Small Business Management – Entrepreneurship Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

BUSG-2309-001 Small Business Management – Entrepreneurship

Prerequisites

Course Description

A course in how to start and operate a small business. Topics include facts about a small business, essential management skills, how to prepare a business plan, financial needs, marketing strategies and legal issues.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

An online access code for the e-book is required, it can be purchased at the bookstore or directly from the publisher. This course uses Entrepreneurship Author: Charles Bamford

Supplies

I. Supplies & Baseline Technical Competency

In the business world, an employer assumes you arrive "job-ready" with the necessary tools and the ability to use them. This course is a training ground for business professionals; therefore, foundational computer literacy is a prerequisite.

• Required Technology: Access to a reliable computer (not a smartphone) and a stable, high-speed internet connection. Software and proctoring requirements: This course requires the use of specific software downloads, including proctoring tools for exams. It is the student’s sole responsibility to download, install, and test these tools on their personal device at least 48 hours prior to any exam date. Technical failure on the day of the exam due to a lack of preparation is not an "Emergency" and will not result in a reset. If your personal hardware is incompatible, you must make arrangements to use a campus computer lab.

• Software: Access to Google Docs and the Blackboard Learning Management System.

• Prerequisite Skills: Before entering this course, you are expected to know how to:

  • Operate a computer and manage files (saving, renaming, and organizing).

  • Open, read, and reply to professional emails (Amarillo College account) and send attachments.

  • Navigate the internet and troubleshoot basic browser issues.

  • Note: This is not a computer literacy course. If you struggle with these basics, you must seek tutoring immediately to keep pace with professional expectations.

Student Performance

Student Performance & Course Philosophy

We focus on Executive Endurance. Research in pedagogy shows that high-fidelity simulations and milestone-based projects lead to better long-term retention.

• Weekly Commitment: To achieve professional mastery, expect to dedicate 9–12 hours per week to read the required chapters, research, complete simulations, and project development.

• The Outcome: Every major assignment is designed as a professional artifact. By the end of the term, you will have a portfolio of evidence to prove your competency to future employers.

• Course Materials: You will complete multiple chapters of reading and adaptive learning modules (SmartBook) to build the foundational knowledge required for the simulations.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Professional Conduct

Your professional brand is built on how you handle communication, stress, and conflict. In the business world, communication is not just about exchanging information; it is about maintaining professional relationships under pressure. Whether you are communicating with the instructor, interns, peers, or other college professionals, the following standards apply:

• Professional Email Standards: In this course, every email you send is a professional deliverable.

  • Standards: Emails must be clear, concise, and respectful.

  • Prohibited Tones: Emails that are snarky, condescending, accusatory, or utilize a "panic/emergency" tone are a breach of professional conduct. Communications that utilize these tones may not receive a response. If you are frustrated, wait 24 hours and draft your message with a focus on problem-solving rather than venting. Professionalism is a core competency in this program and will be treated as such.

  • Coercive Communication & Threats: Any communication that includes threats (e.g., threatening to escalate to the Dean/Administration, threatening negative reviews, or using aggressive legalistic language) in an attempt to bypass course policies is strictly prohibited. Such behavior is considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct regarding harassment and professional decorum and will be referred immediately to the appropriate campus leadership team.

• Conflict Resolution Protocol: If a disagreement arises, you must handle it with professional restraint:

  1. Professional Inquiry: Send a concise, formal email to the instructor.

  2. Elevation: If unresolved via email, you must schedule a face-to-face or video conference with the instructor.

  3. Departmental Review: Escalation to the Department Chair occurs only after these direct meetings have failed to reach a resolution.

  4. Defining "Resolution": A resolution means the matter has been reviewed based on course policy. A resolution does not necessarily mean the student receives the specific outcome they desired.

PEER CONFLICT & GROUP ACCOUNTABILITY PROTOCOL

You are expected to manage your team dynamics internally. Sending emails to the instructor to complain about peer performance is not an appropriate first step.

If a teammate is not performing or a conflict arises, you must follow this Professional Chain of Command:

1. Direct Internal Resolution: The team must first address the issue directly with the individual. Schedule a formal "Check-In" to discuss missed deadlines or quality issues. Focus on the project’s success rather than personal attacks.

