In the final week of the year your focus will be two-fold:
Finish Ch.9- complete worksheet 9.3 and have Ch.9 test
Finish the Sales Presentation
...so on Monday we will finish 9.3 and we will have our test Thursday December 15th in the first block.Your Sales Presentations should be completed by then to the best of your ability so that upon our return in January, you will only have minor tweaking to do on the slides and can then rehearse your presentation.
This will will also be your final week of sales!!! You will need to use posters, word of mouth, and daily announcements to really push your product and encourage as many sales as possible. Your orders need to be submitted to the supplier on Friday December 16th, so that your products will be ready to deliver in January. You will need to contact the supplier to confirm this.
On Thursday after the test and also on Friday, we can watch a Christmas movie in class. PLEASE VOTE FOR WHICH MOVIE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE on the POLL I created at the top of my blog!!! Vote before Thursday and we will go with the majority! The choices are as follows:
Your first week of sales went well and both groups have made a number of sales. You will continue selling your product, make any cash deposits, and update your financial records. Don't forget to get your commercials to Ms.Compton early this week to ensure they appear on Matheson on the Move this Friday.
This week your group's main focus is to create a professional-looking sales presentation in preparation for Ms.Jone's January 5th visit. You have two weeks to create this. It should be completely done, rehearsed and ready to go before the break. This way, when you get back from holidays on Tuesday January 3rd, all you have to do is update the results section (sales revenue, profit, share price, etc). You'll have three classes to prepare and rehearse, as you will be presenting in the second block on Thursday January 5th.
In the meantime you will be working on Ch.9 in the text (9.2 and 9.3) and be assigned a "Starting a Business" web assignment which is to be done individually.
Also, I'd like to remind you that you should be reading and working through your Junior Achievement workbook and completing your daily activity logs.
Have a good week and see you in class!
PS. Gr.12's don't forget to book your Grad Photos appointment with Artonis Studios between Dec.11-14th. This is up to you to do so don't leave it too late!
We had a very busy week last week. Good job on Infinity Inc.'s part for getting their Business Plan handed in. Millennium Inc. I know your's isn't far off. Ensure that it is handed in THIS WEEK!
We had some highs and lows last week in regards to posters and advertising, but consider it all part of the learning experience. Each year many real businesses fail due to laws, regulations, and unforeseen costs they weren't aware of. Consider your set back minor in comparison. I also heard back from the office and Millennium's poster should be on the TV's now! (They had a problem with the size and adding it to Power Point).
So this week, starting Monday, Nov.28th you are all starting to sell/take pre-orders at lunch time. Thankfully our class will meet second period before lunch to help get you ready. Tuesday you will have your Ch.5 test, and for the rest of the week, in addition to completing tasks for your business, you will be starting Ch.9 (Marketing Mix) and will begin working on your Ad Campaign/Sales Presentation. It's going to be a busy week!
*Please remind me to give you your 'Early Dismissal Notes". I have made notes for each of you based on your schedule selling period. You will be expected to get out of class 10-15 mins early before lunch to come to my classroom to collect your posters, cash box and sample products.
There are a number of things to do before you start selling Monday:
Infinity Inc.
get deposit forms from the office
make your cash deposit to the office so that only the float remains
get signage ready + sample water bottle
ensure you have your #1 receipt book started with 2-3 extras in the cash box
ensure your cash box has at least 2 working pens
review as a group how to fill out the receipts so they are consistently done
have the sales record summary sheet ready
review the selling schedule and ensure Tuesday's sellers are ready to go
* Also continue working on your commericial/editing it with the goal of having it ready ASAP so that it can be put on Matheson on the Move this Friday. Speak to Ms.Compton about the deadline for this week's submission
Millennium Inc.
