Discover a World of Opportunity

Our Business World brings the concepts of a real company into the classroom as students put their talents to the test by experimenting with real world business challenges. Offered by Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta since 1991, Business Basics introduces young students to the free enterprise system, the role of business in their community, and encourages students to explore career options. Like other JA programs, Our Business World is curriculum linked and a very effective Grade 5/6 teaching resource.

At this young age, students are excited about the world around them and Business Basics is often their first introduction to the world of business. In 4 one-hour sessions, students gain an understanding of the role of small business in their community, and the responsibilities associated with running a business by exploring four key concepts:

• Organization - By developing a business plan, students explore the skills and resources necessary to start a business. Activities include identifying resources needed to start a business, considering business start-up expenses, and contrasting different forms of business organization and ownership.
  
  

• Management - Consider the responsibilities of business managers, including decision-making and the hiring of employees; identify the skills and attributes of successful job applicants; conduct mock job interviews.
  
  

• Production - The class develops an understanding of different production strategies and the impact productivity and quality have on the success of a business. Activities include the assembly of pens using unit production and mass production processes, assessing the merits of each production method, and considering how management decisions affect production.
  
  

• Marketing - An introduction to marketing that focuses on price, advertising, and sales. Guides students to become smart consumers by identifying effective marketing and sales strategies, and creating mock advertisements for print, radio or television.
  
  

STUDENT BENEFITS

1. Develop critical thinking and creativity while reinforcing team-building skills in a group setting.
2. Achieve an awareness of the operation and responsibilities of business in the free enterprise system.
3. Encourages "smart consumerism" by educating youth about marketing and sales strategies.
4. Provides access to positive role models who can help explore future opportunities.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers make 4 one-hour visits to the classroom to facilitate each of the above lessons. Training and all teaching materials are provided by Junior Achievement to prepare you for a dynamic classroom experience.

For more information on volunteering or to register your students, please contact Golubina Markovik, Program Associate , at (403) 781-2585 or email gmarkovik@jasouthalberta.org