JOURNAL OF HIGHER EDUCATION THEORY AND PRACTICE

Using a Small Business Development Project to Teach Core Business

Courses: A Case Study of an Integrated Class

Author(s): Shauna M. Basile, Margareta Smith Knopik

Citation: Shauna M. Basile, Margareta Smith Knopik, (2011) "Using a Small Business Development Project to Teach Core Business Courses: A Case Study of an Integrated Class," Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, Vol.11, Iss. 4, pp. 11 - 22

Article Type: Research paper

Publisher: North American Business Press

Abstract:

To improve retention of business administration subjects and foster an appreciation and excitement of entrepreneurship, our faculty offered a cohort course encompassing the principles of management, marketing, finance, and operations within a business plan development structure. The students were tested on knowledge retention both at the end of the course and again prior to graduation. The course was assessed using qualitative and quantitative measures comparing student perceptions and experiences to those of a similar case study at Pennsylvania State University. The standardized testing indicated improved retention by the cohort students and the comparative testing enabled faculty to obtain valuable feedback.