Finish Business Plan
Finance Dept.- create the beginning balance sheet & income statement on the computer
Finish signage + posters for table
Get sample hoodies ready + tape size indicators to the front so it is easy to see
ensure you have your #1 receipt book started with 2-3 extras in the cash box
ensure your cash box has at least 2 working pens
review as a group how to fill out the receipts so they are consistently done
have the sales record summary sheet ready
review the selling schedule and ensure Tuesday's sellers are ready to go
* Also continue working on your commericial/editing it with the goal of having it ready ASAP so that it can be put on Matheson on the Move this Friday. Speak to Ms.Compton about the deadline for this week's submission.
Well, Friday Nov.18th has come and gone and your business plans are little more than working rough drafts. I know many of you were waiting for me to proofread your sections, but this is bonus help that really you shouldn't need. I am about ready to factor your business plan mark into your over all grade, which at this point would be a NHI (Not Handed In), which in effect, counts as a zero. This should have been done two weeks ago. This week we will be focusing on advertising, as well as finishing Ch.5, before moving on to Ch.9, marketing and promotion so you'll have to work out how to get the Business Plans done and handed in.
This week you should have your posters done, paper bought, and be ready to start putting them up around school this week. You also should start filming your commercial for MOTM. You also need to submit an electronic copy of your poster to me to put on the hallway TV's. If you would like a 'blurb' read on the daily announcements, you should start thinking about what you want to say, type it up and submit it to me. The Marketing and Sales department should be very busy this week, so much in fact, that all members of the company should have to help wherever they can!!
You need to be ready to start taking orders by Monday, Nov. 28th (that is one week from today), otherwise, you may not be able to break-even on your start-up costs!!!
Last week you guys did a great job selling your shares and collecting the money (aka "raising capital"). The Production VP's of each group were also in contact with your supplier to arrange your product order. This is great. Our goal is to start selling by the end of this month, but before that your BUSINESS PLANS MUST BE COMPLETED. Each department is responsible for a small section of the overall report. Each group or 'company', only submits the one, finished report. This really isn't hard, but what is proving difficult is keeping some of you focused on the task at hand! Each section must be written, then typed. Print it off and then I and other group members can help you proofread it. Then once you've made your changes, you will email it to the IT department, which is then responsible for editing it into one final good copy. Everyone in the group is responsible for their group's report, as it is one group mark (assuming you are attending and participating 100% of course). Your "Business Plan" must be finished in good copy and handed in by Friday Nov.18th. I'd like to spend next week on advertising and promotion to get you ready to sell! This is the really fun part of course, as you gear up to actually sell/take orders for your product and make some money!!! However, you can't do this until the business plan is done, so let's get organized and get it done!!!
This week there is A LOT to get done. The success of your business, in large part, depends on your product. However, in order to ensure you receive your product in time to actually sell it before the Winter Break, you have to get organized and get your shares sold THIS WEEK! You cannot put in an order with the supplier until you have the money in the school bank account to pay for it! Everything hinges on your ability to work together this week and get organized. This means on Monday you HAVE to finalize your cost calculations, determine your share price, and get your money collected! As this is a shorter week (Friday is a holiday and Thursday one of the double blocks will be lost to the Remembrance Day assembly), you absolutely must be ready by Thursday to place your order!
There are several other tasks that need to get done in the meantime as well, such as starting your company's business plan. In addition to that there is also textbook work in Chapter 5, which conveniently, and as no coincidence, deals with Business Plans!!! :)
Don't forget that on top of all this you should be working through your JA workbook, completing your daily activity logs, and attending and actively participating in your group 100%!
