Advanced Business IIAdvanced Business II

Cindy Barnes, Cindy Barnes, Business TeacherBusiness Teacher

Advanced Business II Virtual Enterprise

• A simulated business.– Setup and run by students to prepare them for working in

a real business environment.• Students.

– Determine nature of their business.– Determine products and/or services offered.– Develop the management structure.– Engage in the daily operations of running a business.

• Teacher (“consultant”).– Provide guidance on the sideline.

• Business partners.• Business software.

– Emphasis is placed on using current business software, communications, and the internet for business transactions.

Advanced Business IIVirtual Enterprise

Virtual Enterprise Program brings the business world to the

students

– The virtual enterprise program

• Teach entrepreneurship

• Practical skills essential to career readiness

• Promotes healthy competition to motivate students

• Has the added advantage of linking students in a global business network

Advanced Business IIVirtual Enterprise

• No cash is used at all • Products and services are produced in facsimile only • Employees are paid, and business is conducted, via check

or electronic funds transfer • The firms (high school) have other high schools as trading /

business partners • Network permits standardization and coordination of

activities among all firms

Virtual Enterprise ProgramCentral Office

• Virtual enterprise center (VEC)– Located in Bakersfield, California– Managed by the kern high school district

• For participating schools, the VEC provides the following services:– Electronic banking (a clearing house with other national

and international banks)– Electronic mail– Data collection– Company ratings– Network meetings– Curriculum resources– Acts as a communication center for the network– Organizes activities for students to attend trade fairs

http://www.virtualenterprise.org/

National Network

• California network (secondary) http://www.virtualenterprise.org

• New jersey network (community colleges) http://www.mccc.edu/ibpf/

• New York network (secondary) http://www.veinternational.org/

• New York network (college) http://ive.cuny.edu/

• Virginia network (secondary) http://nnadmin.sbo.nn.k12.va.us/ve/

• Rochester, New York (secondary) http://www.rcsdvep.com/

• South Carolina (secondary) http://members.spart5.k12.sc.us/~venterprise/veprogram/

• Oregon and Arizona (secondary) – first year of operation

Getting a Virtual Enterprise Company Started – Equipment

Our classroom looks like a business office

• Fax machine

• Scanner

• Copier

• File cabinets

• Office furniture

• Computer for each student

• Internet access

• Conference tables and chairs

Getting a Virtual Enterprise Company Started – Technology

Technology is used to enhance instructional outcomes

• Student employees use current office software products: word, excel, PowerPoint, access, publisher, FrontPage, etc

• Hosted business web site for e-commerce

• Use of on-line banking

• E-mail communications

• All work is expected to be produced in a professional format

Program Structure – Process

Student learning is facilitated through innovative practices

• They don’t just go to class, they go “to work”

• They learn by doing not by memorizing

• They understand the corporate organizational structure by working in teams

• Their assignments and projects are managerial tasks

Program Structure – Process

The class will be grouped in the specific departments andseparate responsibilities for the business/class as a whole:

• Executive/administration – business plan and presentation, approve completed tasks, ensure tasks are being completed in a timely manner and trade fair

• Human resource – employee manual, personnel files & staff development. Plan open house

• Accounting/finance – business checkbook, pay bills, taxes, payroll and participate in business plan

• Advertising & marketing – company catalog, uniforms, newsletters & company forms

• Technology - company web site & any printed items

Program Structure – Non-traditional

The role of the instructor changes in virtual enterprise.

– Student centered vs. teacher centered class.– Student run company, not teacher run.– The business community is involved in partnerships,

mentoring, etc.– Help create student ownership of business.– Students assume a combination of professional roles

in the business.

Program Structure – Content

Essential business skills are delivered throughout the program

- Entrepreneurial skills

- Information processing

- Understanding of global economy

- Money management

- Presentation skills

- Guiding principles / workplace skills

Program Structure – Supporting Activities

• Local trade fairs & business conferences

• Job shadowing & internships with corporate partners

• Staff development and training

• Business and annual report presentations

• Company grand openings

• Open houses

My time is finished. Any questions or suggestions are welcome

If You would like additional information or would like to participate as a business partner with our students, please contact Cindy Barnes, Business Teacher (928) 475-2378