Maximize Success and Sustainability: Solutions for Business
The key to reducing the risks and increasing the chances of success for a business is to develop a business model that delivers unique value. To accomplish this you must analyze the competition, identify your customer, and define and articulate your unique selling advantage so you can implement a strategy and anticipate the financial rewards. This course examines the essential elements of success. Designed for business owners, key executives, and those developing a business, the course teaches participants how to define a business model and strategy that equips their company to beat its toughest rivals. Instruction introduces key tools and techniques that enable you to examine, understand, and develop a 'blueprint' to improve operability. Participants also learn the importance of value and execution. Topics include competitive analysis, creating and defining a unique selling advantage, identifying the customer, and honing a strategy. Real-world situations are used for examples of application. Participants leave with the tools to develop a business model and strategy that creates value and allows them to work on their business instead of for their business.
Developing a New Business
Designed for individuals or partners starting or having started a new business, students in this course learn through a virtual experience the realities of starting and managing a new business from idea to operation. The course employs simulation techniques and a disciplined process for developing a business that included planning, research, testing of viability, problem solving, decision making, and operation. Working individually and in teams, students gain an understanding and appreciation for cooperation, common goal setting, negotiating, and execution required of any business organization. Participants leave with a working template and guidelines for developing a new business. Topics include how to identify and qualify a market opportunity, organizing a business model, guidelines for a business plan, legal aspects (including protecting the idea), selecting the best funding option, venture capital etiquette, and other useful tools and resources for creating and operating a successful business.
Developing a Business Plan
Those interested in a new or growing business must possess a comprehensive business plan if they hope to compete effectively in the marketplace. A comprehensive business plan is necessary to attract sources of financing and evaluate the viability of a venture. It also is a requirement for companies that want to be considered for joint ventures with larger corporations or those that are transitioning from entrepreneurial to professional management. This course focuses on all facets of business plan development, including assessing the competitive environment, developing venture concept and growth strategies, creating marketing approaches, building a cohesive management team, launching operations, and developing financial projections. Students create a business plan that addresses their individual organizational needs. (Online only)
The Art of Pairing Wine with Food
Explore the pleasure of pairing wine with food. Individually, wine and food are enjoyable, but collectively they rarely harmonize into a culmination. Rather, they often clang in discordance. This course goes beyond classic pairings, and examines ingredients that help connect wine and food through their interaction in texture, flavor, intensity, and taste. Topics include the function of base ingredients and bridge ingredients in food, along with the flavors and aromas of wine. Instruction provides an interactive discussion and hands-on experience that reveals the full spectrum of wine and food through pairing. Whether preparing a meal at home or ordering in a restaurant, participants leave with an enhanced knowledge of pairing that can create harmony and synergy between wine and food, providing a sublime connection of the mind, the mouth, and the memories. The course fee includes wine and food at each class meeting, and culminates in a fine wine and dining experience at an exclusive Los Angeles restaurant.
For more information, please visit the UCLA Extension website.