As I was leaving my classroom on Friday, feeling good about the productive day at school I had and looking forward to my own weekend off (yes, I have a life outside of school too), I was quite hurt and dismayed to discover that someone from your class had ripped off my classes info sheet from my door window, scrunched it up, and then purposely stuck it between my door sign and the glass. I wondered who would bother to do something so disrespectful, needless, and foolish?? I felt VERY INSULTED that someone from your class would do that to something of mine. Why? Why would someone bother to do that in the first place? While I am on this topic I might as well mention that over the past week some people from your class have taken it upon themselves to again, purposely rip off the desk numbers on several desks, after I expressly and nicely asked you not to at the beginning of the semester. It takes a surprisingly long time to print, cut those out and tape them to each individual desk and I've done it for a good reason for my seating plans. That, along with the garbage and scrunched up balls of paper left on the floor that I picked up after your class left on Friday made me really angry.You have no idea how much of my own time I spend preparing for your classes. I don't get paid extra for this. I simply do it because I want to, so it is especially disappointing when students do things like this. Do you think I have nothing better to do than pick up after you and repair/replace what you have damaged? I work very hard to make the classroom nice for my students, to stay organized, to be a good teacher, to have materials ready for you, and to guide you through your entrepreneurial ventures. I really hope that whoever has done these things realizes how disrespectful, insulting, and especially immature it is to deface other people's property. I would like to think you have enough respect for both yourself and for me to not let this happen again.
This week:
Monday
Ch.4 Test- moved to Thursday Nov.3rd
Surveys
Tuesday
Surveys
Wednesday-Friday
Tabulating survey data
Calculating results
Calculating costs and contacting suppliers
Once again I would like to commend you all on a job well done last week with your Dragon's Den presentations! They were great and I really enjoyed them! :)
Last week we also formed our Junior Achievenment companies and I went over the evaluation and format of the Student Venture program in terms of individual participation, group participation, and what is due.
* Remember- in order to get 100% of the group mark, you must be in attendance and participationg 100% of the time!!!
Once you formed your companies you were brainstorming potential product/service ideas, checking prices online, and trying to determine the best idea for your company to sell. You should have completed pg.14-21 in your JA workbook on Friday and should now be starting your market research. This includes determining your target market in terms of size and demographics, as well as creating a valid survey to help assess your product/service idea's chances of success. This is a very busy time in starting your business, but it is one of THE most important parts of starting a business!!! I will help both groups this week and guide you in the right direction.
In the meantime, last week we also read through Ch.4 of the textbook. You were assigned worksheets for 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3. 4.1 and 4.2 should have already been completed and handed in on Friday, and 4.3 is due Monday.We will quickly take some time in class to correct those, and then over the course of the week we will also take some time to go over Ch.6, which ever so conveniently deals with Market Research!!! (There are no coincidences here :P)
Remember now that you are in your companies, attendance counts more than ever and so does punctuality!! (Yes, Harman and Ahmed, I am referring to you!!!) ;)
Last Friday we started our Dragon's Den Simulation presentations, which went really well! I was really impressed with the unique and creative product ideas you came up with. Good work! I look forward to seeing the remaining presentations, which we will finish first thing on Monday. There are 3 groups left to present. Be prepared to present no matter what....after all, you've had an extra 2 days now to get ready! ;)
Following our Dragons' Den presentations we need to get a move on Chapter 4 in the text. This chapter is entitled "Select a Type of Ownership". It focuses on:
4.1 Run an Existing Business
4.2 Own a Franchise or Start a Business
4.3 Choose a Legal Form
This is a really important chapter. Since Friday is a Pro-D day this means we have more to do and less time to do it so we will be moving fast! It comes at a perfect time though, as you embark on your own companies. Yes, that's right. This week we will also form our own Junior Achievement companies and begin the brainstorming process on what product or service idea you may wish to sell! This is a very important week so DO NOT BE ABSENT or you will not get a say in which company you will be in. Attendance has always been important, but as you form your companies, attendance and participation will never be more important!
More on all of this in class so see you there!
Last week we finished Chapter 3 on the economy (market vs. command), supply and demand, and the government's role in our society (via taxes). You will have a chapter test on Wednesday Oct.12th! Don't forget! To help you study, read the textbook, read the Ch.3 Chapter Summary, go through the Assessment questions in the text to review, and study the worksheets we did in class ( 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3).
