Small Business Management

Module Title

Small Business Management

25-5035-00S

Semester of Delivery

See Module Information Tables

Mandatory/Elective/Option

See Module Information Tables

Level

5

Credit Points

20

Assessment Mode Weighting

Coursework

70%

Examination

30%

Pre-requisites

Co-requisites

Class Contact Hours

Average Weekly

2.5

Directed Learning

Average Weekly

10

Module Leader

Mike Cudzich-Madry

Sheffield Business School

Module Banding

A

Approval Status

Validated

Learning Outcome

Assessment Criterion

Level descriptors

fail

PASS

2.2

2.1

First

Outcome 1

Clarity of objectives, structure and application of relevant theory.

Coursework and examination

The work lacks internal structure and cohesion. There is little or no theory or evidence to support assertions made within it.

The work has a basic structure. It describes a business idea and includes limited theory and evidence to support it. Appendices etc., if appropriate, though attached are not fully utilised.

The work has a clear structure. It contains a mixture of description and basic elements of theory though not necessarily well applied.

There is a rudimentary use of appendices.

The work is clearly presented and structured. It presents an appraisal of a particular business idea using a mixture of description, theory and evidence.

There is a developed use of appendices.

The work is clearly and logically presented and structured. It presents within the main body a detailed appraisal of a particular business idea using such theory and empirical evidence as appropriate. In addition such appendices, as necessary, are attached.

Outcome 2

Breadth of research and analysis of findings

Coursework

The Business Plan contains little, if any, evidence of market knowledge or research.

The Business Plan displays evidence of basic market research. It also displays evidence of rudimentary investigation of business inputs.

The Business Plan displays evidence of market research and investigation of business inputs. Largely unstructured findings are presented.

The Business Plan displays evidence of market research and investigation of business inputs. It presents a range of findings in a structured manner.

The Business Plan provides evidence of thorough market research of the business idea (market, competitors, customers, prices, volume) and investigation of business inputs (suppliers of materials, services, equipment, premises). It provides such findings as are appropriate to support the plan's conclusions.

Outcome 3

Creation, analysis and application of financial information relevant to the development and evaluation of the chosen business idea

Coursework

Little financial detail is produced. No awareness is demonstrated of the role of financial management in a business start-up. Little account is taken of issues like VAT etc. Start up capital requirements have not have been clearly identified.

Financial detail is given but cash flows, profit and loss accounts, and balance sheets are not sufficiently detailed to evaluate the business idea in terms of financial viability.

Issues like VAT are included but more consideration is needed in terms of chosen business venture. Little attempt has been made to identify start up capital requirements.

Financial detail is given in sufficient detail to contribute to a partial evaluation of the financial viability of the business idea but it lacks analysis at anything higher than a basic level.

Issues like VAT have been considered and included. Start up capital requirements have been identified and provision made.

The Business Plan demonstrates awareness of financial issues relating to the development of the business idea with the inclusion of correctly executed projected cash flows, profit and loss accounts, and balance sheets with analysis.

Issues like VAT have been included and appropriate provision made. Start up capital requirements have been assessed and suitable provision made.

The Business Plan demonstrates critical awareness of financial issues relating to the development of the business idea with the inclusion of comprehensive and correctly executed projected cash flows, profit and loss accounts, and balance sheets with appropriate analysis where necessary.

Account has also been included relating to the implications of income tax, VAT, customer and supplier credit, etc. and appropriate start up capital requirements have been identified.

Outcome 4

Identification of critical issues in the business environment, particularly at the local level.

Coursework and examination

In the work little or no awareness has been demonstrated of environmental issues at a local or national level.

The work engages in basic environmental analysis at national and local level.

The work demonstrates a basic understanding and identification of the environmental factors relating to the business idea but tends to generalisation and description of issues encountered.

The work demonstrates an understanding of the business idea and identifies factors relevant to the development of the business idea.

The Business Plan demonstrates a critical understanding of the small firm business context at a local and national level in its identification and evaluation of crucial environmental factors relating to the specific business idea.