Managing Finance, Marketing, and People

This unit develops core operational skills entrepreneurs need to manage finances, marketing, human resources, and legal/structural choices for a small business. Students will work with financial statements and tax basics, design brand and marketing tactics (including social media), and evaluate staffing and business model options to prepare for launch and growth.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze balance sheets, statements of cash flows, cost of goods sold, and related liquidity and solvency ratios to determine business financial health and explain differences between net income and cash flow
• Apply the accounting cycle and basic tax filing procedures (including partnership and corporate tax considerations) to prepare accurate financial documents and identify compliance requirements
• Develop and implement a concise marketing and brand plan that includes visual identity, marketing communications, social media presence, and metrics to control and respond to changing market conditions
• Evaluate business model alternatives (e.g., franchising, partnerships, home-based), talent selection and development practices, delegation strategies, and ethical/CSR considerations to recommend appropriate structures and HR approaches