Dragon's Den Simulation
Following the textbook work we did last week, we learned about Dragon's Den, a Canadian TV show where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to the 'dragons' in the hopes of receiving capital investment to expand their ventures! If you were absent from class (not naming names, but you know who you are!) then it is strongly advised that you check out the following link to the Dragon's Den website and watch a few episodes to familiarize yourself with the show's platform.
You can also take a quick view one of my favorite Dragon's Den episodes from a couple of years ago for "Atomic Tea":
Group Project
On Friday following the show everyone formed groups to embark on our own Dragon's Den simulation! The 'Entrepreneurs' are to come up with a fictional, yet realistic business idea, and then create a plausible storyline, with numbers based on your hypothetical business. Be prepared by creating a business name, logo, pictures of your product/service idea, and make any necessary props for your presentation date. We will aim to present in our double-block this Thursday, or Friday at the latest, depending on how well you use your class time. You will need to follow the show's platform. You must be prepared to answer the questions posed by our own 'Dragons'. You will be graded on how well you present, the quality of your business idea, and how prepared you are (how well you've thought through your hypothetical business) to answer the Dragon's questions.
As everyone in class has already formed their groups, the people who were absent on Thursday/Friday will be in groups together:
Josh, Jason, Arvin, and Gurminder
and
Lacey, Manu, Harman and Nufil
Ensure you are in class everyday this week (and all days going forward for that matter- skipping will NOT be tolerated!), otherwise you will let your group down and not get a mark for your presentation. Let's put the "Present" in Presentation! (Yes, that's right, that was an intended pun from a former English teacher! )
I expect to see EVERYONE in class .....ON TIME! ;)
PS. Here is an interesting article on Steve Jobs- the founder of Apple, entitled "The life and death of a true entrepreneur" that you might find interesting.
I hope all of you are checking this site for information!! (A special shout out to Harman, because I know he is sure to 'check the blog!' ) Don't forget that we will be having the Ch.2 Test on Communication Skills, Math Skills, and Problem-solving Skills on Monday Oct.3rd. BRING A CALCULATOR for the test!!
Following the test we will be starting Ch.3 in the textbook on business and the economy. We will learn about different economy systems (namely capitalism and communism), supply and demand how that affects prices, and how the government taxes businesses and individuals, and effect that has on entrepreneurs. We will also watch a video on Capitalism. Be sure to bring your textbook to class and pay attention, because you can expect a test on Ch.3 to follow soon!
This week is a short week, but we have a lot to do. Here is a break down of what you can expect this coming week: Tuesday- We will finish Business Letters & Communication Skills with a review
- Textbook Activity 2.1- Questions
-Business Letters & Memorandums are now due. If you did not finish in the class time given you will need to complete your letters and memorandums in your own time and hand them in by Wednesday.
- Group Communication Activity (time permitting)
Wednesday- Textbook 2.2- Math Skills (Bring a calculator)
- we will be reviewing some basic math skills, looking at sales transactions, percentages (average monthly growth rates and projected sales), interest (simple vs compound), markups and markdowns, and discounts.
Thursday- Simple & Compound Interest Worksheet (complete and hand in on Friday)
- Four Checkpoint activities pg.38-41 (do on separate sheet of paper and hand in Friday)
- Math Skills 2.2 Worksheet (complete and hand in Friday)
-Textbook 2.3- Problem-Solving (read text)
- Group Problem-Solving Activity (Conflict Scenarios & Murder Mystery Group Activities)
Friday- Homework from Thursday due. Hand in &/or Correct in class
- Problem-Solving 2.3 Worksheet (complete in class and correct)
- Ch.2 Assessment Summary and Review on Textbook pg. 49 in preparation for the Ch.2 Test which will be on Monday October 3rd
NOTE: There are a number of assignments that should have been completed and handed in by now. Check the assignment list below and ensure you've got any missing work done:
Online Self-Assessment
Text Activity 1.2 Questions (worksheet)
Chapter 1 Test
Research Assignment - Canadian Invention/Innovation research paper
Works Cited List (handed in to Ms.Cauduro)
Case Study:"The Whistleblower" Q& A
Business Letters and Memorandums Test pg. 31 #4 & 5 (submit original drafts first, then correct and submit final copy along with original drafts for comparison)
This week will be another busy one. Remember this Monday your Canadian Invention/Innovation research assignment is due in good copy. You will be expected to give a brief presentation to the class on what you learned about your topic. DO NOT forget your works cited both in-text as well as the separate page at the end. On that note, your Works Cited page from our library workshop on Wednesday is also due. You can either hand it in to me or to Ms.Cauduro directly.
