Business Ownership Debates
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of business ownership structures to maximize success and minimize risks in different business ventures?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the key characteristics of sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations?
- How does the choice of ownership structure impact a company's ability to raise capital?
- What are the legal and tax implications of each ownership structure?
- How do different ownership structures affect the level of personal liability for business owners?
- In what types of business scenarios is each ownership structure most appropriate?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to compare and contrast different business ownership structures (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation).
- Students will be able to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each ownership structure in various business scenarios.
- Students will be able to analyze the impact of ownership structure on capital raising, legal/tax implications, and personal liability.
- Students will be able to apply their knowledge to recommend the most suitable ownership structure for different business ventures.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsBusiness Catastrophe Simulation
Present students with a fictional business facing a major crisis (lawsuit, economic downturn, etc.). In small groups, they must decide how their assigned ownership structure would handle the situation, highlighting the real-world implications of each model under pressure.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.The Ownership Debate: Defend Your Choice
Students will participate in debates, defending the merits of different ownership structures in various business scenarios. This activity enhances their understanding through active engagement and persuasive communication.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityActive participation in debates, demonstrating a deep understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each ownership structure. A reflective essay summarizing their learning and insights gained from the debates.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsIntegrates all learning goals: comparing and contrasting ownership structures, evaluating advantages and disadvantages, analyzing impacts, and applying knowledge to recommend suitable structures.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioBusiness Ownership Debate Rubric
Understanding of Ownership Structures
Demonstrates knowledge of the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of different ownership structures (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation).Accuracy of Information
Presents accurate and detailed information about the assigned ownership structure.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents comprehensive and accurate information, demonstrating a deep understanding of all aspects of the ownership structure.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents mostly accurate information with a good understanding of the key aspects of the ownership structure.
Developing
2 PointsPresents some accurate information but with gaps in understanding of the ownership structure.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents inaccurate or very limited information about the ownership structure.
Comparison and Contrast
Effectively compares and contrasts the assigned ownership structure with others, highlighting key differences and similarities.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides insightful comparisons and contrasts, clearly articulating the nuances of each ownership structure.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides clear comparisons and contrasts, highlighting the major differences and similarities.
Developing
2 PointsProvides basic comparisons and contrasts, but may miss some key distinctions.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to compare and contrast ownership structures, providing limited or inaccurate information.
Application to Business Scenarios
Applies knowledge of ownership structures to the given business scenario, justifying the choice of structure with logical reasoning and evidence.Justification and Reasoning
Provides a clear and well-reasoned justification for why the assigned ownership structure is suitable for the given scenario.
Exemplary
4 PointsOffers a compelling and insightful justification, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the scenario and ownership structure.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers a clear and logical justification, supporting the choice with relevant evidence.
Developing
2 PointsOffers a basic justification, but the reasoning may be weak or lack sufficient evidence.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to justify the choice of ownership structure, providing little or no relevant reasoning.
Evidence and Support
Uses evidence and examples from the scenario to support the arguments presented.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses compelling evidence and examples to effectively support all arguments.
Proficient
3 PointsUses relevant evidence and examples to support most arguments.
Developing
2 PointsUses some evidence, but it may be weak or not directly relevant to the arguments.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides little or no evidence to support arguments.
Debate Participation and Communication
Effectively participates in the debates, presenting arguments clearly, rebutting opposing viewpoints, and engaging respectfully with other students.Clarity and Persuasiveness
Presents arguments clearly and persuasively, using effective communication techniques.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents arguments with exceptional clarity and persuasiveness, captivating the audience and effectively conveying the message.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents arguments clearly and persuasively, effectively conveying the message.
Developing
2 PointsPresents arguments with some clarity, but may struggle to be persuasive.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to present arguments clearly or persuasively.
Rebuttal and Engagement
Effectively rebuts opposing viewpoints and engages respectfully with other students during the debates.
Exemplary
4 PointsOffers insightful rebuttals and engages respectfully, fostering a positive and productive debate environment.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers effective rebuttals and engages respectfully with other students.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to rebut opposing viewpoints, but the rebuttals may be weak or ineffective. Demonstrates some respect for other students.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to rebut opposing viewpoints or engage respectfully with other students.
Reflective Essay
Reflects on the strengths and weaknesses of each ownership structure and how they apply to different business scenarios. Demonstrates insightful learning and metacognition.Insightful Reflection
Provides thoughtful and insightful reflection on the debate and the nuances of each ownership structure.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates deep and insightful reflection, revealing nuanced understanding and personal learning growth.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and thoughtful reflection with specific examples and justifications.
Developing
2 PointsOffers a basic reflection, but may lack depth or specific examples.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides a superficial or incomplete reflection.
Application of Learning
Demonstrates ability to apply newly acquired knowledge to real-world business scenarios in the reflection.
Exemplary
4 PointsSkillfully applies knowledge to complex real-world scenarios, showcasing mastery and analytical thinking.
Proficient
3 PointsClearly applies acquired knowledge to relevant business scenarios.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to apply knowledge, but connections to real-world scenarios are vague or underdeveloped.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to apply new knowledge to relevant business scenarios or provide context.