Business Model Innovation

Business Model Innovation applies the principles from the foundational business curriculum to a concept known as the business model canvas. The canvas is a fast, concise, and portable framework made up of nine basic building blocks on a single page that illustrate the logic flow of how an enterprise makes money. Canvases are a blueprint for strategy that include hypotheses which are then systematically tested against key customer and market data. As changes are made the canvas format makes it easy to update and share. Contrast this to a lengthy business plan document that might take weeks or months to prepare, the canvas approach allows for quick iteration and visual thinking of the essentials for new and existing businesses to succeed. Students interested in entrepreneurship and product management will draw the most value from this course. Once the canvas framework is learned and understood through the example of some widely known businesses, students will develop a canvas for a business concept of their own and present it by the end of the course.

Course will meet on August 28th on campus, and then will meet online via Zoom @ 12:40pm, for the semester

Entrepreneurship through Franchising enables students to look at potential franchising opportunities as pathways to entrepreneurship.  Student teams will begin by selecting a business category and will then focus on specific brands to evaluate throughout the course.  Students will examine the franchised business opportunity through Franchising Disclosure Documents (FDDs), publicly available information and by exposure to subject matter experts.  The class culminates in the creation of a pitch deck to investors which will include strategic plans for operations, marketing, territory and development, financing, and a SWOT analysis. 

Job Search Optimization & Interview Tactics

Students will attend a virtual class once a week, which will provide insight on how to effectively search for job opportunities, as well as how to best prepare themselves for interviews both in-person and virtual. The material and project-based assignments in this course will assist students in identifying their skill sets and potential job opportunities, while also proactively learning application tactics and interview skills. Assignments will include Canvas discussion board participation, written assignments, and mock interviews. Discussions will work towards preparing students for job applications, interviews, and general career readiness. 

Intro to Wealth Management:

The course is an introduction to wealth management which uses the Securities Industry Essentials Exam as the backbone for the course. It’s designed as a 7 week 3.0 hr/per week face-to-face BIP. Emphasis placed on comportment and culture of the investment business, essentials skills to succeed in the financial advisory business.