Assessment

=**Assessment Documents**=

Why do we get you to come up with a business idea, proposal and plan?
There are so many things to be learned in relation to business. So many, that it is impossible to learn everything there is to know, especially in a 13 week course. Getting you to think of an idea, and then getting you to write the idea within a set structure, hopefully will give you a sense of what goes on behind-the-scenes in a business. I'm hopeful though that developing the business plan is not so daunting that you decide that its something you never want to do in the future.

My suggestions for developing your business idea, proposal and plan -

 * Like all good ideas, it takes time to develop. Please do not try to do the plan in one weekend, I guarantee that you will go more than a little stir-crazy. You will need at least four solid days (over the course of the 13 weeks to get the job done properly.
 * Don't get too hung up on the structure of the plan. While I've provided you with a business plan template, you need to remember that not all businesses will fit the same mould - so you WILL need to re-structure it according to your own idea.
 * Be patient with yourself - don't try to rush it.
 * The business plan can seem a bit repetitive at times - that's okay. Each section has its own purpose and intention.
 * There's so many questions that you may not be able to answer - that's okay. This is a draft business plan to be re-visited and updated at regular intervals. The idea of getting you to answer so many questions is to ensure that you've thought about as much as you possibly can 'before you start trading.

Assessment Item 1 Business Plan (60%)
Students will develop a fully developed business plan (ready for seeking finance) of an original business idea/concept in the arts/culture related industry. The plan will include all the necessary aspects of the standard business plan, including target customers, marketing plan (including social media aspects), legal and operational structures, financial feasibility etc. It will includ a full set of print marketing materials, includign logo, business cards, letterhead, newsletter/flyers. Students will submit the business plan in three parts over the course of the semester.

Part a) The business plan - initial proposal (10%)
The business plan template is available for you to use.

What will you be marked on?
 * The business plan concept is clear and well thought-out, potentially marketable and sustainable.
 * The business plan concept clearly outlines operational structures, including legal business structure, product production.
 * The business plan concept is written ina manner appropriate for fundamental business communication using appropriate langauge and care in presentation.

Part b) Project presentation (20%)
What will you be marked on?
 * The business plan concept is developed to include target market research, including product, place, price, promotion.
 * The business plan concept is developed to include relevant social media tools.
 * The business plan concept is presented in a manner appropriate for fundamental business communication, using appropriate language and care in presentation.
 * The business plan concept is presented in an engaging and dynamic way, using relevant visual aids and handouts.
 * The presenter is able to address questions regarding all aspects of the business plan concept.

Part c) Business Plan, including artwork (30%)
Two templates are available for you (both are based on Neil Willmett's structure)
 * 1) This blank business plan template is available from my slidespace at slideshare.net
 * 2) The second template is available from Google Docs and contains an example of a business plan for the fictional Deadly Duds Clothing Company. There are also two spreadsheets for SECTION 5 and SECTION 6 of the business plan. (Please note - the text in RED on the template applies to Deadly Duds and can be typed over - you should make the text black before you hand it in)

Resources for developing your business plan
The Australian Bureau of Statistics contains a wealth of information about industries, populations and lifestyles that will be very useful for conducting your market research. The Indigenous Statistics for Schools section of the ABS website features statistics about a range of issues relating to Indigenous people and communities. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry website holds a number of issues papers which may provide further direction for you developing your business plan.

Assessment Item 2 Examination (30%)
Students will sit a final 1 1/2 hour multiple choice examination in Week 15. Content areas will include - employment relations, legal structures, basic accounting and taxation. A exam study guide will be available soon.

Click here to complete the online examination. It is an "open book" examination.

You can find all the information on this website, the links and the text book.

Assessment Item 3 Participation (10%)
Students will participate in online forums, including blogs and face-to-face classes.