Business Lifecycles
UndergraduateUAD-ENT1000OUA2025
Learn how the pieces of a successful business fit together. Explore the business lifecycle and the part each major business discipline plays. From inception to maturity, see where marketing, finance, management, law and other business topics fit.
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- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 31 Aug 2025
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 3 Feb 2025,
- 26 May 2025,
- 8 Sept 2025
- Price from
- $2,000
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Business Lifecycles
About this subject
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the different stages of the lifecycle of a business and explain the role and interrelated nature of the major business disciplines (entrepreneurship, strategy, marketing, finance, accounting, management & law) required to lead a business through its lifecycle stages.
- Applying concepts from the major business disciplines, analyse information and make decisions holistically to lead a business through its lifecycle stages.
- Reflect on the interpersonal skills and processes required to work effectively in a team environment.
- TOPIC 1: The business landscape & new venture creation
- Introduction and overview of course
- Assessment requirements
- Course schedule and expectations
- TOPIC 2: Alternative pathways for entry into business
- TOPIC 3: Strategic planning, business models and business plans
- TOPIC 4: Developing a marketing plan
- TOPIC 5: Using accounting information to assess financial performance and position
- TOPIC 6: Financing the business
- TOPIC 7: Strategies for growth - products, distribution channels, and International markets
- TOPIC 8: Leading and managing growth and transitions
- TOPIC 9: Business law fundamentals
- TOPIC 10: Business tax fundamentals
- TOPIC 11: Maturity and Exit – renewal vs. failure; sale vs. succession
This course uses a life cycle perspective of the firm to develop students' understanding of the interrelated nature of the different business disciplines required to establish and grow a business successfully. With the use of an online business simulation game, student groups compete with each other in growing a business in a virtual world while learning about the role of entrepreneurship, strategy, marketing, finance, business structures, management, accounting, taxation, and exit and succession planning. The course will appeal to those who are interested in starting up their own business, as well as those intending in becoming business advisers, leaders or policymakers.
Weekly Content & Skills Evaluation - Individual. Multiple Choice Questions online quiz. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1,2
Individual Reflection- Individual. Journal entries: 400-500 words each. Relates to Learning Outcome 3
Online Simulation Game - Group. Relates to Learning Outcome 2- Mikes Bikes Online Simulation Game (30%)
- Weekly Content and Skills Evaluation (30%)
- Individual Reflection - Journal Entries (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media) Headset, including microphone (highly recommended) Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units. MyUni is the University of Adelaide's online learning environment. MyUni provides access to various features including announcements, course materials, discussion boards and assessments.
- Other requirements - Text Book Requirement: Longenecker, J.G., Petty, J.W., Palich, L.E. and Hoy, F. (2019) Small Business Management: Launching and Growing Entrepreneurial Ventures (19th ed.), Cengage, Boston, MA. 2019 version available as an ebook. Link to publisher’s purchase page: https://au.cengage.com/c/isbn/9780357039410/?filterBy=Student 10% discount code: EDU10
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of International Business
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