students will choose a local business (for profit or not for profit), conduct research (formal & informal), and from there, develop a profile of what that organization looks like in relation to the course material covered in Principles of Business.

These profiles will address and discuss the following (not limited to):

The form of business ownership. Is it a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a corporation or a co-operative?

The size and scope of their operations. How is the organization categorized? Is it a small or medium sized business or part of a larger corporation? Is it a stand-alone entity or a franchise? Is it family owned and operated?

What product(s) or service(s) do they sell and what are some ways your business makes profits?

What, if any, is their competition doing?

What is the size of their workforce?

When and where do they operate? How long have they been in operation?

What, if any, impact does the global economy have on this business?

Is your business vital to the overall economy in its region? Nova Scotia? Canada?

Who are their customers? Which segments do they target?

How do they differentiate themselves?

Do they have a Value Proposition? If so, what is it? If not, what could it look like?

How have they positioned themselves?

How do they create value for their customers?

What, if any, does their online presence look like?

How do the factors of production affect their operation?

Could they be wiped out in an economic downturn? How?

Does your business face government regulations? What are they?

A discussion on the marketing activities of your chosen business:

where do they advertise?

how do they reach their targeted segments?

Who does their marketing? Inhouse or contracted out?

How often do they advertise/have promos etc?

Please include any other supporting information to assist in building this profile.