This week after we do our research presentations, we will be finishing Chapter 1, doing a Chapter Review and your will have a Ch.1 test on Thursday (our double block). You will also be doing an individual case study in-class for marks.
Thursday September 22nd for the first block before lunch we will have class in C235 in the science wing.This is to accommodate another class using the computer lab. I'll remind you in class and put a sign up on the door for those of you who are forgetful ;) That block is when you will write your Chapter 1 Test. Be sure to bring your textbook with you, as we will be moving on to Chapter 2 after the test.
In the time remaining we will also begin Chapter 2 which focuses on communication skills, math skills, and problem-solving skills. You will be given a business letter writing activity, math problems relating to business (bring a calculator), and be doing a group problem-solving activity. Depending on how our time goes, Chapter 2 will likely take us into next week as well.
Hey Everybody,
This week you will continue researching your Canadian invention/innovation. We will be having a special workshop in the library about Citing Sources properly, which you will be expected to do for your assignment. This will take place on Wednesday and will accompany an in-class assignment so be sure you are in class and paying attention. For our double-block class on Thursday we will have two full periods for research in the library. If you have been having a difficult time finding good sources of information, be sure to make the most of having a wonderful librarian available to help you with search techniques. Remember what I told you as well....reduce your search words to just "KEY words" (in quotation marks) using Boolean operators, such as AND. This should help filter your search results to fewer and better sources of information. Of course I'll be available to help you as well. You may have a little bit of class time to search online, but don't leave this solely to class time. Your report is Due Monday, September 19th. *Be prepared to give a short presentation to the class about your invention/innovation
Also this week we will continue on with Chapter 1 in our textbooks. First we will do a brainstorm activityon the characteristics entrepreneurs need in order to be successful. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having your own business. You will then do an online assessment of your own entrepreneurial skills that you will hand in for marks. Be prepared for lesson activities and a short quiz at the end of this chapter.
Entrepreneurship is a really interesting and 'hands on' course. It is based mainly on Teamwork. As the old adage goes 'There is no 'I' in team.' You may think working with your classmates will be fun, but I warn you, it can be very challenging to get everyone working well together and at times you may get VERY frustrated. This course is a good chance for you to learn about your individual strengths in group settings, and more importantly, learn to work with others. In the real world, you don't get to choose who you work with, so you have to learn to get along with everyone and still be productive! This is probably one of the most valuable skills you will take away from this course, so it will be a great learning experience.
In Entrepreneurship 12 we will be using the textbook "Ideas in Action". We will work out of this text almost daily, but I will supplement it with case studies, and other projects when appropriate. We will also do some fun group activities, such as a Dragon's Den simulation! In addition to our daily learning of entrepreneurial and business concepts, we will also be forming 'companies' and creating and selling a REAL product for REAL money! However, this activity is highly dependent on your in-class behavior. It is a lot of responsibility and work to run a business, so you must behave and act maturely, or we won't be able to do this. That being said however, I am confident that that won't be an issue for your class ;)
In October it is my hope that we will start our own class companies. We will be working with Junior Achievement, a non-profit organization that works with youth to teach and promote business skills. I'll explain more about Junior Achievement in class, but if you would like more information you may visit the website at the following link: Junior Achievement-BC Chapter .
Please check back to this site for information on topics we'll be covering, assignment and project information, as well as test dates and due dates. I'll do my best to update this weekly! If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to email me.
