Week 5 – Final Paper

Final Paper

The Final Paper will demonstrate your understanding of the reading as well as the implications of new knowledge. The eight- to ten-page business plan should integrate readings and class discussions, and it should include examples from previous experiences as well as implications for future applications.

Focus of the Final Paper 

Construct a business plan for a small business venture of your choosing.

Your business plan must: Include an executive summary.  Be sure to include a description of the venture with       emphasis on the unique characteristics and important aspects. The overall       summary of the project’s viability must be included in the executive       summary. Explain the organization’s mission and vision      statements to address the direction of the business. Describe the business.  The description must include a history of the company       and industry as well as the value to consumers. Include the creation of a marketing component.  At a minimum, address the research analysis and the       marketing strategy.  Tip: The research analysis identifies the target       market and trends, and the marketing plan discusses market strategy,       pricing, advertising, and sales. Outline the research, design, and development.  Be sure to include developmental and technical       research leading to the design of the product. Explain the operations segment.  Be sure to focus on the location, production       facilities, and equipment. Explain the management perspective.  Address the key employees, methods of compensation, and       any outside advisors. Give an example of two critical risks.  Be sure to identify potential problems and alternative       courses of action. Calculate financial forecasting or revenue projections.       All of the following financial statements must be       included and clearly labeled with relevant headings: the income       statement, balance sheet, and cash flow. Describe the harvest strategy.  This segment projects a long-term plan for how the       entrepreneur(s) will benefit from the success of the venture. Determine the milestone schedule.  Include the objectives and their deadlines. Include appendices.  Supporting materials such as charts, tables and       figures should be provided in an appendix.

The Final Paper Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length (not      including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA style      as outlined in the Ashford Writing      Center. Must include a separate title page with the following: Title of paper Student’s name Course name and number Instructor’s name Date submitted Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a      succinct thesis statement. Must address the topic of the paper with critical      thought. Must provide section headers to clearly label each of      the above sections (1 through 12.) Must use at least six scholarly sources in addition to      the course text. The Scholarly, Peer      Reviewed, and Other Credible Sources      table offers additional guidance on appropriate source types. If you have      questions about whether a specific source is appropriate for this      assignment, please contact your instructor. Your instructor has the final      say about the appropriateness of a specific source for a particular      assignment. Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in      the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a separate references page that is      formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing      Center. 

Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.