Course Summary:

Franchising is a major form of business ownership and a strategy for growing ventures. This course examines franchising from both the perspective of the entrepreneur as a franchisee and as a franchisor. Topics will include selecting a franchise, developing a franchised business model, and legal issues associated with the franchised relationship. For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Explanation:

Today more than ever, personal business ownership is becoming more desirable than joining the ranks of a going concern because of the freedom, entrepreneurial expression, and financial rewards that may be enjoyed. Franchising provides an opportunity to economically begin a business while following a proven formula for successful business operations.

Additionally, franchising is a practical, manageable process for many businesses to expand to new markets and locations. BUSI 423 examines the principles and practices of professional franchise operations, complimenting all areas of business disciplines. Look over my recommended prerequisite courses at Liberty University if you need help deciding.

Measurable Learning Results:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Outline branding, trademark, and other legal opportunities and restrictions involved in franchising.
2. Explain initial and sustained capital requirements and financing options available to begin and grow a franchise.
3. Understand the importance of the franchisor and franchisee relationship, and how trust, communication, and cooperation lead to success.
4. Create a Pro-forma franchising business plan that addresses the various elements in planning and operating a successful franchised business.
5. Identify scriptural principles regarding employment, receivables, payables, product quality, and service.

Course Assignment:

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Module/Week 1.

Discussion Board Forums:

Discussion boards are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will complete 4 Discussion Board Forums throughout the course. Threads must be a minimum of 500 words, not including references. Each thread must demonstrate college-level writing with regard to content and style. Grading will be based on how well the student’s thread demonstrates that he or she has read, understood, and carefully considered the question(s), textbook, and any other resource needed to complete the assignment.

It is required that the thread be completed in Microsoft Word, properly formatted within current APA guidelines, and attached to the respective forum. The student will then submit a thoughtful, relevant reply to 2 other classmates’ threads (minimum of 250 words each). The reply may be in Microsoft Word and attached or drafted within the Discussion Board Forum area.

Essays:

The student will complete 3 essays, each having a minimum of 1,000 words, excluding the references. The purpose of each essay is for the student to fully develop his or her analytical skills in important elements of franchising. Each essay must be completed in Microsoft Word and demonstrate college-level writing with regard to content and style. Typically, each essay requires external research and has multiple parts. Grading will be based on how well the essay demonstrates that the student has read, understood, and carefully considered the question(s), textbook, and any other resource needed to complete the assignment.

Case Study: Franchise Project

1. The student will follow the project instructions provided in the assignment instructions folder and submit this assignment in 2 parts.
2. The first part will be submitted in the Discussion Board Forum for all students to read and review.
3. The student will then choose to read, analyze, and substantially reply to 2 other classmates’ submitted Franchise Projects within the Discussion Board Forum.
4. The second part will be submitted to SafeAssign and will be checked for plagiarism.
5. Current APA format is required. Grading will be based on how well the paper demonstrates that the student has read, understood, and carefully considered the assignment, textbook, and all other assignment requirements.

Total No.of Exams (2)

The student is required to complete one midterm exam during module/week 4, and one final exam during module/week 8. Both exams follow a common research and report format, and both may be accessed and begun as early as week one.