SMB803 - Sustainable Business Model Design

Subject Title
Sustainable Business Model Design

Subject Description
Business models describe how an enterprise defines and achieves success over time. This course explores how entrepreneurs can ideate, design and test sustainable business models. It starts with a self-exploration of the entrepreneur to uncover the personal mindsets, values, goals and other aspects that form the foundation of business modelling. It then provides a short introduction to the current environmental, social and financial risks and opportunities that can help an entrepreneur come up with business ideas that are fit for the 21st century. Using a design thinking approach, the entrepreneur will use the latest tools and techniques to design a useful and compelling sustainable business model for a venture, including how to validate hypotheses through discovery research. Finally, the entrepreneur will learn how to effectively pitch their business model idea through storytelling.

Credit Status
One credit.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Explain the importance of the business plan for a new sustainable business venture.

1. Explain the importance of the business plan for a new sustainable business venture.
2. Develop customer segments for a business model through the analysis of customer jobs, pains and gains.
3. Utilize the entrepreneurial resources and programs available in Canada's innovation ecosystem that best align with a sustainable business idea.
4. Determine the enterprise WHY to inspire and align with important stakeholders.
5. Co-design a business model using the Flourishing Business Canvas.
6. Craft a compelling enterprise story to share with stakeholders
7. Identify the most useful mindsets for sustainable business modelling.
8. Reflect on the drives and beliefs that underpin personal and enterprise decisions.
9. Generate new business ideas from emerging environmental, social and economic risks and opportunities.
10. Use research methods to test assumptions and validate aspects of the business model.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.