Entrepreneurship · Grade 11

Active learning ideas

Operational Planning and Resource Management

Operational planning is the 'how' of the venture plan. Students determine the physical space, human resources, and technology needed to run their business day-to-day. They also explore the legal requirements for starting a business in Ontario, including business registration, permits, and health and safety regulations.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• BDI3C Overall Expectation 4: Determine the resource requirements for a proposed venture.
• BDI3C Specific Expectation 4.1: Identify the legal requirements and regulations for a proposed venture.

• 35–50 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Simulation Game
• 50 min · Small Groups

Simulation Game: The Business Registration Race

Students navigate a series of 'government desks' (stations) to register their business. They must determine if they are a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Corporation, and 'apply' for the correct permits (e.g., health permit for food, zoning for retail).

What physical and human resources are required to start a venture?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 02

• Inquiry Circle
• 45 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: The Supply Chain Map

Groups choose a simple product (like a t-shirt) and map out every resource needed to produce and sell it in Ontario. They must identify at least one 'ethical' or 'local' sourcing option and explain the pros and cons of that choice.

How do entrepreneurs manage supply chains?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 03

• Role Play
• 35 min · Pairs

Role Play: The First Hire

Students act as an entrepreneur and a job candidate. The entrepreneur must create a job description for their first employee and conduct a 5-minute interview focusing on 'cultural fit' and specific skills. This highlights the human resource needs of a startup.

What are the legal requirements for starting a business in Canada?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• I can just start selling things without any legal paperwork.

  In Ontario, even small ventures may need business name registration or HST numbers. Active 'Compliance Check' activities help students understand the legal risks of 'under-the-table' operations.

• Operations is just about 'making' the product.

  Operations includes shipping, customer service, and IT support. Using a 'Full-Cycle' flow chart activity helps students visualize the entire journey from raw material to a happy customer.

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Methods used in this brief

• Simulation Game
• Inquiry Circle
• Role Play