Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit examines the role and nature of small firms in industrial economies, including types of ownership and structures and the types of people who own and manage them. It also examines entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial behaviour, family firms and the trend for women to leave large firms to start up their own business. Issues of managerial planning and skills are also discussed, particularly as they relate to the management of people at work.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• explain the role of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Australian economic context
• identify and explain the contemporary public policy framework in which SMEs operate
• describe and explain the different forms of SME ownership structures and the issues associated with each type
• identify and explain the practical implications of business planning and the managerial skills needed to successfully operate a SME.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 60%
Examination (2 hours): 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Glennis Hanley

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

It is recommended that students complete MGC1010 before undertaking this unit