MT209 Small Business Management

Unit 9 – Managing Business Risk

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Managing Business Risk

An additional planning consideration should be a part of any business planning: risk management! Risk management involves realistic understandings of the business world and requires proactive strategies to effectively manage the threats of risks to the business. It is an important part of small business management!

Unit 9 Outcomes •Define business risk and explain its two dimensions.

•Describe the steps in the risk management process and explain how these can be used in a small business.

•Explain the role of insurance in risk management.

 

Unit 9 To Do ListStart the Unit:•Review the key terms

Study:•Read Chapter 23 in your text. 

Prepare:•Carefully review the previously completed sections of your descriptive business plan in your MT209 Project Template. •Preview your Unit 10 Writing Assignment

Graded Assignments: •Respond to the Unit 9 Discussion Board•Complete and submit the Unit 9 Final Project•Complete the Unit 9 Quiz•Attend the Unit 9 Class Seminar or complete the Alternative Assignment

 

Unit 9 Class DiscussionUnit 9 Discussion:

Using your own business plan venture, after reading Chapter 23: 

1. Discuss seven of the most significant risks your proposed venture faces in detail.

 

2. Discuss possible ways each of these risks can be managed.  

Unit 9 Assignment: Final Project!

Using the MT209 Project Template and MT209 Project Instructions, complete the following: 

•Incorporate any instructor feedback received into all previously submitted sections of the Descriptive Business Plan.

 •Complete the Executive Summary section in the Descriptive Business Plan.

Lets discuss the Executive Summery further!  

  

The Executive Summary!

• The first paragraph: Should capture the reader’s attention with your venture’s compelling story!

Try to incorporate your entire plan components into the Executive Summary by:

• Making a statement of “the problem” or the gap you see existing in the marketplace.

• Explaining how your new venture will solve this problem or address this gap in the marketplace.

• Explaining why you believe this is the proper time to address this with your new venture.

The Executive Summary! (Continued)

• Aim for 2 full pages! Use bullet points where these would be appropriate and text where this would better explain.

• Make your first paragraph count! This should capture the reader’s attention and make them read the entire plan!

• After you have drafted the Executive Summary, go back and read the entire plan and decide if this accurately summarizes the entire plan.

Business Risks

What is business risk? It is any possibility of losses to the assets and earnings potential of the business.

Two Types of Business Risk:1.Market Risk – The possibility of loss associated with an investment decision.

2.Pure Risk – An uncertain situation containing either loss or no loss to the business.

Let’s Discuss each one briefly

Market Risk

Market risk is inherent in the launce of a new business. It cannot be avoided. It can instead be reduced through the entrepreneur’s knowledge of the opportunity, careful evaluation of the opportunity, and the possession of the necessary managerial skills required to launch and operate the new business. Market risk is assumed by the entrepreneur and any investors in the venture.

Question: Is this class reducing future market risk?

Pure RiskPure risk can be classified as: Property Risks – Either real property or personal property. Losses can be due to perils such as storms, floods, earthquakes, lightening, etc.The losses can be either:•Direct – In which direct damage to the property reduces its value to the business.

•Indirect – In which the direct loss results in the business’ inability to carry out its normal operations resulting in increased costs or reduced revenues.

Question: If your business lost power for two days due to storms, what type of loss would this represent?

Pure Risk (Continued)

Liability Risks – Occur when a business’ operations violates some protected rights of others. There are three types of such liability:•Statutory Liability – Arises when a business violates a law.

•Contractual Liability – Arises from provisions written into contracts binding the business.

•Tort Liability – Arises from wrongful actions of the business or its agents that harm or injure others.

Pure Risk (Continued)

Personnel Risks – Are risks that impact individual employees but also indirectly increase the business’ risk.

Question: Should business risks be avoided or managed?

Examples of Pure Risk

Property Risks:•Personal – equipment, machinery, fixtures, vehicles, etc.•Real – buildings, land Liability Risks: •Statutory Risks: Workers compensation, anti-discrimination, etc. •Contractual Liability: Leases, written agreements, etc.•Tort Liability: Defective products, unsafe premises, accidents, etc.

Examples of Pure Risk (Continued)

Personnel Risks:

•Premature Death

•Poor Health

•Insufficient Retirement Income

Risk Management as a Process:

Step 1 - Identify and understand the risks

Step 2 – Evaluate the risks

Step 3 – Select methods to manage risk

Step 4 – Implement the risk management decision

Step 5 – Review and evaluate the selected risk management approach

Risk Management and Insurance:

Step 1 – Identify business risks that are insurable. Step 2 – Purchase insurance for all major potential losses.

Step 3 – Weigh the costs versus benefits of insuring smaller potential losses.

Types of Business Insurance:

• Property: Insures the buildings and facilities, equipment, fixtures, etc.

• Commercial General Liability: General liability coverage for business operations.

• Automobile: Insures against accidents involving business vehicles.

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Provides insurance to comply with state workers’ compensation statutes.

• Crime: Insures against losses involving theft, embezzlement, etc.

Types of Business Insurance: (Continued)

• Life and Health: Various insurance plans to insure against losses due to medical and hospitalization costs.

• Key-Person Life: Protects the business against financial losses in the event of the death of key personnel.

• Disability: Insures against losses due to costs associated with the disability of a partner or key employee.

Any questions?

This Concludes Our Weekly Seminars For This Term!

I want to thank you for your dedication to our seminars this term! It has been a pleasure meeting with you each week!

Thank you for joining me today! Don’t forget our Unit 10 Class Activities!