2. Documented Warning: If the behavior continues, the team must send a formal email to the underperforming member (CC’ing all other group members) outlining the specific tasks that are missing and a final deadline for completion.

3. Instructor Mediation: Only after Steps 1 and 2 have been documented may the team request a meeting with the instructor. You must be prepared to show the "Paper Trail" of your attempts to resolve the issue.

The Goal: Your objective is to coach your teammates toward a successful deliverable, not to get them in trouble. Management is the art of getting work done through others. Handling these frictions internally is a core requirement of the professional experience.

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria & Academic Integrity

In business, your "grade" is your reputation. 

*Note: SmartBook is an adaptive system; the time required is determined by your mastery. The system adds additional questions when accuracy is low. Students who thoroughly read the chapter prior to starting typically complete these assignments significantly faster than those who do not.

AI & Academic Integrity Policy: Use of AI to generate content for academic credit is strictly prohibited. All work submitted must be your original creation. The burden of proof for the originality of submitted work rests solely with the student. Students must be prepared to provide drafts, research notes, or supporting materials upon request to verify authenticity.

No Resubmission: If work is found to violate academic integrity or AI policies, the instructor is under no obligation to provide a second opportunity or a "re-do." Violations may result in an immediate zero or failure of the course.

College-Level Writing Standards: Your writing is a reflection of your professional credibility. All submissions must adhere to the following standard:

• Mechanics: Proper capitalization (sentences and proper nouns), standard punctuation, and correct grammar/spelling are mandatory.

• Tone: Maintain a formal, professional voice; avoid first-person language ("I," "me," "my") [unless specified] and slang.

Attendance

• Week 1 Census Requirement: To remain enrolled in the course, you must complete at least 75% of the Week 1 assignments/modules by Sunday at 11:59 PM. Failure to meet this 75% threshold will result in an administrative drop from the course for non-attendance.

• In-Person Requirement: You are allowed a limited number of absences. Each additional absence results in a 2-point deduction from your final course grade. Missing more than 25% of scheduled classes results in an automatic F. 

• Tardiness: In the professional world, arriving late is a sign of poor management and a lack of respect for others' time. Two (2) tardies will be recorded as one (1) absence. Arriving more than 10 minutes late to a session will be recorded as a full absence. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are present and accounted for when the "workday" begins.

• Mandatory Tutoring: If your grade falls below 75%, an Academic Alert will be issued. You must complete a tutoring session within 7 days, or a Grade Freeze (temporary zeros) will be applied until the requirement is met.

• Deadlines: No late work is accepted. Plan for technical issues as you would for a professional deadline.

Calendar

Additional Information

The Friday Goal Strategy

 In a professional setting, relying on the absolute last minute of a deadline is a high-risk behavior that often leads to failure.

• The Strategy: Although assignments are officially due Sunday at 11:59 PM, your professional goal should be completion by Friday at 5:00 PM.

• The Benefit: This creates a 48-hour buffer for unexpected technical issues, family emergencies, or personal illness. Instructors and technical support are generally unavailable over the weekend; finishing by Friday ensures you have support if something goes wrong.

2. Support Ecosystem: Success Coaches & Advocacy

Successful professionals know when to delegate and when to ask for specialized resources.

• Success Coaches: Beyond your instructor, you have a dedicated Success Coach to help with navigating college life.

• Counseling & Advocacy: If you are facing life barriers (food insecurity, housing, mental health), Amarillo College provides Advocacy and Resource Center services. Seeking help is a professional strength, not a weakness.

• Tutoring as Professional Development: Do not view tutoring as "remedial." High-level executives use coaches; high-level students use tutors. Use the Ware Tutoring Center to polish your files and ensure your writing meets the college-level standards outlined.

3. Accommodations & Teamwork

Clear communication regarding needs is a workplace requirement under the ADA.

• Disability Services: If you have a documented disability, please contact Disability Services and provide your instructor with the accommodation plan as early as possible.

4. Professional Growth Mindset: Handling Feedback

In this course, feedback is "Performance Review."

• Critique vs. Criticism: You will receive direct feedback on your writing, formatting, and simulation decisions. In the business world, feedback is an investment in your growth.

• The First-Time Quality Contract: Because we do not offer re-submissions, use the feedback from your Project Milestones (Weeks 1, 3, 5) to ensure your Final Semester Project is flawless.