Discussions **Prof Computer Science**

Please respond to the following discussion:

Discussion 1:

Learning Activity/Discussion #1: Ethics and Social Responsibility:

In reference to this week's Module and scheduled readings, please describe and explain a business' ethical and social responsibilities regarding employees, clients, investors, and the community at large, and consider how these factors would be incorporated to the Executive Summary of your Business Plan term projects. Post your responses in Week 1 "Learning Activities" herein.

Learning Activity/Discussion #2: "Immigration and Entrepreneurship" 

Please refer to the two reference articles, "A Small Business Barometer in Queens"

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/09/nyregion/09astoria.html?pagewanted=all

and "Big Thoughts Early On",

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/07/jobs/hearsay-socials-chief-on-thinking-big-at-a-young-age.html

Bearing in mind the themes of ethics and social responsibility cited above, and post responses in Week 1 "Learning Activities" herein.  Feel free to site additional researched material or personal experiences, if any.

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Discussion 2:

Learning Activity/Discussion #1: "Types of Business Ownership"

Compare and contrast the types of business ownership as described in the Week 2 readings, with particular emphasis on types of incorporation ("C" corp, "S" corp, and LLCs) regarding legal liability and tax consequences. In preparing your Business Plan, consider the type of ownership structure most advantageous for your new or acquired venture.

Learning Activity/Discussion #2:  "Small Business and Regulatory Issues"

A recent report sponsored by the SBA's Office of Advocacy ("Small Business Research Summary"), published in 2010, noted that the average annual regulatory cost per small business employee (2008) was $10,585. This is considerably higher than the average cost per employee for larger businesses, and has considerable impact on hiring or retaining workers. Please refer to this study (you need only read the Executive Summary and Key Findings), and post comments as to compliance and its impact on small business and new venture development regarding your Business Plan. This report is also available in eReserves--("The Impact of Regulatory Costs on Small Firms--2010").

https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/The%20Impact%20of%20Regulatory%20Costs%20on%20Small%20Firms%20(Full).pdf

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Discussion 3:

Learning Activity/Discussion #1 "Marketing--Competitive Advantage"

Describe the three factors driving marketing strategy and competitive advantage: pricing, service/location, and quality/features, and how they pertain to the market plan (a critical element of the Business Plan) and how they will factor into your business venture. (Note: be advised that successful businesses are superior in two, or at least one, but rarely all three of these key marketing factors). Post your comments here.

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Learning Activity/Discussion #2: "Tax Consequences for Small Business"

 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/business/smallbusiness/22sbiz.html? ref=smallbusiness&pagewanted=print

Re: "The New York Times", 10/22/09

In conjunction with LA #1, above, when building and sustaining a new venture, small businesses must consider tax burdens, particularly on the state and local level, in managing its bottom line. Discuss policies and strategies for managing potential rising taxation in the ongoing recovering economy, and post your comments here.