

You will need to show that you have addressed all of the content to be deemed competent. Your completed assessments must be handed to your tutor no later than twelve weeks after the start date of the programme. Your tutor will give you the actual dates for this.

Please note this is a competency-based assessment. This means that all components must be completed to standard. If any part is deemed not so, you will have an opportunity for re-assessment. You may be required to re-do the activity to demonstrate competency and the maximum number of re-assessments for this course is two. If you are deemed Not Yet Competent after this time you will be give the opportunity to repeat the module(s) that you have missed.

The modules and related learning outcomes include:

Module 1 - The Business

By the end of this module the students will be able to produce the following:

1. Brief summary of business
2. Reason for being in business
3. Outline of the business and opportunity
4. Mission Statement
5. Staffing requirements and job descriptions
6. Skills analysis - present and future requirements
7. Equipment/Plant on hand
8. Risk Management Plan
9. Stock on hand and estimated value
10. Stock and plant needed and estimated value
11. Premises/Lease/Rent details and estimated value
12. Bank, accountant and solicitor

Module 2 - Market Research

By the end of this module the students will be able to develop a market plan that includes the following:

1. Definition of the market/product or service
2. Customer profile
3. Competitor analysis
4. List of benefits of product/service
5. SWOT Analysis(Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats
6. Research/survey results
7. Sales forecast
8. Seasonality and trends
9. Potential client list

Module 3 - Financial

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

1. Statement of position and business budget
2. Costings and pricings
3. Start up costs and financial details
4. Terms of trade/credit control
5. Cashflow chart
6. Notes to cashflow

Module 4 - Legal and Insurance

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

1. Identify the legal structures within a business
2. Identify the regulations, laws and bylaws that might impact the business

Module 5 - Action Plan

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

1. Personal goals and business goals
2. Time line
3. Training needs
4. Networking strategy
5. Diversification strategy
6. Business mentor scheme/type

Module 6 - Business Technologies

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

1. Identify and utilise technologies appropriate to your business.

Module 7 - Internet

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

1. Use the internet strategy effectively

Final date for submission: No later than 12 weeks after the start date of the programme.